The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced a public hearing for November 18 at 5 p.m. in Apex’s John M. Brown Community Center. Residents will have the opportunity to review and comment on the agency’s plans to improve US 64, a key east‑west corridor that runs through Wake County.
Project details and proposed improvements
According to the latest NCDOT maps, the plan calls for two new interchanges – one at Laura Duncan Road and another at Lake Pine Drive – that will raise both roads above US 64. The agency also proposes widening the highway to six lanes, extending from just west of Laura Duncan Road in Apex to the US 1 interchange in Cary.
“It’s noisy, it’s crowded, and it’s a traffic jam,” said Pat Quick, a longtime Apex resident who lives near the proposed Laura Duncan Road interchange. “The county’s growing, especially Apex, and this project is something that’s needed.”
Traffic forecasts and timeline
NCDOT traffic analysts project a more than 40 percent increase in vehicle counts on US 64 by 2040. Current daily volumes range from over 40,000 vehicles near Laura Duncan Road to more than 56,000 vehicles near US 1. The agency says the projected growth underscores the need for additional capacity and safer, more efficient travel.
Construction is slated to begin in 2031, with an estimated cost exceeding $340 million. Before any widening can start, NCDOT must extend the CSX railroad bridge located west of Laura Duncan Road, a prerequisite to ensure uninterrupted rail service during highway work.
How the public can get involved
Residents have until December 18 to submit comments online at [email protected] or by calling 512‑580‑8850 and referencing project code 2246. The agency encourages community members to share their concerns, suggestions, and support for the project during the public meeting and through the comment period.
The meeting will feature presentations from NCDOT officials, followed by a question‑and‑answer session. Attendees will receive detailed maps, traffic projections, and information on how the project will be funded.
Why the project matters for families and local businesses
Improved traffic flow on US 64 is expected to benefit families commuting to work, school, and church by reducing travel times and enhancing safety. Local businesses anticipate better access for customers and deliveries, which can spur economic growth in both Apex and Cary.
Community leaders have praised the project as a proactive step to accommodate Wake County’s rapid growth while preserving the quality of life that families value. By addressing congestion now, the region can avoid more costly fixes later.
Looking ahead
While the project’s start date is several years away, the public meeting provides a crucial early opportunity for residents to shape the final design. NCDOT has emphasized that it will continue to work closely with local officials, law‑enforcement, and the public to ensure the project aligns with the needs of the community.
For more information about the meeting agenda, parking, or how to submit comments, visit the NCDOT project page or contact the Apex community center directly.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
