A Breakdown of Southeastern Toll Roads

North Carolina got its first toll road earlier this year with the opening of the Triangle Expressway. When completed, the expressway will extend about 18 miles from Research Triangle Park to Holly Springs.

The first phase of the project officially opened last December, but began collecting tolls just after the New Year. It connects N.C. 147 south to Interstate 40 and Interstate 540.

Phase two opened up in August and connects N.C. 540 between N.C. 54 and U.S. 64 in Apex.

The final phase, expected to open in January, will connect N.C. 540 between U.S. 64 and N.C. 55 Bypass in Holly Springs

This got us thinking about how the TriEx, as it’s lovingly called, stacks up against other toll roads in the Southeast.

We’ve put together a chart showing the toll differences, along with more detail about each road below.

Note: The toll rates listed here are flat fees, except TriEx and Southern Connector. Those are per-mile charges. Rates are for two-axle cars only.

TriEx
Where: Wake and Durham counties, North Carolina
Connects: N.C. 147 south to N.C. 55 Bypass (when completed)
Miles: 18 (when completed)
Toll Rates: Ranges from 30 cents to 65 cents per mile with an N.C. Quick Pass. Ranges between 45 cents and $1.25 per mile if billed by mail.
Fun Facts: The project cost is about $1 billion and is the first toll road in North Carolina. North Carolina is the last state in the region to implement a toll road.

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Southern Connector
Where: Greenville, S.C.
Connects: The southern portion of Interstate 185 to Interstate-385
Miles: 16
Toll Rates: Pal Pass rates are 75 cents to $2.70. If paying cash, 75 cents to $3.00.
Fun Facts: It is one of two toll roads in South Carolina. The other is in Hilton Head. The Southern Connector has brought in $3.3 million so far this year. In 2010, the association responsible for the road filed bankruptcy.

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