NC-540 (July 2024)

Progress update on new southern portion of NC-540 from Hwy-55 near Holly Springs to Turbine Interchange at junction of I-40/NC-540/BYP-70.
I took the original video down and replaced the audio track for something more appropriate.

[@JeffDeWitt]

The first audio track might not been appropriate, but it was certainly unique! They are saying this road is supposed to open next month, it looks like it will open between the end of the current 540 and US-401. After 401 there is still a lot of work to do.

[@buckeyedrones]

@@JeffDeWitt I would tend to agree with you on that.

[@realdwaynet]

Agreed. They haven’t even begun paving sections of NC 540 at the turbine interchange before you even get to I-40. That tells me there is at least six more months of work on the section between US-401 and the turbine interchange imo.

[@mightywizard7475]

Should have played life is a highway

[@buckeyedrones]

Yes that is a good song, I think I have used that on a previous video.

[@NathanWatrous]

@@realdwaynet They are using concrete for parts and asphalt for other parts. So I think everything past 401 is concrete. Still needs work, but not as much as it might seem. Also, the I40 interchange has work in progress for the next phase. At the end of the video you see one bridge mostly done (on the left) and one with dirt (on the right). I THINK that the one on the left is all that is needed to get on from i40. So maybe September?

[@boioz9185]

Thanks for taking us on this journey of road construction. I've got my NC Quick Pass ready!

[@buckeyedrones]

You are welcome, lots of people ready for this highway to open up, me included!

[@FlyinFlynnMedia]

Wow! That's quite a project. You got some great footage and good range too! Nice job Rick!

[@buckeyedrones]

Thanks 👍

[@larryskelson4991]

Thanks, enjoyed the video

[@buckeyedrones]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JustEnjoyingStuff]

This was so freaking cool. I love drones I haven't flown mine in a while. I loved this footage!!! It gives us perspective. Also I loved the celebration song perfect!! 🎉

[@buckeyedrones]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@joekisela7263]

Thanks Rick! Great flying!!

[@buckeyedrones]

Thank you!

[@maxkil123]

These videos are great! Thank you as always.

[@buckeyedrones]

Thanks.

[@BobCaseyAerial]

Came along way. If I recall you flew this when they were cutting the road in ??
Great range Rick

[@buckeyedrones]

Thanks Bob, I think they are due to open it next month, fingers crossed, it will help with traffic flow around here.

[@Skulldozer25]

Well there goes these old three bridges from 2007...

[@phillipcoshatt6845]

Nicely put together I know it took some time between moving and launching.

[@buckeyedrones]

Thanks, yes a lot of moving around for this one.

[@matthewlwood]

Interesting. They used a DDI at Holly Springs Rd, but a parclo at the much busier 401 interchange. DOT just installed a DDI at I-40/NC 42 due to very heavy congestion along 42; it replaced a parclo for that reason.

[@realdwaynet]

@@matthewlwood I was kind of surprised they didn’t go with the DDI at 401. There had to be a reason that they didn’t think it warranted one.

[@GF-uj3ep]

No way it opens in 2024

[@ONEWAYVISIONPODCAST]

Keep it up 🫡🫡

[@buckeyedrones]

Thank you!

[@nb2008nc]

What's there to celebrate? It was supposed to open late 23/early 24. Looks like it won't open to early 25, and that may be optimistic.
Miss the days when contractors got bonuses for finishing early and daily fines for being late.

[@kevinmesa7629]

Even though we paid for the road already they still want to make a toll road and stick it to the NC taxpayers for themselves to keep getting paid for salaries of the triangle transit Authority in Durham in the Triangle Business District and most of the 540 is in Wake County. The Only place where it is not tolled is from Knightdale 64 bypass to 40 westbound at the RDU