AARoads Forum

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  

News:

The AARoads Wiki is live! Come check it out!

Author Topic: Complete NC 540 Project  (Read 79112 times)

wdcrft63

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 963
  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Last Login: March 15, 2024, 05:40:28 PM
Complete NC 540 Project
« on: March 27, 2018, 06:05:36 PM »

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
Logged

Strider

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 987
  • Location: Greensboro, NC
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 11:31:52 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2018, 10:39:32 AM »

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.)
Logged

LM117

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 3289
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Danville, VA 👎
  • Last Login: March 08, 2024, 03:36:52 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2018, 10:48:01 AM »

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.)

IIRC, NCDOT cannot legally toll I-540 as it is now, but they can build new toll lanes if they wanted to, like they’re currently doing on I-77 near Charlotte.
Logged
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

froggie

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 12911
  • Location: Greensboro, VT
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 11:08:21 PM
    • Froggie's Place
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #3 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.
Logged

Strider

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 987
  • Location: Greensboro, NC
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 11:31:52 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2018, 01:34:54 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.
Logged

LM117

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 3289
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Danville, VA 👎
  • Last Login: March 08, 2024, 03:36:52 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2018, 03:07:08 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.

Yeah, I’m inclined to agree. I can’t see tolling that short stretch. Toll lanes are far more likely and I think NCDOT has even floated that idea in recent years. I don’t know if it’s still on their radar though. :hmm:
Logged
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

froggie

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 12911
  • Location: Greensboro, VT
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 11:08:21 PM
    • Froggie's Place
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2018, 09:23:22 PM »

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.
Logged

WashuOtaku

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 674
  • Location: North Carolina
  • Last Login: March 15, 2024, 04:23:49 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #7 on: April 04, 2018, 06:21:17 AM »

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.

NCDOT isn't going to do that.  Nothing is going to happen to I-540 that currently exist.
Logged

The Ghostbuster

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 4948
  • Age: 39
  • Location: Madison, WI
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 11:02:06 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #8 on: April 04, 2018, 04:31:27 PM »

Are there construction and completion dates for when the entire 540 beltway will be completed?
Logged

wdcrft63

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 963
  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Last Login: March 15, 2024, 05:40:28 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #9 on: April 04, 2018, 06:11:48 PM »

Are there construction and completion dates for when the entire 540 beltway will be completed?
The section from US 401 to I-40/Future I-42 should be under contract by mid 2019, so 2022 is a reasonable guess for completion. The eastern section, from I-40/Future I-42 to US 64/Future I-87, is not scheduled for construction until FY 2027. NCDOT's web site for the project is here:
https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/complete540/
Logged

architect77

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 551
  • Location: Atlanta
  • Last Login: March 03, 2024, 08:13:14 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #10 on: June 01, 2018, 10:16:11 PM »

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.

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.
Logged

wdcrft63

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 963
  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Last Login: March 15, 2024, 05:40:28 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #11 on: June 02, 2018, 06:35:54 PM »

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.

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.
I think there was an idea in the past that the loop would be renumbered 640 when it was complete; that's why the 640 number hasn't been used elsewhere in NC. But it's not going to happen now, because everyone calls the road 540 and no one sees any reason to change. Except, of course, us geeks here in the Forum who remember how interstate highways are supposed to be numbered.
Logged

LM117

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 3289
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Danville, VA 👎
  • Last Login: March 08, 2024, 03:36:52 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #12 on: June 02, 2018, 07:13:15 PM »

Plus, NCDOT got a waiver from FHWA to keep I-540.
Logged
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

Roadsguy

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1889
  • Age: 24
  • Location: Here
  • Last Login: March 03, 2024, 05:39:14 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #13 on: June 02, 2018, 10:47:08 PM »

Just pull an MDSHA and sign the rest as I-540, but leaving it officially NC 540. :P
Logged
Mileage-based exit numbering implies the existence of mileage-cringe exit numbering.

wdcrft63

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 963
  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Last Login: March 15, 2024, 05:40:28 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #14 on: June 07, 2018, 04:27:57 PM »

NCDOT has received the Record of Decision for Complete 540 from FHWA. This is the final federal approval; it allows NCDOT to proceed immediately with acquiring right of way and preparation of contract documents. NCDOT plans to award three design-build contracts for the project within the next 12-15 months.
https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=15318
Logged

jcarte29

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 316
  • Location: Charlotte, NC
  • Last Login: January 07, 2021, 10:39:12 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #15 on: June 07, 2018, 10:48:34 PM »

That interchange with both I-40 and (Fut) I-42 is gonna be some kind of structural marvel to drive through and around!!
Logged
Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)

WashuOtaku

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 674
  • Location: North Carolina
  • Last Login: March 15, 2024, 04:23:49 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #16 on: June 08, 2018, 09:43:33 AM »

That 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.
Logged

wdcrft63

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 963
  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Last Login: March 15, 2024, 05:40:28 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #17 on: June 08, 2018, 05:04:56 PM »

That 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.

The interchange is a 5-way junction (I-40 both directions, NC 540 both directions, and I-42/US 70 East). The existing trumpet interchange of I-40 with I-42/US 70 will be retained and overlaid with a complicated cloverstack interchange that includes several flyovers but also includes three loop ramps. Here's the plan:
https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/PDEA/Web/Complete540/final-eis/design-maps/C540_dphm_06.pdf
It's somewhat like a turbine interchange, but not a complete turbine.
Logged

wdcrft63

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 963
  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Last Login: March 15, 2024, 05:40:28 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #18 on: June 08, 2018, 05:19:37 PM »

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?
Logged

1

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 14615
  • Age: 25
  • Location: MA/NH border
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 09:41:17 PM
    • Flickr account
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #19 on: June 08, 2018, 05:21:11 PM »

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?

MA 213's western end.
Logged
Clinched, minus I-93 (I'm missing a few miles and my file is incorrect)

Traveled, plus US 13, 44, and 50, and several state routes

I will be in Burlington VT for the eclipse.

LM117

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 3289
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Danville, VA 👎
  • Last Login: March 08, 2024, 03:36:52 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #20 on: June 26, 2018, 11:15:45 AM »

Logged
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

Beltway

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 6782
  • Roads to the Future

  • Location: Richmond, VA
  • Last Login: August 04, 2020, 05:54:39 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #21 on: June 26, 2018, 11:26:31 AM »

The 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.
Logged
http://www.roadstothefuture.com
http://www.capital-beltway.com

Baloney is a reserved word on the Internet
    (Robert Coté, 2002)

LM117

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 3289
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Danville, VA 👎
  • Last Login: March 08, 2024, 03:36:52 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #22 on: June 26, 2018, 12:48:25 PM »

The 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.

Yep. That area is gonna sprawl anyway, with or without NC-540. NC-540 may speed up the sprawl, but not building the road isn’t gonna stop it. The Triangle is one of the fastest growing metros in the nation. Raleigh is already under consideration for Amazon HQ2 and Apple.
« Last Edit: June 26, 2018, 12:52:27 PM by LM117 »
Logged
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

LM117

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 3289
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Danville, VA 👎
  • Last Login: March 08, 2024, 03:36:52 PM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #23 on: February 22, 2019, 03:43:28 PM »

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
Logged
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

goobnav

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 298
  • Cannonball Run should start in Wilmington!

  • Age: 49
  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Last Login: November 02, 2020, 09:17:44 AM
Re: Complete NC 540 Project
« Reply #24 on: February 22, 2019, 04:56:36 PM »

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

SMH, they really need to give it up, nothing is going to stop it from being completed and delaying is only make these desperate fools look worse but, we are dealing with people who have some demented view of the world.  Reality is going to hurt them with a 6 lane highway.
Logged
Life is a highway and I drive it all night long!

 


Opinions expressed here on belong solely to the poster and do not represent or reflect the opinions or beliefs of AARoads, its creators and/or associates.