{"id":151,"date":"2026-05-13T05:34:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T05:34:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/raleighmovingnews.com\/?p=151"},"modified":"2026-05-13T05:34:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T05:34:43","slug":"celebrating-americas-250th-how-north-carolina-roads-are-shaping-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/raleighmovingnews.com\/?p=151","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating America\u2019s 250th: How North Carolina roads are shaping the future"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) \u2014 North Carolina is known as First in Flight. But what about the roads?<\/p>

Read more Trump considers suspending federal gas tax as prices remain over $4 in NC<\/a><\/p>\n

Major transportation projects are transforming how people get around the Triangle\u2014impacting everything from your daily commute to future growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn recent history, the I-40 widening was critically important and very important for freight and economic development. That allowed us to really unlock the potential of that facility,\u201d said North Carolina Department of Transportation Division Engineer Becca Gallis.<\/p>\n

Gallis says the widening of I-40 toward Johnston County and improvements along the I-440 Beltline have helped ease congestion while supporting economic growth across the region.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s not just about traffic flow. It\u2019s also about preparing for extreme weather.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we create resilient infrastructure so when the next hurricane comes, our infrastructure is prepared?\u201d Gallis said.<\/p>\n

Gallis says engineers are now designing roads and bridges to better handle flooding and severe storms\u2014issues that have impacted drivers in the past.<\/p>\n

\n
\"The<\/figure>\n
Crews work on the newest stretch of NC 540, taken on July 2, 2024.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meanwhile, projects across the city are also paving the way for how Raleigh looks and feels.<\/p>\n

From gateway bridges along Wade Avenue and Capital Boulevard to transit hubs like Raleigh Union Station, leaders say first impressions are lasting.<\/p>\n

\u201cA showcase entryway to the city of Raleigh. Raleigh Union Station is another one. How do we create that welcoming environment?\u201d Gallis said.<\/p>\n

Similar improvements are happening near Raleigh-Durham International Airport, creating a more modern gateway for travelers landing in the Triangle.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, even more projects are in the pipeline over the next five years.<\/p>\n

Gallis says that includes the completion of the Interstate 540 loop, a major overhaul of Capital Boulevard, and a massive interchange project connecting I-40, I-440, U.S. 1, and U.S. 64.<\/p>

Read more Property tax levy amendment bill clears House Finance Committee<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\"Construction<\/figure>\n
Construction of the turbine interchange for 540 Triangle Expressway (Credit: NCDOT)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Public transit is also expanding, with Bus Rapid Transit lines starting along New Bern Avenue.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe future is really about how do we maximize the infrastructure that we have, deliver a bus rapid transit system, work with the airport, improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and collaborate effectively,\u201d Gallis said.<\/p>\n

But while the improvements are visible now, Gallis says projects like these take years\u2014sometimes more than a decade\u2014to complete.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about ten years on average from when we identify an idea to when it\u2019s built,\u201d Gallis said.<\/p>\n

That long timeline means planners are always looking down the road, tracking growth and predicting each turn the Triangle will take decades from now.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re working on the 2055 vision based on where we see population movement, and we adjust that plan,\u201d Gallis said.<\/p>\n

Still, all this progress comes with a downside: construction zones and delays that can frustrate drivers.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Cars pile up on Falls of Neuse Road due to construction traffic in Raleigh. (Sept. 5, 2024 CBS 17 file photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Officials say safety should always come first.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need your patience. More importantly, we need you to pay attention. Behind each and every orange barrel, someone\u2019s mother or father,\u201d Gallis said.<\/p>\n

With one of the largest state-maintained road systems in the country, transportation leaders say the challenge is balancing growth with safety and efficiency.<\/p>\n

And with more people moving to North Carolina every day, these projects will play a key role in keeping the region moving forward for years to come.<\/p>

Read more Fayetteville approves nearly $650,000 in upgrades around historic Market House<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) \u2014 North Carolina is known as First in Flight. But what about the roads? Major transportation projects are transforming how people get around the Triangle\u2014impacting everything from your daily commute to future growth. “In recent history, the I-40 widening was critically important and very important for freight and economic development. 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(WNCN) \u2014 North Carolina is known as First in Flight. But what about the roads? Major transportation projects are transforming how people get around the Triangle\u2014impacting everything from your daily commute to future growth. “In recent history, the I-40 widening was critically important and very important for freight and economic development. 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