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When the N.C. Turnpike Authority opens a new 6.6-mile stretch of the 540 Outer Loop in western Wake next week as part of the Triangle Expressway toll road, it also will start collecting tolls on an old 2.8-mile leg of 540 where drivers have traveled for free since it opened in 2007.
If you drive on 540 now between N.C. 54 and N.C. 55, I'd like to speak with you for a story to be published next week. Please email me with you comments, your name, and your workday telephone number.
Car owners have received unusual bills in recent weeks from the Turnpike Authority, charging them $0.00 for these 540 trips. It’s the state’s way of preparing them for a big change that takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
Just as drivers will be charged (after a toll-free Wednesday) for driving on the new section of 540 from RTP to U.S. 64 at Apex, they also will start paying tolls for the previously-free stretch between N.C. 54 and N.C. 55.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter, editor and blogger since 1976, he took over the