RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – A project in the works since 2006 is finally coming to light as the Department of Transportation makes their plans for Capital Boulevard public.

The current proposal removes traffic lights, adds four interchanges, and turns US-1 into a controlled access highway from I-540 in Raleigh to Purnell Road/Harris Road in Wake Forest.

“There’s major congestion issues here, traffic issues, and folks who live and travel in this area, especially at the peak travel times, understand and know that. So really what we’re looking at here is hey we want to come up with a solution to not only solve those problems but at the same time maintain that regional mobility, local connectivity, as well as ensure the safety of motorist and pedestrians who are using this roadway,” says NCDOT Public Relations Officer Sean Williams.

The project won't break ground until 2021. 

Right now, DOT is seeking public input with a meeting schedule for Thursday at The Renaissance Centre in Wake Forest.

 “So it’s still very early in the process but this is also arguably one of the most important phases of the whole project progression,” says Williams.

Kathy Perazzo, a realtor for Fathom Realty who lives in the area says, “I think this is a project that is long overdue. I think every single person that’s been making the commute everyday has been wanting this to happen a long time ago, uh I wish it would happen sooner. The bottom line here is they’re looking to make improvements, not everyone is going to be happy about everything that’s done but the overall project will definitely make the area a lot easier to travel, a lot better for resale values on homes and it will actually bring more people up into the Franklin County area as well because it will be easier to get up there.” ​

An updated plan with service roads added in is expected Spring 2019.