Runners to get first look at Triangle Expressway

Before it opens to four-wheel traffic, the Triangle Expressway opened to a lot of two-legged traffic Sunday afternoon.

Posted 12:01 p.m. Nov 20, 2011 — Updated 7:03 p.m. Nov 20, 2011

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Before it opens to four-wheel traffic, the Triangle Expressway opened to a lot of two-legged traffic Sunday afternoon.

The N.C. Turnpike Authority organized the Triangle Expressway Trot as a 5K run/walk and Family Fun Day.

All proceeds from the event benefited Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the official partner of the race.

Runners and walkers got to see the newly constructed Triangle Parkway portion of the Triangle Expressway, North Carolina's first modern toll road. The race started near the intersection of Hopson Road and Davis Drive in Research Triangle Park.

The first phase of the Triangle Expressway, known as the Triangle Parkway, is scheduled to open to traffic in December. Tolls will be collected electronically, eliminating the need for toll booths.

Along with the Triangle Parkway – a stretch of 3.4 miles between Interstate 40 at N.C. Highway 147 in Durham County south to Interstate 540 in Wake County – the existing portion of N.C. Highway 540 between N.C. Highways 54 and 55 will be tolled.

Drivers will have one month's grace, and tolls will begin in January 2012.

By the end of next year, the entire Western Wake Freeway should be open from N.C. 55 in Cary to N.C. 55 in Holly Springs. A section from I-540 to N.C. 55 Apex is expected to open in August.

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