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NC DOT Moving Forward With 540 Extension Plans

Triangle Expressway Map
ncturnpike.org

Commuters south and east of Raleigh can weigh in on the final section of highway 540. 

A study on the route that extends the Triangle Expressway includes several public hearings beginning early next month.  Mike Charbonneau works for the state department of transportation.  He says a law passed by the General Assembly that caused a two year delay has been repealed.

"It's a big deal because its going to help bring quicker access to places like RTP, the RDU airport and other major employment and activity centers all along 540 for some of the rapidly growing communities in Wake County including areas like Garner," Charbonneau says.

No decision has been made about whether the highway will be a toll road.

"The first thing is looking at all the potential impacts, getting that public feedback, deciding which of the alternative routes makes the most sense and then in that process we'll begin looking at the funding picture to complete 540," says Charbonneau.

There are 17 possible routes for the extension.  Charbonneau says the study will take one year and construction could begin by 2018.

Eric Hodge hosts WUNC’s broadcast of Morning Edition, and files reports for the North Carolina news segments of the broadcast. He started at the station in 2004 doing fill-in work on weekends and All Things Considered.
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