NCDOT: Complete 540

Transformative North Carolina transportation initiative extends the Triangle Expressway along Interstate 540.

Location

Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Complete 540 is a transformative North Carolina transportation initiative aimed at extending the Triangle Expressway along Interstate 540 and creating a full loop around the greater Raleigh area.

In support of this initiative, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) is working with WSP on a pilot project to integrate drone based light detection and ranging (LiDAR) with cost loaded critical path method (CPM) scheduling on Phase 2 of Complete 540.

This work builds on our experience in applying unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, with LiDAR technology on complex corridors, including Interstate 440 (I-440) in Raleigh on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Complete 540 combines these capabilities with CPM scheduling to provide a clearer understanding of construction status than traditional approaches alone.

The combination empowers NCTA with a highly accurate, data driven view of construction progress, safety and efficiency on large scale transportation infrastructure.

Smarter oversight

Traditional surveying and progress tracking methods are often time intensive and difficult to scale on large transportation projects, and field crews may spend extended periods in active construction zones to collect data that takes weeks to process.

On projects like Complete 540, these limitations negatively impact costs, scheduling and safety.

To overcome them, WSP deploys monthly UAS platforms equipped with LiDAR sensors to collect high resolution data throughout the project corridor. Compared to traditional surveying, this approach significantly reduces field time, while also capturing detailed topographic and surface information over large areas.

Better data

LiDAR data is processed using specialized tools that allow project teams to verify and compare results against design models. This allows for faster access to reliable data that better supports construction oversight and decision making.

This method of data collection improves the precision of quantity tracking and progress measurement, which is especially valuable on large toll facility projects like Complete 540. This higher level of accuracy enables more reliable assessments of completed and remaining work.

At the same time, the use of drones reduces the need for personnel to work in active construction zones and high traffic areas, increasing safety.

Delivering value

A key differentiator for this Complete 540 pilot is the integration of LiDAR data with cost loaded CPM schedules. By linking measured quantities and observed field conditions with scheduled activities, we are helping NCTA develop a more data driven understanding of construction progress.

The use of UAS based LiDAR and cost loaded scheduling has delivered notable benefits for NCTA and the Complete 540 project team, including:

Increased efficiency: Reduced field time and faster data processing compared to traditional survey methods,
Improved accuracy: More reliable quantity tracking and progress verification,
Enhanced safety: Fewer personnel required in active construction and high traffic areas, and
Greater visibility: Clearer, data driven insight into construction progress and project status.

Early outcomes have been viewed positively by NCTA, reinforcing the value of the approach as a pilot program.

Scalable solutions

Construction of the 10-mile extension of the Triangle Expressway is well underway, with critical earthwork and structures progressing toward a scheduled 2028 completion.

This project will provide another lifeline in easing congestion to one of the nation’s fastest growing areas, while also spurring development in the region. It also demonstrates advanced data collection and scheduling integration can enhance construction inspection and oversight on complex transportation projects.

As NCTA and other transportation agencies look for more efficient, accurate and safer ways to manage large infrastructure programs, the approach developed for Complete 540 offers a scalable model for future projects.