APG Update on NCDOT Triangle Projects and Helene Recovery

APG has summarized an update from NCDOT on significant road construction projects throughout the greater Triangle area.   See details below related to these projects.

But first, we want to share an update on recovery efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. As of November 26, 2024, Western North Carolina continues to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck in late September.

We read last week that the water system in Western North Carolina has been restored after nearly two months of disruptions. Following extensive repairs and safety testing, residents in Asheville can now use tap water without boiling.

Following Helene, the NCDOT has reopened more than 1,100 roads. While this is a significant feat, there is still work to do​. There remain 289 full road closures, 98 roads with limited access, and a staggering 7,500 damaged sites, including at least 120 bridges, which need to be replaced.

The confirmed death toll in North Carolina has risen to 103, with most fatalities occurring in the western regions. In Rutherford County, all 1,107 individuals previously reported missing have been located and confirmed safe.   In Asheville, four individuals remain unaccounted for.

Community Support: Local initiatives continue to support affected communities.  One extraordinary, good Samaritan from Margarettsville, NC, is organizing a Thanksgiving feast in Newland for over 5,000 survivors of Helene.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced that Interstate 40 near Pigeon River Gorge will reopen with one lane in each direction by New Year’s Day. This progress allows access to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line.

Major NCDOT PROJECTS

Complete 540

This project connects NC 55 Bypass in Holly Springs to US-64/I-87 in Knightdale. Phase 1 opened in September 2024, and Phase 2 is underway, expected to finish by 2028. Completion will enhance connectivity and reduce congestion for Wake and Johnston counties.

I-40 Corridor Improvements

This project improves the I-40 corridor from Hillsborough to Clayton. These upgrades will enhance safety and efficiency for travelers. Key completions include:

• Southeast Raleigh to Clayton by 2024.
• Hillsborough to Durham County Exit 261 by late 2025.

I-440 & Blue Ridge Road Upgrades

These upgrades cut congestion and improve safety near the Raleigh train tracks. This project started in Fall 2019 and is expected to finish by 2025. Blue Ridge Road was closed at the train tracks in October 2022 through the end of the project.

NC-55 Widening

This project widens NC-55 across northern Harnett and southern Wake counties. It is divided into three segments and with Segment A completed late 2026 and Segment B in Fall 2027. A new bypass in Angier will help direct traffic away from the town center.

US 70 Corridor Improvements

Improvements to the US 70 corridor from Raleigh to Morehead City, part of the future I-42 designation, are set for completion by 2025-2026.

US-401 Intersection Enhancements

Construction on US-401 in Wake Forest began in Summer 2023, with completion expected by 2027 to manage growing traffic demand.