The proposed Complete 540 project, also known as the Southeast Extension, would extend the Triangle Expressway from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to U.S. 64/U.S. 264 (I-87) in Knightdale, completing the 540 Outer Loop around the greater Raleigh area.
Transportation, social and economic demands and mobility considerations are the basis for additional transportation infrastructure in southeastern Wake County. The Complete 540 project would link Apex, Cary, Clayton, Garner, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs and Raleigh.
In addition to connecting several towns and cities, the project is expected to ease congestion on area roadways, including I-440, I-40, N.C. 42, N.C. 55 and Ten Ten Road.
Construction is likely to be completed in segments, and depending on available funding, each segment will likely have different construction timelines:
Project Funding
Complete 540 is listed in the
N.C. Department of Transportation's State Transportation Improvement Program as three projects:
- R-2721 (N.C. 55 Bypass to U.S. 401)
- R-2828 (U.S. 401 to I-40)
- R-2829 (I-40 to U.S. 64/264 Bypass)
The estimated cost is approximately $2.2 billion and will be refined as development of the project progresses. The project is expected to be funded in phases.