The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved a $386 million loan to help the N.C. Turnpike Authority finance construction of the $1 billion, 18.8-mile Triangle Expressway, a toll road through Research Triangle Park and western Wake County.
"This project will go a long way toward serving the travel needs of commuters in key educational and employment centers in this important region," Ray LaHood, the U.S. transportation secretary, said in a press release.
The turnpike authority expects to sell $615 million in bonds to raise the rest of the money, which would be repaid from toll collections. Construction is expected to begin in early August.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter and editor since 1976, he took over the 
Comments
Toll road
Mon, 07/13/2009 - 12:06 — Clooney1Wait a minute. I thought the road was already there. In the form of a part of 540 near the RTP. Now they want to build a completely new road?? Question...isn't "triangle expressway" and oxy-moron?
Toll road
Mon, 07/13/2009 - 12:06 — Clooney1Wait a minute. I thought the road was already there. In the form of a part of 540 near the RTP. Now they want to build a completely new road?? Question...isn't "triangle expressway" and oxy-moron?