The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) has released a new Rapid Response Special Report detailing the contributing factors to years of delays impacting the Blue Ridge Road Underpass Project (BRUP) in Raleigh, N.C.
The BRUP is aimed at improving traffic around the North Carolina State Fairgrounds by lowering Blue Ridge Road to allow vehicles and pedestrians to travel under Hillsborough Street, Beryl Road, and the adjacent railroad corridor. The project was initially scheduled for completion in July 2023; however, significant delays have pushed the estimated completion date back to spring 2027.
OSA found that railroad right-of-entry issues delayed the project from the start. Construction on railroad property could not begin until the right of entry was fully executed, and poor soil conditions were discovered after construction started, adding further delays. The report notes that BRUP funding rose from $50.7 million in 2018 to $71.6 million in 2025, a 41% increase.
“North Carolinians traveling in for the State Fair have patiently waited for years on the Blue Ridge Road Underpass Project. This is a complex project and railroad issues have delayed it from the start, but the need for this underpass hasn’t gone away,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek. “As this report shows, delays cost taxpayers additional dollars. Enhanced transparency and public reporting will help manage expectations and hopefully drive an additional sense of urgency.”
The report includes recommendations for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to implement. The response from NCDOT is included in the report.