CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In its first full year of service, the NCDOT says more than 25 million transactions have been made on the Monroe Expressway and traffic continues to improve quarter over quarter. 

• Over 25 million transactions made in the Monroe Expressway's first year.
• Over 33,000 people have already visited the customer service centers in both Monroe and Charlotte since their opening.
• Expressway routinely save customers more than 25 minutes in one trip, according to NCDOT.

The Monroe Expressway celebrated its first anniversary on Wednesday, and officials say its continued success has the Turnpike Authority on track to meet or exceed projections.

The North Carolina Turnpike Authority, NC Quick Pass, opened two customer service centers in Monroe and Charlotte prior to the expressway's opening. Since their opening, officials say more than 33,000 people have visited a customer service center in the region.

“We intend to serve the people traveling in the Charlotte region for many years to come, and we are grateful for a successful first year in the area,” says Turnpike Authority Executive Director J.J. Eden. “We are hearing from customers who say they are making it to appointments and home from work faster and can spend more time with family and loved ones, that is why we do this work.”

The NCDOT says the use of a transponder is the cheapest and easiest way to pay tolls when traveling through NC Quick Pass facilities. Customers are reportedly saving 25 minutes or more in one trip by using the NC Quick Pass.

Additional NC Quick Pass perks include:

• Save 35 percent on tolls in North Carolina
• Seamlessly pay tolls from a prepaid account on any facility in North Carolina and partnering states; and
• Pay lower rates on some E-Pass, E-ZPass, I-Pass, SunPass, and Peach Pass toll roads.

You can learn more about the Turnpike Authority, Monroe Expressway, NC Quick Pass, and upcoming projects by visiting ncdot.gov/turnpike or ncquickpass.com.