Plans for Knightdale Bypass could ease Wake County congestion

The newly released plans are part of the state's 10-year plan to improve roads in central North Carolina. The plan, called the 2020-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program, includes 18 new highway projects in Wake, Durham, Franklin, Person, Granville, Vance and Warren counties.

The plan is to widen Interstate 87 to six lanes from Wendell Boulevard to where the Knightdale Bypass, or U.S. Highway 64/264, splits off.

The bypass runs through Knightdale, which is one of the fastest growing towns in the state, according to census data.

Residents believe the plan for the Knightdale Bypass could make a huge difference for people who live in eastern Wake County, especially those who use the bypass to get to Raleigh. "We’re attracting young professionals -- the area is great to raise families," said Knightdale resident and business owner Giannina Tessener. "I feel like the growth is going to continue to happen, so we definitely have to have the infrastructure in place that’s going to accommodate those extra people moving in.”

Construction on the bypass wouldn’t start for several years. There will be an opportunity for people to comment on the draft in the spring.

Another project planned for 2025 would converting Interstate 40 to a managed freeway between N.C. Highway 54 in Durham and Wade Avenue in Raleigh.

According to Sean L. Williams, a Public Relations Officer with the Department of Transportation, the managed freeway will use real-time data gathered from traffic sensors to reduce congestion and provide motorists with relevant traffic information and travel recommendations.

I-40 revamping projects underway near RDU