Some commutes could be delayed as construction begins to complete NC 540 loop

The construction could affect drivers’ commutes this week. There will be lane closures and delays on U.S. Highway 401, and crews will start clearing land near Benson Road in Garner.

N.C. 540 currently runs north and east from N.C. Highway 55 in Holly Springs to U.S. Highway 264 near Knightdale.

Once complete, the loop will extend the Triangle Expressway from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to U.S. 64/U.S. 264 in Knightdale, connecting Apex, Cary, Clayton, Garner, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs and Raleigh.

Community meetings will provide info on NC 540 extension

The cost is estimated at $2.2 billion, according to DOT.

The project has been a long time coming, with lawsuits and planning delaying the process.

But the construction is one step closer to alleviating congestion in the Triangle.

On Thursday, some former DOT attorneys gave tips to residents who attended a meeting to discuss facing eminent domain. The free meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Cary.

After lengthy delays, project to complete NC-540 loop breaks ground

Those in attendance were instructed to know the worth of their property, and how to understand how the DOT complies its calculations.

Steve Kress didn’t attend the meeting, but says DOT marked his home for eminent domain.

“The DOT has been very helpful and what I hear from my neighbors they have been very generous as well," Kress said.

The next meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 12, from 7-9 p.m. at the Hampton Inn-Raleigh/Clayton, located at 100 Hampton Drive in Garner.