This content first appeared in Economy & Business 2026. Click here to view the full publication.

By Joe Milazzo II, PE, Regional Transportation Alliance

The Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) has served as the voice of the regional business community on
transportation for more than two decades. As our market continues to grow, RTA has redoubled our efforts to ensure that needed mobility infrastructure will be in place now and in the future.

With BRT under construction this year in Raleigh, and 10 other BRT corridors in various stages of development across the region, we need to leverage the momentum for additional transit enhancements including I-40 BRT and the RDU exchange station. Let’s celebrate the ongoing progress of 540, let’s get I-40
improvements in RTP and the US 1/Capital Freeway to a faster construction start line, and let’s support RDU and develop a sustainable business model for infrastructure at our growing hometown international airport. In 2026 and beyond, RTA will continue to deliver business leadership to get our region moving faster.

“Ongoing growth in the metropolitan Triangle is a blessing, challenge, and opportunity. The regional business community remains laserfocused on building and improving our freeway system, accelerating our regional BRT network, and advancing infrastructure at RDU Airport.”

– Joe Milazzo II, PE, Executive Director, Regional Transportation Alliance