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Tour of the now opened Phase II of the Triangle Expressway

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VMS announcing hey the road just opened today...you'll be tolled tomorrow

The second phase of the Triangle Expressway from NC 55 near Apex southwards to US 64 opened on August 1st.  It was the only free day for the new highway as tolls on the new highway would go into effect the following day Thursday, August 2nd.  So we had an impromptu Triangle Road Meet and six of us met up at Trali in Brier Creek to check out the new road.  Not bad for 48 hour notice!

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We had a small surprise when we got to I-40.  First Lady Michelle Obama was in town and we just caught her motorcade getting onto I-540 East headed back to RDU.   Here's the temporary roadblock at the ramp from 540 East to 40 East.

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So now lets get back to touring Phase II of the Triangle Expressway.

Toll NC 540 begins in a half mile

Last Exit before toll and by the way Tolls begin tomorrow.

Some of the signs on the now truncated NC 540 (Free) approaching the NC 54 interchange.  This is the only free interchange south of I-40.  If you look closely enough at the bottom of the second photo, you will seen an 'END' sign for the free portion of NC 540.

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The overhead toll gantries at the NC 540 and NC 147 tolled interchange.  They now work.

NC 540 Toll South approaching NC 55

Overhead for NC 55 with the decorative style all sign posts have along the Triangle Expressway.

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And here we are on the newly opened road.  People are taking advantage of the only 'free' day on the new highway.

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These pedestal sign gantries are getting more popular in North Carolina.

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The next overhead toll gantry just prior to the Green Level West Road interchange on NC Toll 540 South.

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It's a quick drive to the new south end of the highway at US 64 in Apex.

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Looking Southbound at the current construction that will extend the highway to NC 55 in Holly Springs.  This next segment should be open in January 2013.

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Close-up of the more decorative style for bridges and overpasses along the TriEx.

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Overheads on US 64 East to go onto NC 540 North.  Surprisingly, there aren't any exit numbers based on US 64 mileage here.

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Getting back on to the TriEx at US 64 - a on-ramp overhead toll gantry greets you.

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Morrisville Parkway isn't ready for traffic just yet

Just north of the Green Level West Road interchange is a ghost bridge for Morrisville Parkway.  The NCTA built the bridge for whenever Morrisville Parkway will be extended.  There is no current date for filling in the nearly two mile gap of Morrisville Parkway between NC 55 and Green Level Church Road.  There also are plans to build an interchange with the TriEx at Morrisville Parkway in the future.  However, no grading for a future interchange was apparent.

Overheads approaching Exit 67

Now back on what was once Free NC 540 and now Toll NC 540 approaching the interchange with NC Toll 147. 

TOLL NC 540 ENDS - FREE NC 540 BEGINS

Finally, just prior to the NC 54 interchange this guide sign informs drivers of the end of the tolled section of NC 540 and the beginning of the free section of NC 540. 

Start of I-540 East - Exits 1B and 2

NC 540 doesn't last long for about a mile later is Interstate 40 and NC 540 becomes Interstate 540.  Lots of different '540's I know.  For my entire set on flickr, head here.
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