Return to NIEHS | Current Issue
Share
Increase text size Decrease text size

RTP Toll Road Advances Beside NIEHS-EPA Campus

By Eddy Ball
October 2009

On September 4, some of the first signs of progress and profit were evident alongside Hopson Road just a few hundred yards away from the Keystone Building and the rear entrance to the NIEHS-EPA campus
On September 4, some of the first signs of progress and profit were evident alongside Hopson Road just a few hundred yards away from the Keystone Building and the rear entrance to the NIEHS-EPA campus. (Photo by Eddy Ball)

By September 24, the right-of-way was cleared along the entire length of the campus
By September 24, the right-of-way was cleared along the entire length of the campus. (Photo by Eddy Ball)

As recently as August, the right-of-way for the new Triangle Parkway was still scrub pine and new growth hardwood. A rutted dirt road plunged into the property adjacent to the NIEHS-EPA campus and wound its way along the border near the First Environments daycare center. The tract was empty except for power lines, an unauthorized dump, the occasional drink container or snack wrapper, and storm water drains.

In September, crews cleared trees and underbrush for the earth moving equipment that will construct the roadbed for the 3.4-mile freeway between NC 540 and I-40. As early as next year, the six-lane, median-divided toll road could be carrying automobile and truck traffic.

The Parkway right-of-way parallels the power line that crosses Hopson Road and runs toward the intersection of NC 147 and T.W. Alexander Road
The Parkway right-of-way parallels the power line that crosses Hopson Road and runs toward the intersection of NC 147 and T.W. Alexander Road. (Photo by Eddy Ball)



"Lobbyist Speaks on..." - previous story Previous story
October 2009 Cover Page

Back to top Back to top