Connector would reduce commute time to RTP
The Regional Transportation Alliance has a new top freeway priority in the Triangle for 2010 that would reduce travel time from Interstate 85 to Research Triangle Park.
Posted — UpdatedThe Triangle Connector to Interstate 85 would be the final piece of roadway that would create a stoplight-free connection from U.S. Highway 1 in southwest Wake County to I-85 in Research Triangle Park.
The 1.5-mile Triangle Connector would connect N.C. Highway 147 to U.S. Highway 70.
"It will allow the Triangle region as a whole – Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park – to connect to Interstate 85," Joe Milazzo, executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance, said.
The stoplight-free route would start at U.S. 1 in southwest Wake County and run along the state's first toll road to Interstate 40, then from I-40 to U.S. 70.
Construction on the toll road is expected to be complete by 2012.
The group also discussed the importance of improving air service out of RTP and the need for a regional transit system.
As for the timing for transit, Milazzo says that depends on the economy. A new transit system will likely require a half-cent sales tax increase, which must be approved by voters.
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