Remarks for Secretary Tippett
I-540 Ribbon Cutting
Triangle Town Boulevard Exit
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007 at 11 a.m.
Introduction
Thank you, Ken, for that introduction.
Ken, I also want to thank you for all your hard work representing this area on the Board of Transportation. It is a privilege for me to join you on this occasion.
Nina Szlosberg, our other board member from this area, sends her regrets that she could not be here today.
I also extend my thanks to the state and local elected officials who are joining us today.
I know that everyone here is eager for this highway to open, so I will keep my comments brief.
Barnhill Contracting Company and Vecellio and Grogan were our general contractors for this project. I would like to extend my appreciation to their employees for getting this new stretch of highway open as soon as possible.
In fact, I understand that a number of their employees, along with our own NCDOT crews, have recently been working seven-day weeks to finish up this project.
I'd also like to recognize HDR and Mulkey Engineering, part of our team for the design-build portion.
The contractors have worked closely with NCDOT Division Engineer Wally Bowman; Director of Field Operations Jon Nance, who, until recently held Wally's position; Division Construction Engineer Tracy Parrott and Resident Engineers Bob Shultes (Shultz) and Boyd Tharrington to make this highway a reality.
Let's give all of them a round of applause.
I-540's Sixth Segment
Today we are celebrating the opening of the sixth segment of I-540, Raleigh's Outer Loop. Extending 9.3 miles from U.S. 1 (Capital Bouleveard) to U.S. 64/264 Bypass, this is the longest segment of the interstate to open at one time.
But this event also marks another important milestone in the construction of this interstate.
When we cut the ribbon in a few moments, I-540 will officially extend nearly 30 miles and halfway around the city of Raleigh.
While it may be called the Raleigh Outer Loop, the benefits of this highway extend throughout the Triangle region and beyond.
The section opening today will no doubt be the backbone of the daily commute for many residents who travel to destinations throughout the region.
It also offers an important alternative route for people traveling between the eastern and western parts of North Carolina.
I-540's effect, though, is not limited to those traveling along the highway itself. Folks throughout Raleigh should soon notice improved traffic flow throughout the city as motorists shift their daily routes to I-540 from other roads.
Those who use I-40, I-440, Capital Boulevard, New Hope Road and numerous other streets will soon experience lower traffic volumes and improved travel times as well.
Project Features
With interchanges at Capital Boulevard, Triangle Town Boulevard, U.S. 401 (Louisburg Road), Buffaloe Road, U.S. 64 Business and the U.S. 64/264 Bypass, this highway can be conveniently accessed throughout eastern Wake County.
Two notable features are dual 1,500-foot bridges that cross the Norfolk Southern Railroad, Lynwood Road and a large portion of the Mango Swamp near U.S. 64/264.
I'd like to point out that the bridges over Triangle Town Boulevard are the longest simple span bridges in all of North Carolina.
We have also constructed the U.S. 401 (Louisburg Road) interchange as a single-point urban interchange and installed lighting around the U.S. 64 Business interchange to ensure safety and efficient traffic flow.
In addition, many of the streets that cross over or under this new highway received improvements as a result of I-540 construction, including resurfacing, landscaping and new bridges.
Economic Potential
Not only does today's ribbon cutting mark the opening of a new interstate, it also sets the stage for increased economic growth with a nearly $114 million economic investment for this region.
Already, we can see that communities along this route are benefiting from the increased mobility this highway provides.
But the true value of this project is the role it plays in improving the lives of motorists.
Future Progress of I-540
We also continue to make progress on other sections. Later this year, we expect to open two additional sections of the highway in western Wake County, which will connect I-40 and N.C. 55 near Morrisville.
These sections will provide an even more convenient connection with RTP and western Wake County.
And the N.C. Turnpike Authority is exploring the possibility of constructing I-540 as a toll road from I-40 to N.C. 55 near Holly Springs.
Conclusion
As you can see, NCDOT is committed to the progress of this vital highway. We are also committed to providing citizens with a high-quality transportation infrastructure that keeps pace with this area's rapid growth.
At this time, I'd like to invite Ken, our division staff, resident engineers and local legislators to officially cut the ribbon and open the sixth segment of I-540.
Once the ribbon is cut, I invite everyone here to drive the entire length of this project.
Thank you for joining us to celebrate this important milestone.
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