RALEIGH, NC — The second phase of the Complete 540 project in North Carolina has officially begun with a groundbreaking ceremony. Once finished, the two-phase, approximately $2.5 billion project will extend the Triangle Expressway by about 18 miles and complete the outer loop around Raleigh.

WSP is the prime construction engineering and inspection consultant of NC 540 Phase 2.

“Partnering with the North Carolina Turnpike Authority on this transformational project will not only improve local mobility and help ease traffic congestion on other major thoroughfares, but also foster economic growth and opportunities in the greater Raleigh region,” said Mark Luther, Senior Vice President and District Business Line Leader with WSP.

The $740 million Phase 2 project will extend the Triangle Expressway 10.8 miles, from I-40 to the existing I-540 at I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 in Knightdale. This includes six interchanges, 24 bridges, and 14 culverts, with construction scheduled for completion in late 2028. 

The project is expected to improve local mobility by adding five new interchange connections to the local roadway network, as well as a crossing over the Neuse River. It will enhance safety by providing an additional evacuation route from the coastlines in case of emergencies.

Once completed, the Triangle Expressway extension will mirror the existing Triangle Expressway as a 70 mph, six-lane all-electronic toll facility.

Major aspects of the work will include mass grading; soil stabilization; drainage; asphalt and concrete paving; signals; lighting; Intelligent Transportation Systems components; utilities; environmental compliance; maintenance of traffic; structures including bridges, culverts, and walls; railroad coordination; CPM (critical path method) schedule reviews; and public awareness activities to keep the local stakeholders informed on the project’s progress and traffic impacts.