RALEIGH - On September 25, 2024, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) opened the first extension of the Triangle Expressway (Toll N.C. 540), which added 18 miles of connectivity and congestion-free travel when traveling around the Triangle.
Triangle Expressway (Toll N.C. 540) Extension
- Six-lane 18-mile facility extending the Triangle Expressway from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to the I-40/I-42 interchange in Garner.
- Over 130 million transactions on the extension of the Triangle Expressway to date (each time a vehicle passes under a toll gantry).
- An average of 72,300 vehicles per month traveled on the Triangle Expressway Extension.
- Vehicles with three or more axles, like box trucks or semi-trucks, are nearly 5 percent of all transactions on the extension of the Triangle Expressway.
- The average cost of a trip on the extension of the Triangle Expressway for NC Quick Pass customers is $2.49.
- More than 70% of all drivers on the Triangle Expressway have a NC Quick Pass account or other comparable account.
The final extension of the Triangle Expressway will extend an additional 10 miles from Interstate 40 in Garner to the existing Interstate 540 and Interstate 87 interchange in Knightdale. The groundbreaking for Phase 2 was in May 2024. Major construction activities are underway, and the project is anticipated to open to traffic in 2028.
NC Quick Pass
The best way to travel on the Triangle Expressway is with an NC Quick Pass account to save 50% on all North Carolina tolls.
For the simplest way to pay your invoice:
Vote for NCTA
Complete 540 Phase 1, the Triangle Expressway extension, has been named as a finalist for a national transportation award, and North Carolina could win a national prize with enough online votes from the public.
To vote Complete 540 Phase 1 as part of the People's Choice Award, visit
America's Transportation Awards to cast your vote. People can vote once per day, every day, until the competition closes at midnight Nov. 17.