Drivers who spoke to WRAL News call the commute on U.S. Highway 1 in Wake County "horrendous," "nuts" and "horrible."

John Greene said he moved to Knightdale to avoid it.

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"I knew I didn't want to deal with that with my commute," he said.

The State Department of Transportation estimates between 32,000 and 65,000 vehicles travel the stretch of Capital Boulevard between Interstate 540 in north Raleigh and the Franklin County line at Purnell/Harris Road each day, and traffic is anticipated to increase to 44,000 to 75,000 vehicles each day by 2040.

To add lanes and support an increase in population and traffic, planners are considering adding a toll for that trip.

According to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), the plan to convert U.S. 1 to a freeway has been under discussion for decades. Over time, the project was repeatedly delayed, and the cost kept rising. Realizing that, CAMPO partnered with the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to investigate the possibility of funding the project by making it a toll road.

"I think everyone probably agrees, if we can get something not tolled, we would take it," said Chris Lukasina, CAMPO executive director.

"The real issue came in this is the fifth delay. Do we want to wait two more years for what is likely another delay to the project?"

North Carolina Turnpike Authority is offering Raleigh City Council options that include a single, tolled express lane in each direction (north and south) or requiring a toll for all lanes in both directions. The cost per car would vary based on traffic volume.

Councilman Mitchell Silver said, "I think this is an important part of our regional transportation system."

Drivers agreed, but preferred the option that would include a single toll lane.

Betsy Proffitt said, "One lane would be so much better, and I think people might use that."

Greene said, "I definitely wouldn't want all the lanes. 

If approved, construction would start in 2027. Supporters of the project say it would ease traffic congestion by removing stoplights and creating highway interchanges.

Public information sessions are planned for:

  • April 30 at 5 p.m. at Abbotts Creeks Community Center, 9950 Durant Rd. in Raleigh
    • May 5 at 5 p.m. at Wake Forest Renaissance Center, 405 Brooks St. in Wake Forest

      The public can chime in online through May 14 at publicinput.com/US_1_TollingOptions

      As of 2025, the project is expected to cost $1.3 billion due to cost escalation. The project is now expected to be completed by the mid-2030s.