NCDOT Will Expand Raleigh Poole Road in 2029
The $43 million infrastructure project will widen the road to four lanes and add new bridges.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Home Renovation
Live Poll
Will the upcoming Poole Road widening project improve traffic flow in your area?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to widen Poole Road in Raleigh starting in late spring 2029. The $43 million project aims to accommodate rising traffic volumes expected after the opening of the Triangle Expressway.
Why it matters
The expansion addresses current traffic congestion and prepares for future demand as regional infrastructure developments like the Triangle Expressway change local travel patterns.
The project will modify the 352-foot bridge built in 1959 and include a 17-foot median. It also features a 12-foot multi-use path to improve transit accessibility.
The players
NCDOT
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is the state agency responsible for the planning and maintenance of the state's transportation infrastructure.
The details
NCDOT will repurpose the existing bridge to carry westbound traffic while constructing two additional bridges over the Neuse River. Turn lanes will be added at Riverview Road and Poole Road Park to improve traffic flow.
Timeline
1959: The original bridge was constructed.
September 28, 2026: Public meeting at Barwell Road Community Center.
Late 2028: Expected opening of the Triangle Expressway.
Late spring 2029: Widening construction is scheduled to begin.
Roadmap
This project reflects the broader push to expand road capacity in growing urban areas like Raleigh to meet rising vehicle demand. It positions NCDOT to manage the long-term impact of major thoroughfares on local residential road networks.
Residents should anticipate construction activity starting in late spring 2029, which will likely affect commute times on Poole Road. The addition of a 12-foot multi-use path will provide new options for cyclists and pedestrians in the area.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects require years of planning to align with major regional transportation shifts. Homeowners in developing zones can proactively track these developments to understand potential changes to their neighborhood traffic and accessibility.
What happens next
A public meeting regarding the project will be held on September 28, 2026, at the Barwell Road Community Center.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure and Home Renovation updates in the region.
More information
Residents can view the project maps and feedback portal to learn more about the upcoming changes.
Live Poll
Will the upcoming Poole Road widening project improve traffic flow in your area?
