Western Wake Freeway

The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) is providing this letter to update property owners within or adjacent to the Western Wake Freeway portion of the Triangle Expressway proyect.

Western Wake Freeway is a proposed 12.6 mile, six-lane, controlled access toll facility on new location from NC 55 at SR 1172 (Old Smithfield Road) to NC 55 near SR 1630 (Alston Avenue). A figure showing the project location is attached. More detailed maps of the project are available on our website (View Citizens lnformational Workshop Maps 1, 2, 3 and 4 of 4).

In 2007, the North Carolina House and Senate passed two separate bills that would have provided the NCTA the "gap funds" needed to construct the project. The Senate bill would have generated funding from an increase in passenger vehicle registration fees. The house bill would have appropriated funds from the General Fund. Unfortunately, the House and Senate did not reach a consensus on the funding source prior to adjourning from session: therefore, "gap funding" for the NCTA was not secured.

NCTA is currently pursuing several funding options, including continued efforts through the NC General Assembly and/or other potential private sources. The NCTA is optimistic that funding can be secured in 2008; however, funding is not guaranteed. Understanding the importance of this highway to the region, the NCTA proceeded with the advertisement of the Western Wake Freeway project on December 3, 2007. If funding is secured by spring 2008, construction contracts could be awarded in summer 2008.

The NCTA understands how difficult the uncertainty associated with funding and scbeduling is for you as a property owner. The NCTA is diligently working to move the Western Wake Freeway project forward.

The NCTA will continue to keep you up to date on the progress of funding and the purchase of right-of-way. Once funding is secured, the NCTA will contact all affected property owners regarding the right-of-way acquisition process nnd schedule.

The NCTA is trying to move the process along as quickly as possible and intend to keep you apprised of our progress along the way.

If you have any further questions about the project, you may write or call the NCTA staff identified below.

Sincerely,
Steven D. Dewitt, P.E.
Chief Engineer

For right-of-way information, please
contact:

Mr. Shannon Sweitzer, P.E.
North Carolina Turnpike Authority
1578 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1578
Tel: 919-510-4372
Fax: 919-571-3015
shannon.sweitzer@ncturnpike.org

For general information, please contact:

Ms. Jennifer Harris, P.E.
North Carolina Turnpike Authority
1578 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1578
Tel: 919-571-3004
Fax: 919-571-3015
jennifer.harris@ncturnpike.org