Disruptive I-540 Route Options Eliminated 11/5/2010

The N.C. Turnpike Authority has eliminated two Interstate 540 extension alternatives that were most disruptive to Holly Springs while keeping a pathway that has been preserved for I-540 for many years.

The Turnpike Authority announced Nov. 4 that it would no longer consider three routes, including the two most opposed in Holly Springs. The remaining options will be studied in greater depth over the next several months.

Town officials and citizens had spoken out against the alignment alternatives that sliced through parts of Holly Springs. Sunset Ridge and Sunset Oaks were among the neighborhoods that would have been affected most. One route ran parallel to and along Bass Lake Road.

"We're happy that the Turnpike Authority has taken feedback and expeditiously eliminated the other alternatives," said Stephanie Sudano, Holly Springs' engineering director. "It allows the Town to continue planning efforts as before."

Last month, the Holly Springs Town Council went on record against the routes that cut through town. Instead, the council supported sticking with the preferred alignment north of Holly Springs. That path has been preserved for at least 20 years in anticipation of the I-540 extension.

The I-540 Southeast Extension would connect to the Triangle Expressway, another toll road under construction in Wake and Durham counties. It would complete the Raleigh Outer Loop.

The Turnpike Authority said it was required by the Federal Highway Administration to present several alternatives.

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Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us