540 keeps moving forward
- July 9, 2020
- Posted by: Joe Milazzo II
- Category: Blog
We know that a number of projects have been delayed this year, due to a host of funding and situational challenges facing NCDOT.
Fortunately, construction for the newest section of 540 – our highest organizational priority until it went under construction – is doing quite well.
The NC Turnpike Authority reports that right-of-way acquisition is progressing very nicely, with roughly 85% – 90% of the more than 600 needed parcels having been resolved. The design process is also moving along very well, with progress ranging from 80-95% complete depending on the section of the corridor.
540 construction is now widespread; I have seen some of that work in the I-40/US 70 bypass (future I-42) interchange area, which will be where 540 connects with I-40.
We are still about three years away from opening, but in “transportation years”, and in light of delays to so many other projects, 2023 feels like tomorrow.
We are looking forward to the connection with I-40 in southeastern Wake County at the Johnston County line; kudos to the Turnpike for their vital efforts at expanding our resilient, multimodal freeway system. Speaking of multimodal freeways, be sure to join us for our webinar next week as we release the preliminary findings from our Freeway And Street-based Transit (FAST) study.
Looking ahead, RTA will also continue to encourage options to accelerate the final linkage where 540 will link with itself at I-87 in Knightdale. Completing 540 will dramatically improve system resilience as well as multimodal options.
Joe
Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA Executive Director
RTA is the voice of the regional business community on transportation
