1/15/2026 – Construction of the new portions of the lot is approximately 75% complete. Solar panels have been installed on multiple walkways to help offset energy usage in the lot and the Customer Amenity Building (CAB) once in service. All major grading activities have concluded and rehabilitation efforts in the existing lot are underway. This includes additional covered walkways, expansion of the exit plaza, and the addition of dedicated oversized vehicle parking. NC State University is continuing to monitor the effectiveness of the Submerged Gravel Wetlands and will continue to do so for a period of two years. Design is underway for EV charging and additional solar facilities to help offset more energy usage.

Overall project progress – 70%

11/11/25 Approximately half of the new lot areas are now open to the public. The expanded entry plaza has been constructed and is anticipated to open this month for holiday travel. Six of seven Submerged Gravel Wetlands (SGW) are in full operation with a few plantings going in during the warmer spring months early next year. NC State has commenced monitoring these wetlands to evaluate their performance and inform potential future SGW installations across the state. The existing lot is being rehabilitated with new pavements and covered walkways. Construction of the Customer Amenity Building (CAB) continues with exterior glazing installation and drywall. Several walkways now have solar panels installed to offset the lot’s energy use.

Estimated total project completion is 60%

8/1/25 The first several sections of the new lot have been opened to the public and are now in use. These areas will continue to receive enhancements—such as dynamic wayfinding—as the project progresses. The next two sections of the lot are nearly complete and scheduled to open soon. The expanded entry plaza has been constructed, and work on the new entryway will begin shortly to improve access to the site. Additionally, the first three of seven Submerged Gravel Wetlands (SGWs) will be planted with native wetland species and brought into full operation this fall. NC State will begin monitoring these wetlands to evaluate their performance and inform potential future SGW installations across the state. Preparations are underway to rehabilitate the existing lot, including upgraded amenities and improved wayfinding. Construction of the Customer Amenity Building (CAB) is progressing, with most of the steel framework already in place. Finally, installation of solar panels is planned to begin by year’s end. These panels will be mounted on top of the covered walkways throughout the lot to help offset energy consumption.

Estimated total project completion is 40%

5/4/25 The first three areas within the expanded lot are nearly complete and tentatively planned to open later this summer. The first two submerged gravel wetlands are being planted with native wetland species in the coming weeks on top of specially formulated wetland soil and gravel that will retain water. Four new bus stops have been erected and steel has begun to be placed for the CAB facility. Final pavement markings and signage are continuing to prepare for the initial phase of opening in the lot. Also opening in the first phase is a newly constructed continuation of the primary roadway through the lot which is entirely made of PCC to further prolong the useful life of the pavement under heavy 24-hour bus traffic.

Estimated total project completion is 35%

3/8/25 The majority of the new expansion areas of the lot have been graded out including new basins for what will become submerged gravel wetlands. Paving operations are finishing up in what is planned to be the first two sections of the new lot to open later this year. New bus shelters and covered walkways are under construction as well as the new Customer Amenity Building (CAB), which will serve as an operations center for parking and police staff and host a public restroom facility/lounge. Work will begin later this year in the existing lot to provided additional covered walkways and expanded exit lanes. A new employee lot is also taking shape within the program. Solar panels will be installed on several of the covered walkways to offset the energy consumption of the lot and CAB facility. Lastly, EV charging is currently under design to be added into the lot.

Estimated total project completion is 28%

9/6/24 The majority of the project earthwork efforts have occurred with six out of seven basins constructed that will ultimately become submerged gravel wetlands. The contractor has started the cement treatment of the soils that will support the new parking lot areas in the first areas scheduled to open. The addition of cement to the upper layer of soil provides a stable platform for the pavement structure to be built upon. The majority of the primary electrical, communication and drainage systems have been installed as well, including infrastructure to support the addition of solar covered walkways.

Estimated total project completion is 20%

Construction continues with earthwork activities, stormwater infrastructure installation, and utility installation. Water and sanitary sewer utilities are nearly complete and primary electric and communication utilities are being installed. The Board formally approved moving forward with the addition of solar panels in the lot to be located on top of the proposed covered walkways. The power generated from this solar array will largely offset the energy consumed in the lot once operational and further reduce the energy footprint of the lot. The design team is working to incorporate the panels currently. Blasting activities for earthwork are ongoing and are being strategically planned to minimize further processing and the need for additional hauling efforts.

Estimated total project completion is 13%

The RDUAA Board has approved the next phase of the PE-3 Expansion program which is getting underway now. This phase will consist of the earthwork and grading associated with the expansion areas, construction and paving of the new lot areas, and construction of the submerged gravel wetlands that will be used for stormwater management. The site currently has been cleared and prepped for the earthwork operations to begin and is currently stabilized with grass. Flocculants have also been implemented to further reduce the chance or sediment runoff and will be used throughout the project duration. No major impacts to lot operations are anticipated at this time.  

Estimated total project completion is 10%

Erosion and sedimentation control devices have been installed around the perimeter of the project along with tree protection fencing in select areas to identify project boundaries. Clearing and grubbing efforts have concluded. The site is being mulched and prepared for earthwork operations to begin. All trees removed from the site have been diverted from landfills and are being used for future wood and paper products. Mulch from the site is also being diverted from landfills to be used as other products or donated. No impacts to lot operations are expected at this time.

Estimated total project completion is 8%.