Construction begins in Garner to Complete 540

The long-term project to complete the 540 loop around Raleigh takes another step on Thursday when crews break ground near Garner.

The North Carolina Turnpike Authority turned dirt on Thursday to launch Phase 2 of the project – a 10-mile stretch which will run from Knightdale south through the Auburn community to Garner.

The link has been in the works for years. The state began environmental studies in 2009 for the planned loop that would add highway capacity around Raleigh to the south, outside of the I-40/I-440 beltline.

Interstate NC 540 runs north of Raleigh from Knightdale west to I-40 near Raleigh-Durham International Airport. State Highway 540 – a toll road – continues south from I-40 through Morrisville, Apex and Holly Springs then west to Garner where it will connect to the Phase 2 segment.

The final portion of the loop is expected to be open by 2028.