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- 🏃 I-540 has a completion date
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Good afternoon, Raleigh. Who else is excited about the warmer weather and extended daylight that comes with the time change this weekend?
In today’s Raleigh Rundown:
Completed I-540 timeline
New Wake County bag policy for high school events
Raleigh Diner ranked best in the South
6 fun things to do this weekend in Raleigh
Let’s get to it. 🏃
Stories this week
Completed I-540 expected within 4 years 🛣️
If everything proceeds as planned, a complete 540 might be operational in within four years. This highway initiative, linking the southern and eastern regions of Raleigh, is tailored to handle a daily traffic volume of 70,000 vehicles.
540 will extend the Triangle Expressway from Apex/Holly Springs to the northern loop of I-540 in Knightdale
The timeline is applying pressure on the communities connected to the new stretch of highway to make sure that secondary roads can handle the increased traffic.
NCDOT officials state that tolls for the thoroughfare haven't been finalized yet, but they're anticipated to be similar to the current charges on the Triangle Expressway.
Spirit Airlines shrinks RDU presence as JetBlue deal dies 🛫
In 2019, Spirit Airlines began operations at RDU with seven direct flights and ambitious expansion plans. This has begun to shrink in recent months as presently the airline seems to primarily service only one oute regularly, from RDU to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a route it initiated just last year.
JetBlue and Spirit were in talks about merging, but those plans have been scrapped. JetBlue revealed on Monday that the agreement, which was struck in July 2022, is being called off due to regulatory examination.
Wake County issues clear-bag policy for sports and other large-scale gatherings for all high schools 🚍
Beginning on March 1, a clear bag policy is now in effect for spectators at sporting events and other large-scale gatherings in Wake County high schools.
Here are the rules for attending these events going forward:
No traditional purses or bags. Bags must be clear.
People and bags will be searched upon entry.
Wristlets and diaper bags will still be allowed.
Guests can also bring bags that are medically necessary - like containers for menstrual products or an oxygen tank.
Exceptions may also be made for certain baby carriers, coats, blankets and seat cushions.
People are otherwise limited to one clear bag that's 12 inches by 15 inches by 3 inches and one clutch or wristlet bag that's no more than 4 inches by 6 inches by 1 inch.
No more backpacks or belt bags unless they are small and clear.
The rule only applies to extracurricular events that would have spectators and not to the regular school day.
Blue Ridge Road is widening🚦
The project involves the installation of a center turn lane along a significant stretch of the roadway, connecting a hospital campus to a busy shopping mall, alongside enhancements such as sidewalks. On Tuesday, the Raleigh City Council granted Carolina Sunrock a $19.6 million contract for the initial phase of the project.
Blue Ridge Road widening project from Duraleigh to Edgemont Drive
LOCAL BUSINESS
🍻 Clouds Brewing is moving
A brewery located in Downtown Raleigh that was once a leader in the craft brewing community, is relocating.
Clouds Brewing, located at 126 N. West St. for a decade, announced on Instagram that its lease is going to be up soon and it will move. The brewery posted the following on Instagram:
"It is with a heavy heart that we close this chapter of Clouds… We have come to the end of our lease and, due to many factors (several beyond our control), we’ve decided to move on to our next great adventure."
"We're looking forward to the future — we have big plans to build a new identity in a new space," it said.
The last day in the downtown location will be April 7. Clouds said it plans to move to "a new neighborhood."
👩🍳 Poole’s Diner ranked the best Diner in the South
Southern Living has released its yearly awards for the finest establishments in the South, and a renowned restaurant in Raleigh has made the cut.
Poole's Diner, situated downtown and led by chef Ashley Christensen, has been voted as the top diner in the Southern region by the readers of Southern Living.
In addition to Poole's Diner's accolade, Raleigh has earned the distinction of being the ninth-best city in the Southern region, surpassing Charlotte but trailing behind Asheville. Charleston placed first.
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND
Trivia Night: Decades Trivia (80s, 90s, 00s) | Friday, 7 PM | New City Church - 6904 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
Trivia Night is back on Friday, March 8, at 7 PM. Come for snacks and trivia at New City Church. The theme for this trivia night is Decades Trivia. As always, it's going to be a great night!
Trivia will be held in the gathering space at the side entrance of the building.
COST: Free
Raleigh Brewing’s 11th Anniversary Block Party | Saturday, 1 - 9 PM | 3797 Neil St, Raleigh
Live music, beer, food trucks, and so much MORE! The music line-up:
1 pm: The Good Doods
3:45 pm: Lady Die
6:30 pm: Say Less the Band
Food trucks:
Berto Chimis
454 Grill
Mama Voula's
They'll also be tapping up rare and limited-release beers at the brewer's cellar in addition to an extra special surprise packaged beer release and brand new merch.
COST: Free to enter, cost for food and drinks
North Carolina FC VS Charleston Battery | Saturday 7 PM | WakeMed Soccer Park
Catch the home opener for the North Carolina Football Club.
COST: $18 and up
Gabriel Iglesias: Don’t Worry Be Fluffy | Saturday 8 PM | PNC Arena
Come hear comedy great Grabriel Iglesias at the PNC arena. Must be 12 years old or older to attend. Doors open at 7 PM.
COST: $100 and up
The Underground Market | Sunday 11 AM - 3 PM | Midtown Park at North Hills - 4011 Cardinal at North Hills St, Raleigh
This is an outdoor event in the Midtown Park area of North Hills featuring concert bands from Oak City Collective, 45+ local vendors, diverse bands, food trucks, and much much more!
COST: Free to enter, cost for food and vendor purchases
Carolina Hurricanes VS Calgary Flames | Sunday, 5:30 PM | PNC Arena
The Hurricanes play at home this Sunday. Click here for tickets.
COST: Varies by ticket
Local Business Spotlight 💡
The Mach 1
CN-Seamless, Inc. is headquartered in the Raleigh area and designs and manufactures portable machines that make robotic fabrication achievable in the field or tight corners of the shop. Their flagship product, the Mach 1, was beta tested with some of the largest fabricators in North Carolina in 2023, and in March of 2024 they are releasing it to the market.
The Mach 1 is characterized by easy-to-use software tailored for tradesmen, an electromagnet base that enables vertical and upside-down mounting, and a modular attachment system providing options for oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, and more scheduled for the future.
CONNECT WITH CN-SEAMLESS ONLINE TO LEARN MORE:
WEATHER
Friday
66 🌡️ 47 | 🌤️ | 0%
Saturday
63 🌡️ 48 | ⛈️ | 100%
Sunday
61 🌡️ 37 | 🌤️ | 0%
SPORTS
Men’s Basketball 🏀
SATURDAY
UNC @ Duke | 6:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks @ Charlotte Hornets | 7 PM
NC State @ Pittsburgh | 7:45 PM
SUNDAY
Charlotte Hornets @ Atlanta Hawks | 7:30 PM
Baseball ⚾️
FRIDAY
Boston College @ NC State | 3 PM
Pitt @ UNC | 4 PM
Duke @ Wake Forest | 6 PM
SATURDAY
Pitt @ UNC | 2 PM
Duke @ Wake Forest | 3 PM
Boston College @ NC State | 3 PM
SUNDAY
Boston College @ NC State | 11 AM
Duke @ Wake Forest | 1 PM
Pitt @ UNC | 1 PM
Hockey 🏒
Saturday: Carolina Hurricanes @ New Jersey Devils | 12:30 PM
Sunday: Calgary Flames @ Carolina Hurricanes | 5 PM
THANKS!
Thanks for reading the Raleigh Rundown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves the rain. ☔️
Have any suggestions for what you would like to see in future editions? Reply to this email and let me know!
Let’s do this again next Thursday!
