RALEIGH - The North Carolina Turnpike Authority is continuing construction on the Complete 540 Phase 2 Extension of the Triangle Expressway. This project will extend the Triangle Expressway (Toll N.C. 540) from the I-40/I-42/Toll N.C. 540 interchange near Garner and Clayton to the existing I-540/I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 interchange in Knightdale, completing the outer loop around the greater Raleigh area.
Beginning on or around October 12, 2026, through Spring 2027, construction crews will be installing bridge elements for the future Triangle Expressway crossing over the Neuse River. During these overhead construction activities, paddlers traveling along the Neuse River where it crosses the future roadway may encounter intermittent portage detour operations.
Location of the Neuse River portage detour.
What to Expect
The detour will only be in effect during active overhead construction operations and signage will be posted at the river crossing to indicate when the portage detour is active. River users are expected to exit the river and take the portage detour route along the north side (downstream left) of the river at the construction site to avoid the overhead construction.
To help paddlers plan ahead, advance notification signage will be posted at the following launch sites along the Neuse River:
- Lower Milburnie Dam (1101 Old Milburnie Road, Raleigh, NC 27604)
- Anderson Point Boat Access (20 Anderson Point Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610)
- Poole Road Boat Access (6501 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC 27610)
- Mial Plantation Road Access (near 6008 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610)
- Hwy 42 Boat Launch (2075 NC Highway 42 East, Clayton, NC 27527)
- Town of Smithfield Boat Ramp (200 N. Front Street, Smithfield, NC 27577)
How the Portage Detour Works
When the detour is active, paddlers should follow posted signs, use the designated portage route and take the following actions:
- Exit the river at the designated ramp in advance of the work zone
- Carry the kayak or canoe across the portage platform
- Re-enter the river using the designated ramp clear of the work zone
Paddlers are encouraged to plan ahead, use caution when approaching the work area and remain alert for signage indicating whether the portage detour is active.
If there are questions, individuals are always welcome to contact the Complete 540 project team at
complete540@ncdot.gov or 1-800-554-7849.