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The project to extend NC 540 across southern Wake County to its connection with I-40/Future I-42 is about to get underway; I think it deserves a separate thread.NCDOT will advertise three design-build contracts, and the first one should go out for proposals next month. The estimated total cost of the three projects is about $1 billion. This is a toll road project to be operated by the NC Turnpike Authority when it is complete.On April 12 NCDOT is holding a "optional industry event to discuss the projects and the upcoming procurements." There's a news release on this event here:https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=15003
I hope they leave I-540 section alone after the loop is finished. That road doesn't need to be tolled. (see C-470/E-470/NW Parkway in Denver as the only portion of their beltway that isn't tolled is the C-470 one.)
^ Technically, NCDOT could apply tolls to I-540 at the Neuse River Bridge, with the caveat that any toll revenue could only be used to maintain/improve that segment of I-540 (US 401 to Buffaloe Rd, include the river bridge). This is because current Federal law allows jurisdictions to apply tolls to Interstate bridges and tunnels as long as the revenue is only used to maintain/improve that bridge or tunnel location and immediately adjacent segments of the Interstate in question. This is how VDOT was able to reinstate tolls on the I-264 Downtown Tunnel between Portsmouth and Norfolk, VA.
Quote from: froggie on April 03, 2018, 01:10:34 PM^ Technically, NCDOT could apply tolls to I-540 at the Neuse River Bridge, with the caveat that any toll revenue could only be used to maintain/improve that segment of I-540 (US 401 to Buffaloe Rd, include the river bridge). This is because current Federal law allows jurisdictions to apply tolls to Interstate bridges and tunnels as long as the revenue is only used to maintain/improve that bridge or tunnel location and immediately adjacent segments of the Interstate in question. This is how VDOT was able to reinstate tolls on the I-264 Downtown Tunnel between Portsmouth and Norfolk, VA.They could, but I don't think they're going to do it. Building a toll lane(s)? I could see that.
I would agree that it's unlikely they would toll the existing stretch. My point was to show that, under current Federal law, they technically could instate tolls on that segment under the conditions I specified.
Are there construction and completion dates for when the entire 540 beltway will be completed?
Quote from: froggie on April 03, 2018, 09:23:22 PMI would agree that it's unlikely they would toll the existing stretch. My point was to show that, under current Federal law, they technically could instate tolls on that segment under the conditions I specified. I want outerloop to be all named I-640, and tolled part can add a T or "toll" but hate NC540 as a freeway designation.
That interchange with both I-40 and (Fut) I-42 is gonna be some kind of structural marvel to drive through and around!!
Quote from: jcarte29 on June 07, 2018, 10:48:34 PMThat interchange with both I-40 and (Fut) I-42 is gonna be some kind of structural marvel to drive through and around!!Not really. They are simply overlaying the existing infrastructure with a turbine interchange that NC 540 will use; this already exists in North Carolina with I-85 and I-485 near Concord.
Wait: there's something unusual in the design, a "roundabout" or "U-turn" ramp. If you're driving eastbound on NC 540, there's only one exit opportunity. It puts you on a huge circular ramp that has exits to I-40 East, I-42 East, and I-40 West. If you somehow miss all of those exits, the ramp will carry you to NC 540 westbound, so you'll be headed back the way you came! Does anyone have another example of a ramp like this?
The lawsuit has expanded.http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article213780889.html
Quote from: LM117 on June 26, 2018, 11:15:45 AMThe lawsuit has expanded.http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article213780889.html"Expensive loop highways around cities that lead to sprawl, increased driving, and contribute to a low quality of life."Straight out of the 50-year-old Anti-Roads Playbook.
The SELC has filed a petition objecting to a water quality permit issued by the NC Division of Water Resources.https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article226581274.html