Rolesville bypass cutting commute time to Raleigh

The Rolesville bypass has that new-road look with black asphalt, bright white lines and plenty of vehicles using it.

Leon Alexander said he likes the bypass, but added that the new superstreet intersections can be challenging to navigate.

“The other night I was coming in and I got thrown off making a U-turn,” Alexander said.

The Department of Transportation engineer overseeing the project said drivers are getting used to the superstreet and that the bypass is helping to reduce commute times between Rolesville and Raleigh.

Rolesville Mayor Frank Eagles said getting onto Main Street during the morning commute used to be difficult.

“You just pull out in a turn lane and somebody lets you nicely merge in to get down the street,” Eagles said. “I didn't have to do that this morning.”

Street signs arrived for the bypass Wednesday, and crews are still working to build the rest of the bypass on the north end of town.

The bypass should be completed by September, according to officials.

Eagles said he's ready for the next step, widening U.S. Highway 401 into Franklin County.

“We've got to go to Louisburg,” Eagles said. “It's great for the community, but we've got to get it done all the way.”

The funding to widen U.S. Highway 401 to Louisburg is part of a transportation bond referendum Gov. Pat McCrory is currently pitching. Lawmakers are considering sending that referendum to voters.