Turnpike Authority briefs Garner council on NC 540 Phase 2 construction, schedule and noise-policy rules

The North Carolina Turnpike Authority updated the Town of Garner Council Tuesday on construction and design for Phase 2 of the NC 540 Outer Loop and answered council questions about costs, traffic detours and community impacts.

The Turnpike Authority said that 86% of the Outer Loop lane miles are open and that crews are building the final 10 miles on the eastern side of the project. Alan Shapiro, identified in the meeting as chief engineer for the Turnpike Authority, told council members the agency still expects the remaining work to be completed in “late calendar year 2028.” He said the phase 2 projects were awarded more recently and reflect higher construction prices: "You get 10 miles of construction for about $740,000,000," Shapiro said, contrasting that with the earlier southern section where three contracted projects (about 16–18 miles) originally bid at roughly $750 million.

The presentation outlined several design changes and traffic impacts that affect Garner. Shapiro said engineers realigned East Garner Road to eliminate a second set of high bridges and reduce long‑term maintenance costs; he said the contract allows the contractor…