Barrels, cones and signs: Triangle has several ongoing road construction projects

Several road construction projects are planned for the Triangle. It includes improvements to Interstate 40, I-440, I-95 and NC-540.

Posted 11:03 p.m. May 9, 2022 — Updated 11:03 p.m. May 9, 2022

Bryan Mims

, WRAL reporter

Barrels, cones and signs: Anyone driving around the Triangle has likely seen plenty of orange for several road construction projects.

The projects for the Triangle and Fayetteville include:

Interstate 40 to Clayton: Completion date in 2024
I-440 from Walnut Street to Wade Avenue: Completion date in late 2024
I-95 between Fayetteville and Benson: Completion in 2026
NC-540 through southern Wake County: Completion by spring 2024

The Triangle's Regional Transportation Alliance Executive Director Joe Milazzo said the region’s rapid growth demands the road construction projects.

“From a regional business community's standpoint, that's great,” Milazzo said of the work underway. “But, if anything, we almost wish there were more projects going under construction for the amount of growth we have."

Earlier this month, Wake County leaders provided data that shows the county adds an average of 62.5 people per day.

Last month, GoTriangle President and CEO Chuck Lattuca estimated that more than 750,000 people will move to the Triangle between 2020 and 2040, according to the Triangle Regional Model. That would bring an additional 700,000 vehicles.

“Our traffic congestion overall is pretty low, but we've got to keep moving, keep making those investments,” Milazzo said. “As soon as you take your eyes off the ball, you lose that opportunity."

Other projects include adding I-885 east of Durham and adding new interchanges on I-40 near the airport.

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