Misused public fundsTransparency

NCDOT's Raleigh Beltline widening, due in 2023, is about three years late; project cost estimate rose from a $346 million contract to $475 million with no itemization

Confidence: Alleged · 2 sourcesNorth Carolina · Oct 12, 2026

Subject of this story

North Carolina Department of Transportation

Lane Construction

What happened

WRAL reported in 2026 that the I-440 Beltline widening in Raleigh, started in 2019 and due in 2023, is now expected to finish on the I-440 portion by the end of summer 2026, with the Blue Ridge Road/Hillsborough Street segment due next year. NCDOT awarded Lane Construction a $346 million contract and has paid $351 million so far; NCDOT's website estimates total project cost at $475 million, which includes items such as land purchases and utility relocation, but gives no breakdown. NCDOT says the contractor has incurred about $2.5 million in penalties, including a $280,000 fine for a 28-hour delay reopening Western Boulevard. In an earlier WRAL report on several Wake County projects behind schedule, NCDOT spokesperson Aaron Moody said project delays bring cost increases and cited labor and material shortages.

Sources (2)

WRALOriginal contract $346 million; amount already paid $351 million; current estimated total cost $475 million; NCDOT provided no detailed breakdown of the cost increase.

WRALLane Construction fined $280,000 for a 28-hour delay opening the Western Boulevard diverging diamond interchange; NCDOT spokesperson Aaron Moody: 'Any time there is a project delay, there are going to be associated cost increases.'

Response

North Carolina Department of Transportation

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

Lane Construction

Not yet contacted

Not yet contacted for this story.

What happened next (0)

No outcome recorded yet.

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