KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM NC’S HISTORIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
By Thomas Meador, Project Executive
As the former Project Director for Lane Construction, I oversaw the largest section of the Complete 540 Phase 1 road project. The project was a $450+ million design-build effort involving 29 bridges and 7 million cubic yards of excavation/embankment, affecting over 200 different land parcels. Hence, Roads and Bridges Magazine awarded it the No.1 road project in 2024.
The sheer scale of this project was challenging on its own, but building it during the pandemic (2020-2024) added a new layer of complexity, with labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. Below are a few lessons learned that can be applied to projects of any size.
It’s All About Relationships
This success strategy cannot be overstated enough. In construction, success starts with relationships. Trust is the foundation, whether it’s between governmental agencies, project owners, engineers, or construction crews.
Trust isn’t built overnight; it’s earned through transparency, integrity, and prioritizing the project’s best interests over individual gain. During this project, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders like the North Carolina Turnpike Authority and neighborhood associations helped overcome obstacles and kept everyone aligned on shared goals.
Proper Planning Makes the Impossible Possible
A project of this scale can feel overwhelming and understandably intimidating, but breaking it into manageable parts was key. Dividing a big project into smaller tasks by planning, scheduling, and collaborating with others can make them easier to accomplish.
We saw this play out as we tackled major challenges, from managing one of the largest utility relocating agreements in NC history to managing $50+ million in change orders. The takeaway? With the right plan and the right people, no challenge is too big. You just need to plan, plan, plan.
Community Connection Is Critical
Infrastructure projects impact more than just the land—they affect people’s lives. That’s why we prioritized community outreach through efforts like participating in neighborhood meetings and responding quickly to the public’s concerns received on NC Turnpike Authority’s Complete 540 hotline to ensure open communication and transparency.
In addition, we had significant erosion control measures across the 700+ acre site to minimize environmental and community impacts. These efforts showed our commitment to respecting the people and places affected by the project.
Final Thoughts
Complete 540 Phase 1 opened in September 2024, and while it had its many challenges, every challenge was a lesson, and those lessons made the project a success. At its heart, construction is about more than roads and bridges—it’s about building trust, fostering teamwork, and creating something that lasts.
Author: Thomas Meader
Thomas is a Project Executive at Wayne Brothers with over three decades of distinguished construction experience. At Wayne Brothers, Tom serves as the lead executive for large-scale, multi-scope projects and mission-critical developments. Known for his hands-on leadership approach, he maintains an active field presence to ensure exceptional project delivery and team performance.
