Work To Start on New Interchange for Triangle Expressway


Work is about to begin on a new interchange for the Triangle Expressway. The $18.4 million project will add access to and from the Triangle Expressway at Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, which is just east of U.S. 1.

It is the first new interchange along North Carolina’s first modern toll road since its final phase opened in 2013. It will improve mobility for current traffic, as well as for the much larger volumes of traffic anticipated within the 10 ten years as a result of substantial growth and development.

The initial work scheduled to start Tuesday, March 29, will involve the installation of portable concrete barriers on N.C. 540. Actual construction is expected to begin on April 4. The new interchange is scheduled to be open by Nov. 29, 2016.

The contract, awarded to Blythe Construction of Charlotte, includes road widening, milling, resurfacing and shoulder reconstruction as well as bridge widening, toll site infrastructure and intelligent transportation system (ITS) upgrades.

All electronic toll zones will be constructed on the northbound on-ramp and the southbound off-ramp. The toll rate for 2-axle vehicles for each of the two new toll zones at the interchange is anticipated to be approximately $0.20 and $0.31 (for NC Quick Pass and Bill by Mail, respectively). These rates are preliminary and are subject to final approval. This will not affect the price of the entire Triangle Expressway trip or any other toll rates at existing toll zones.

The Triangle Expressway is an 18.8-mile, modern all-electronic tolling facility located between Interstate 40 and the N.C. 55 Bypass. It improves commuter accessibility and connectivity to western Wake County and Research Triangle Park while reducing congestion on the existing north-south routes that serve the Triangle Region, primarily N.C. 55 and N.C. 54.