Major construction is soon set to ramp up on phase two of the Complete 540 project, which will extend the Triangle Expressway by 10 miles from Interstate 40 to Interstate 87 in Knightdale, according to the North Carolina Turnpike Authority.
WRAL News drone video captured crews clearing land near the I-540/I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 interchange.
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"Current efforts are focused on early-stage construction activities, including clearing and grubbing, utility relocations and other foundational work critical to preparing the corridor for full-scale development," said North Carolina Turnpike Authority Chairman Logen Hodges.
As many North Carolinians hit the road for Independence Day travel, Regional Transportation Alliance executive director Joe Milazzo said the 540 extension will allow drivers "to declare independence from congestion" and spur business growth in the area.
"It's really providing more attractiveness for the market, more access to talent, more connectivity in the market ... it's not easy to do it, we recognize it, but these are important projects," Milazzo said.
With permitting finalized and final design work almost complete, Hodges notes the process of obtaining land for the project is moving forward.
The land clearing is happening feet from homes along Kemp Drive in Knightdale. One neighbor told WRAL News that while he does not anticipate having to move, he is concerned about added noise and other quality of life impacts the extension could bring.
Milazzo said phase one of the project, which opened in September 2024 and connects the N.C 55 Bypass in Apex to I-40, has proven successful for drivers and businesses.
"If you ask many of the major employers in southern Wake County ... They are all extremely pleased about the new access to talent, access for people to and from that," Milazzo said.
The outer loop's six-lane, 70-mile-per-hour, electronic toll road completion is expected to cost $2.5 billion.
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority says phase two remains on schedule for completion in 2028.