Project Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
The Capital Boulevard North Upgrade (Raleigh to Wake Forest) project is moving into final design. In an effort to be as transparent with the public as possible, please read
Frequently Asked Questions.
Final design and development is underway to improve traffic congestion and travel times on Capital Boulevard (U.S. 1) between I-540 in Raleigh and Purnell/Harris roads in Wake Forest.
The proposed project would convert the road from a four-lane, median-divided roadway with partial access control (private driveways and side streets) to a six-lane controlled-access highway with interchanges.
Controlled access means ramps at interchanges would provide entry onto the roadway, cross streets could have overpasses built over them, and private driveways would be prohibited.
The project was studied as a possible toll road from January 2024 to November 2025. That evaluation has ended and the project is proceeding as a traditional, non-tolled roadway.
Design work is in progress for the A and B segments. Design work is not currently in progress for the C and D segments. Design work is anticipated to re-start in late 2026 for the C and D segments.
Proposed Segments
A
| I-540 to Durant/Perry Creek roads
|
B
| Durant/Perry Creek roads to Burlington Mills Road
|
C
| Burlington Mills Road to N.C. 98 Business (Durham Road)
|
D
| N.C. 98 Business (Durham Road) to Purnell/Harris roads
|
What's Happening Now?
Geotechnical work is currently underway in Segments A and B. This work includes soil and pavement testing to help the project team better understand existing conditions and prepare for future construction. Roadway plans have also reached a point where utility and drainage work can begin.
Property acquisition is also underway for Segments A and B. This involves purchasing the property needed to build the project. Property owners will be contacted as the project moves forward, but it could be several years before some property owners hear from an NCDOT right-of-way agent. The acquisition process is expected to take about five years.
Construction on Segments A and B is currently scheduled to begin in 2031.
See the Interactive Segments Area Map
To locate your property along the project corridor, please see the
interactive segments area map.
Project Timeline
Public meeting held
| October 2018
|
Second public meeting held**
| December 2021
|
Draft environmental document available for public comment
| May 2023
|
Public hearing for environmental document and presentation of NCDOT recommended alternatives
| June 2023
|
Agency coordination and selection of Preferred Alternative
| December 2023
|
Environmental documentation complete (Finding of No Significant Impact)
| January 2024
|
Right-of-way acquisition begins
| September 2025
|
Construction begins
| 2031
|
Right-of-way acquisition begins
| Fall 2027
|
Construction begins
| 2033
|
*Future dates subject to change
**Virtual