The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has hundreds of Transportation Improvement Projects throughout the State including several in Cary. View a map showing the 10-year state-wide plan, including cost and schedule. Listed below is a summary of NCDOT projects in Cary.  

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NCDOT Projects in Cary

The following NCDOT projects have received funding for design, right-of-way and/or construction. 

 Aviation Parkway Between I-40 and NC 54 (U-5811)

NCDOT is proposing to widen Aviation Parkway to a 4-lane median-divided roadway with curb and gutter. Extra wide outside lanes will accommodate bicycles, street-side trails, and sidewalks that will serve pedestrians. Right-of-way acquisition is scheduled to begin in 2026, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2029. The estimated project cost is $57,300,000.

Complete 540 – Triangle Expressway SE Extension(R-2721, R-2828, & R-2829)

NCDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are proposing to build a new, limited-access toll facility from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex, to the U.S. 64/U.S. 264 (I-495) in Knightdale. This proposed highway will improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion south and east of the Raleigh area while improving the regional roadway network and connecting several towns.

Phase 1 construction is nearing completion and extends N.C. 540 from its current endpoint at the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to the I-40/U.S. 70 interchange. The effects of Hurricane Debby have delayed the opening. Updates will be provided when an official opening date is announced. 

Phase 2 will continue this extension to the I-540/I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 interchange and effectively complete the N.C 540/I-540 loop. Phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2028.

Crossroads Junction, the I-40/I-440/US 1/US 64 Interchange Project (I-5701 and I-5703)

NCDOT plans to redesign the I-40/I-440/US-1/US-64 Interchange to relieve congestion and address the heavy traffic volumes flowing through the area. Designing an interchange between two highways is not a typical roadway widening project that residents are most familiar with. There are different types of interchanges, each operating differently.

Due to its close proximity, the Walnut Street interchange will likely be impacted. NCDOT held focus group meetings and a public meeting in Spring 2019. NCDOT held a second public meeting Spring 2023.  For more information visit NCDOT's webpage to view maps, a summary video and leave a question/comment for the project team. Design-Build will begin in 2027. The estimated project cost is $221,100,000.

Holly Springs Rd Intersection Improvements (U-6217)

The project involves adding through and/or turn lanes at the following intersections along Holly Springs Road:  1) Ten Ten Road, 2) Penny Road, 3) Lilly Atkins Road, and 4) Cary Parkway. The project is scheduled for right of way acquisition in fiscal year 2028 and construction in fiscal year 2031. The estimated project cost is $41,643,000.  

I-40 at Airport Blvd Interchange Improvements (I-5700)

NCDOT is proposing to revise the interchange at Airport Boulevard and I-40 and to construct an auxiliary lane on I-40 from Airport Boulevard westward to I-540.  A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) design is proposed to accommodate the heavy left-turn traffic at the interchange ramps.  The estimated project cost is $51,733,000.  The project is under construction.

I-440 Improvements between Walnut Street and Wade Avenue (U-2719)

NCDOT is proposing to improve the Beltline (I-440) between Walnut Street and Wade Avenue. This project includes widening the road from four to six lanes, replacing pavement and bridges, and upgrading interchanges. Built in the 1960s, this is the oldest section of I-440; it has nearly triple the statewide crash rate for similar facilities and is in need of rehabilitation as well as improvements to address capacity and substandard design elements. The estimated cost is $193,307,000 with construction underway.  

Maynard Road Grade Separation (P-5718)

NCDOT is planning to construct a grade separated railroad crossing at Maynard Road and is currently gathering data, updating concepts and analyzing alternatives. The primary need for this project is to improve traffic flow and safety on this thoroughfare. Total estimated cost for this project is $56,487,000. The project is scheduled for right of way acquisition in fiscal year 2028 and construction in fiscal year 2031.

McCrimmon Parkway from Davis Drive to Church Street (U-5747A, U-5747)

NCDOT is proposing to widen McCrimmon Parkway from west of Davis Drive to north of Church Street and convert the McCrimmon Parkway / NC 54 intersection to grade separation.  Right-of-way acquisition is underway.  Total estimated cost for this project is $27,1001,000. Construction is scheduled for 2025.   

Ten Ten Road Improvements from Apex Peakway to Kildaire Farm Road (U-5825)

NCDOT is proposing to widen Ten Ten Road from Apex Peakway to Kildaire Farm Road including replacement of the existing bridge over US 1 and improvements to the intersection with Kildaire Farm Road. The primary need for this project is to address delay and congestion currently present along the corridor. A public meeting was held on March 1, 2018. The estimated project cost is $95,401,000.  At this time only preliminary engineering is funded and underway.  Right-of-way and construction phases have not been funded at this time. 

Trinity Road Grade Separation (P-5734)

NCDOT is planning to construct a grade separated railroad crossing at Trinity Road and is currently gathering data, updating concepts and analyzing alternatives. The primary need for this project is to improve traffic flow and safety.  Construction and detours will be coordinated with the Maynard Rd Grade Separation project (P-5718).  Design is underway.  NCDOT held a public meeting on November 20, 2023.. Right of way acquisition is scheduled to begin in 2027, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2029. Total estimated cost for this project is $37,700,000.

US 64 Improvements from US 1 to Laura Duncan Road (U-5301)

NCDOT is investigating options for improving U.S. 64, including pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. The need to improve this corridor is demonstrated by increasing traffic volumes as well as the number of crashes being nearly double the state average for similar facilities. NCDOT held two public meetings to gather community input.  The estimated project cost is $331,700,000. Right-of-way acquisition will begin in 2027, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2030.

Wade Avenue from I-40 to I-440 (U-5936)

NCDOT is proposing to widen Wade Avenue. Project planning is underway.  The estimated project cost is $76,699,000.  At this time only preliminary engineering is funded and underway.  Right-of-way and construction phases have not been funded at this time.

Removal of Bridge No. 449 on Good Hope Church Road over CSX Railroad (B-5680)

NCDOT is proposing to close and permanently remove Bridge No. 449 on Good Hope Church Road over the crossing with the CSX Railroad. Sites east of the railroad will use Morrisville Carpenter Road to access Good Hope Church Road. The removal date is tentatively scheduled for 2029.

Contact

Ryan Eldridge-Burch, AICP
Transportation Department
ryan.eldgridge-burch@carync.gov