It's been half a year since the Triangle Expressway started shaving minutes off North Carolina commutes, and the numbers are in to prove it's not just a flash in the pan. The Complete 540 Phase 1 extension of the Triangle Expressway, which opened bright and early on September 25, 2024, is the reason thousands of drivers are buzzing past former bottlenecks with ease, according to NCDOT's report.
Speaking to the efficiency boost, J.J. Eden, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority's executive director, was quoted saying, "About 76,000 vehicles a day are saving time by choosing to take a portion of the Triangle Expressway," highlighting that this is no small win for those behind the wheel; the NCTA's goal to give customers more ticks and tocks for what matters is apparently hitting its mark. Everyday travelers and truckers alike are driving up the numbers, with the six-lane, 18-mile stretch humming under the weight of nearly 17 million transactions and on its busiest day saw close to 147,000 transactions which just goes to show how much pull this new road has.
Big rigs and their ilk make up a solid six percent of this total, navigating the toll booths with the same grace as any family sedan. For those looking for a bargain on the route, the takeaway is simple: sign up for an NC Quick Pass. It's the ticket to a 50% savings on tolls in the Tar Heel state; an average trip costs just $1.95 for these savvy subscribers.
Still need to pay your way? The process is straightforward, head to ncquickpass.com or download their app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, find your bill with a license plate or invoice number and you're good to go no muss, no fuss, and certainly, no standing in line. With over 147,000 transactions humming through on the busiest day, and a promise of perennial savings for those with NC Quick Pass, the Triangle Expressway seems to be hitting its stride as a serious timesaver and a cost-cutter for North Carolinians.
