RTA Member Briefing: February 9
- February 9, 2024
- Posted by: Joe Milazzo II
- Category: Member briefing
Let’s rejoice – final federal financing agreement approved to Complete 540
The NC Turnpike Authority has received approval for a $400m+ loan from USDOT that will provide the final financing package needed to complete our 540 beltway in southeastern Wake County. This means that the Eastern Wake 540 freeway will indeed be complete within the next five years, with construction of that final ten mile segment (from I-40 to I-87) beginning later this year and opening in 2028. The 18 mile long Southern Wake 540 freeway linkage, from Holly Springs to I-40 near Garner, is nearing completion of its construction activities; it will open within six months. More info on the project webpage here.
Earlier this week, I provided comments to WRAL TV and the Triangle Business Journal about this incredible victory for the regional business community – I noted that we cannot overstate the importance of this project for eastern NC, central NC, and the entire metropolitan Triangle. In addition, NC Turnpike Authority executive director J.J. Eden spoke to our RTA Regional Leadership team about the decades-long partnership between the Turnpike and RTA, and thanked the business community for their ongoing and continued support of Turnpike projects. Kudos to NCDOT, NC Turnpike Authority, CAMPO, and a host of partners – and all of our longstanding members – who have maintained focus for the better part of two decades so that our vital multimodal freeway system can be accelerated.
Our Shared Journey Together Continues
February is Black History Month, a celebration of the contributions of African Americans to our nation’s past, present and future. While black history is not separate from American history – this nation would not exist without the leadership, struggles, and sacrifices of African Americans – it is distinct. The nation has celebrated the accomplishments of our black ancestors and neighbors every February for nearly five decades. Read more on the celebration in this week’s blog, including some thoughts on shared history and service to others.
Thank you for your membership and partnership. Let’s continue to go faster, together.
Have a great weekend,
Joe
Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA Executive Director
