A long-awaited 18-mile section of N.C. 540, the Triangle Expressway, opens to the public today, offering drivers in southern Wake County and nearby areas a faster route to Research Triangle Park. The new six-lane toll road stretches from Apex to I-40 and U.S. 70, providing an alternative to the often congested routes through Raleigh. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert celebrated the milestone, donning his signature gold shoes, and emphasizing how crucial this road is for the fast-growing southern towns. The N.C. Turnpike Authority hosted the event, which featured a marching band, a classic car parade, and local leaders praising the project’s potential to spur economic growth and ease traffic.

The tolls, varying by distance, will cost drivers with an NC Quick Pass $8.01 to travel the entire road, with higher rates for those billed by mail. While most of the five interchanges are open, some exits remain under construction and are expected to be completed by November. The final leg of the Triangle Expressway, extending the road to I-87 in Knightdale, is currently under construction and scheduled to open by 2028, completing the 540 Outer Loop around Raleigh.