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An I-540 Preview

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With the next segment of I-540 about a month away from opening to traffic, I took a small ride out to Western Wake County and took a look at the highway before it opens.

Note: The official exit number is within the parentheses. An error in signing plans caused the exit numbers to be 20 miles off.

Exit 47 (67): NC 55
This exit will be a six ramp partial cloverleaf interchange. This will be the current end of I-540.

Approaching I-540 from NC 55 West in Morrisville.

This time I am on NC 55 East at the interchange. I-540 will include the 'Future' designation. This is because of a rule that says Interstates must end at a National Highway System (NHS) route. NC 55 obviously is not a part of the NHS.

Exit 49 (69): Davis Drive/Research Triangle Park

This exit is an expansive Y-shaped interchange linking I-540 to the heart of Research Triangle Park. The interchange flows into Kit Creek Drive which provides quick access to Davis Drive.

Kit Creek Drive ends as the ramps to/from I-540 begin/end.

A wide view of the expansive I-540/Davis Drive Interchange.

Folks leaving RTP to get on I-540 will come to this split on the on ramp. What's interesting is that the 'Future' tab is missing here.

A full 22x zoom looks over a mile north/east on I-540 towards NC 54 and I-40. I didn't have my tripod with me or the Future East 540 shield that sits behind the 1/2 mile guide sign for NC 54 would be clearer.

Exit 50 (70): NC 54

The last of the three new exits for I-540 will be for NC 54 just on the Northeastern edge of RTP. Unlike the interchange at NC 55, signs aren't up for I-540 nor is the highway opened to four lanes.

Heading east on NC 54 approaching the I-540 interchange. The new travel lanes on the right aren't quite ready for NC 54 East to move onto them. The interchange with I-540 will be a partial cloverleaf known as a folded diamond.

Closed off and unpaved ramps to/from I-540 East at NC 54.

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Anonymous said…
Nice pics! Any sign that they have started land purchase for the next part of the western leg?
10:12 AM
Adam said…
There hasn't been any, yet. Once and if the NCTA gets funding from the General Assembly, the land purchases on the Western Wake Expressway will begin.
11:34 PM
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