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Leaders from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority and other dignitaries break ground on Phase 2 of the Complete 540 project. From left, Ron McCollum, Yolanda Jordan, Alan Shapiro, Patrick Norman, Dennis Jernigan, Joe Milazzo, Secretary Joey Hopkins, Robert Teer, Ebony Pittman, J.J. Eden, John Adcock and Reverend Michael Tolar.
RALEIGH, N.C. - Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina Turnpike Authority and surrounding communities gathered Thursday afternoon to break ground on Phase 2 of the Complete 540 Project. Phase 2 of the project will extend the Triangle Expressway from I-40 in Garner to I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 in Knightdale, providing the final missing link to complete the outer 540 loop around the greater Raleigh area.
“Years of hard work, countless conversations, and meticulous coordination have led us to this moment. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to accelerating vital transportation projects, addressing the diverse needs of our communities and businesses,” said Joey Hopkins, Transportation Secretary. “As our state experiences rapid population growth, efficient transportation solutions are more critical than ever.”
Complete 540 Phase 2 construction is planned to begin in the late spring of 2024 and is scheduled to open to traffic in 2028. Phase 1 of Complete 540, currently under construction, will extend Toll N.C. 540 from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to I-40 in Garner, and is expected to open to traffic mid-2024. When finished, Complete 540 will span through seven cities and will stretch 28 miles, extending the Triangle Expressway from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 in Knightdale.