US 1 is known for excessive road congestion and driving along it takes up substantial amount of time for residents and workers in the region. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), along with state and local partners, has pursued upgrading the corridor to a freeway for several decades. The project has been repeatedly delayed, and costs have escalated exponentially. To try to stabilize both the timeline and costs, CAMPO partnered with the N.C. Turnpike Authority to investigate alternative and innovative methods to deliver this project.
The study conducted by the N.C. Turnpike Authority developed four different scenarios for tolling that could be used to preserve the project’s schedule and feasibility. All four scenarios envision the upgrades as previously planned (NCDOT’s U-5307), but two options explored converting the corridor to an expressway (similar to N.C. 540 in Wake County) and the other two options present tolling as an express lane/s project (similar to I-77 in Mecklenburg County). Another variation among the scenarios is with the financial analysis which explores tolling along the U.S. 1 Corridor North as either a standalone project or incorporates it into the Triangle Expressway System as a single network. The combination of those lead to different overall project costs, delivery dates, and legislative needs.
CAMPO will host the following Public Information Sessions (drop-in style open house) where attendees can share their thoughts and opinions on the US 1 North Project and the four tolling scenarios with CAMPO, NCDOT, and NC Turnpike Authority representatives:
- Wednesday, April 30, 5-7 p.m.
Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh, NC - Monday, May 5, 5-7 p.m.
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest, NC
Both sessions will have an informal, open house-style format, along with the same content, so community members may drop in anytime to view displays, ask questions, and share comments. No formal presentation will be given.
Community members are also invited to complete an online survey at https://publicinput.com/q13712#tab-62798. The deadline to complete the survey and submit comments is Wednesday, May 14.
Community input will be used by the CAMPO Executive Board, comprised of local elected officials, to determine the path forward for U.S. 1 / Capital Boulevard in North Wake County. For more information, visit https://publicinput.com/us_1_tollingoptions.
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