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Wake Forest commissioners discuss Capitol Boulevard tolling options; board asks staff to bring a resolution
Summary
Commissioners heard public comment and staff updates on tolling and financing alternatives for Capital Boulevard (US‑1/5307), including express‑lane and full‑toll scenarios, and asked the manager to return with a draft resolution to convey town priorities to the legislature and regional partners.
Wake Forest commissioners spent a portion of their May 20 meeting discussing potential tolling options to accelerate construction of the Capital Boulevard freeway (STIP project 5307). No formal vote to endorse a toll option was taken; commissioners expressed frustration with long delays and said they want the town’s priorities communicated to state leaders while keeping options on the table to expedite construction.
Joseph (Joe) Milazzo, executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance, told the board the RTA supports exploring tolls as an option to supplement state funding and accelerate delivery of the project, while also seeking discounted or zero tolls for off‑peak periods. “Our goal is to get the plan then approved… built as soon and surely as possible with as low or 0 of a toll level as possible,” Milazzo said, urging the board to keep options open while pursuing other funding sources.
Town staff briefed commissioners on recent scheduling changes for the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Staff said NCDOT now plans to begin right‑of‑way acquisition on sections A and B in 2026 and on C and D in 2028, two years earlier than earlier drafts; construction start and completion dates remain subject to funding and schedule changes.
Commissioners discussed the four tolling scenarios studied by the regional toll authority: full tolling of all lanes, full tolling with differing delivery timetables, and two express‑lane options in which a tolled lane would be added and dynamic pricing applied. A town planner explained that all studied options assume full build‑out of the 5307 project; express‑lane options would require additional right‑of‑way and could increase costs compared with a single expressway tolling scenario.
Several commissioners said they oppose tolls in principle but are willing to keep tolling as an option if it is the only practical way to get the project built sooner. Commissioner comments repeatedly urged legislative action to secure non‑toll funding and several commissioners asked staff to draft a resolution to communicate the town’s priorities to NCDOT and the General Assembly.
Mayor Vivian A. Jones said she will convey the board’s direction and requested the manager and staff return with a proposed resolution. No final policy decision was adopted at the meeting.
