East End Connector / Durham Northeastern Bypass

Project First Proposed: 1960s   Interstate First Proposed: 2014
Construction Started: February 2015  Completed and Opened: June 30, 2022


    The Route: From I-85/US 70 interchange east of Durham to current I-40/NC 147 - Durham Freeway interchange

    in Research Triangle Park, 8 miles

Go to Photos (Latest along NC 885 added 6/25/23)    Go to Videos (Latest 9/30/22)    Go to Sign Plans

Check out this Sneak Peak video from WRAL.com


This newly completed interstate, officially submitted for approval to AASHTO in May 2022, was first shown in signage plans for the Durham East End Connector Project, placed online on August 19, 20141, and runs from the current I-85/US 70 interchange in Durham to I-40 in Research Triangle Park, using the Connector to provide a direct connection between the Durham Freeway (NC 147) and US 70 (Miami Boulevard), instead of using streets in Durham. The Connector opened on June 30, 2022, and includes improvements to upgrade US 70 to a limited access freeway from Pleasant Drive to north of Holloway Street (NC 98).

I-885 Exit List 

East End Connector Project History

Construction of the Connector started more than 7 years ago on February 26, 2015 after NCDOT awarded the $142 contract to Dragados USA of New York City on January 7 and completion has been delayed at least 4 times. The project originally had a tentative completion date of May 2020, though NCDOT said in 2017 that the road could open as early as July 2019. Weather and other delays officially pushed back the date to June 30, 2022.2 Although the Durham Freeway and US 70 are just a mile apart, the project involved constructing 3.9 miles of roadway, including car and railroad bridges, and long loop ramps at both ends. The new freeway has two lanes each way with room to add a third lane in the future.3 Work on moving traffic to new northbound lanes on NC 147 was to be completed by June 2018, according to the NCDOT project website, that milestone was then pushed back on December 18, 2018, then to May 2019. A news story from June 11, 2019 put the completion of the NC 147 part back to July 2019, the extreme wet weather of the region being probably the biggest culprit for that delay. On August 17, 2019 the revamped North NC 147/Durham Freeway lanes were finally reopened ending the temporary use of the southbound lanes that had lasted since 2017.8 While work was completed south of the future I-885 interchange in 2019, work north of it was not completed until June 2020.6 The rest of the work on widening the new US 70 East/Future I-885 South lanes was completed in October 2020.

The completion date for the entire project and the route's number have been in flux for more than 2 1/2 years. In a November 21, 2019 NCDOT press release, the opening date was pushed back to November 2020, in February 2020 the official project page updated the opening of the Connector to November 18, 2020.7 A NCDOT press release of June 8, 2020 regarding closure of US 70 lanes to install girders for the future I-885 South bridge over NC 98 now indicated the project should be completed by the end of the year. The NCDOT project website in October 2020 listed that the opening of the Connector to traffic won't happen until June 2021, however the Construction Progress Report for the contract updated as of April 30, 2022 still says the completion date is February 22, 2021.4 The continuing delays appear to be connected to construction of a new railroad bridge on the US 70 portion, according to a news article published on December 31, 2020, there was a problem with the steel girders that caused them to bend when concrete for the bridge was being poured. That problem has now been fixed. Once the new bridge is completed, it will take 6 weeks to demolish the temporary bridge (see photos below) and repave the lanes underneath.9 Though this does not explain the delay in opening the Connector between NC 147 and US 70 which is apparently complete. A reply sent to a poster on AARoads Forum on April 26, 2021 indicated that there would be further delays in opening beyond June. The NCDOT spokesman stated it now should be open by the end of the year, perhaps as early as September.10 However, in June 2021, the NCDOT project page was updated listing December 2021 as the date the highway would open to traffic and Spring 2022 as the completion date for the project.11As of early October 2021 the temporary railroad bridge was still in place, putting the end of the year opening date in doubt. In early November 2021, NCDOT reported that the work on the new railroad bridge was complete and the temporary one could now be demolished. They said, however, that demolition would not start until December, putting the completion date in late January or early February 2022. Since paving and lane striping would have to wait until it warmed up, they would not commit to a specific completion date, only sometime in the spring of 2022.12 NCDOT then announced in mid-January 2022 that the bridge demolition would not start until later that month or early February. The demolition work though did not start until mid-February with the NCDOT press release indicating the work would finish by the end of March.13 Lane striping and the installation on new signage would then have to take place before the Connector can open. Despite the additional delays, the NCDOT project site still listed a 'Spring' 2022 opening. On May 4, 2022 NCDOT issued a press release saying the workers on the East End Connector project were beginning to wrap up their work. Final paving and lane striping on US 70 had begun and would continue for a few more weeks. The the installation of remaining I-885 (and NC 885 signs along the toll portion of NC 147) would start the week of May 9.14 Coincidentally or not, this was the same date the AASHTO Special Committee on U.S. Route Numbering met in New Orleans to approve the latest state US Route and Interstate applications, which included I-885 (and Future I-685) from NCDOT. A browse through traffic cameras from May 13 to June 5 showed signage gradually being changed north to south where signs could be seen. Many signs remained unchanged through the second week of June. New I-885 exit gore signs with new numbers were still covered by with black plastic on US 70 until the first week of June, and signage south of I-40 still showed NC 147 shields until the middle of June:

Meanwhile on NC 540, signs still showed Toll NC 147 at the NC 55 exit until June 23, probably one of the last changed:

Traffic camera image showing new NC 885 and I-885 shields on Triangle Parkway 1 1/4 Miles advance sign at NC 55 exit on NC 540 East, June 2022

NCDOT still did not list an actual opening date, but an NCDOT spokesman quoted in an early May news article said that he hoped all the paving work would be completed in June.15 On June 22, 2022 NCDOT announced there would be a ribbon cutting followed by the opening of the Connector on June 30.16 Meanwhile, NCDOT's traffic map jumped the gun on the night of May 11 and started signing the Durham Freeway as I-885 and the Triangle Parkway as NC 885, despite the East End Connector not being open as of yet:

Image of NCDOT traffic maps showing I-885 shield on Durham Freeway on May 11, prior to opening of East End Connector

Image of NCDOT traffic map showing NC 885 on Triangle Parkway on May 11, 2022 prior to opening of East End Connector in Durham

On December 17, 2019 information was posted on AARoads Forum from NCDOT indicating that the NC 147 designation was now to be dropped from the Durham Freeway south of the future I-885 interchange, and, because of that, the Toll NC 147 portion south of I-40 would be renumbered as Toll NC 885. This allows all the exits between NC 540 and the future NC 147 North interchange to retain their numbers, but will cause a change in the planned exit numbers along I-885 north of the Durham Freeway (see link to Exit List above or sign plans below). Signage put up on the unopened connector in 2020 heading west/south still had NC 147 listed as running concurrently with I-885 along the Durham Freeway, perhaps, like other signage, this is a mistake that will be corrected later, see photos below. The February 2022 press release on the beginning of the railroad bridge demolition reiterated the route changes first publicly announced in January, confirming that NC 147 will be truncated to the I-885 interchange.16 Entries on NCDOT's Construction Progress Report for Durham County lists two contracts, one (DE00310) taking place on NC 540, I-885, and NC 885, the other on NC 540 and NC 885 that also confirm the future existence of that route number on the Triangle Parkway toll road. Plans released for upgraded signage on the Triangle Expressway and NC 147 included signs for Toll 885 and new exit numbers for NC 147 (see Sign Plans section). The planned completion of all I-885 related work on the Durham Freeway was set for December 2019, but was actually not completed until November 2020 when a project to finish widening the ramp from Briggs Avenue to NC 147 South was completed.11

The News and Observer published a cropped version of NCDOT's map that shows the route and exit number changes on May 5:

Image of News and Observer version of NCDOT map showing East  End Connector completion related route and exit number changes, May 2022

Google Maps satellite view of East End Connector, taken around the summer of 2020, showing near completion of the project:

Image taken from Google Maps with satellite image of East End Connector part of I-885 taken around July 2020


New Interstate Photos

Taken October 15 and 16 on a trip to Durham, starting on I-85 North and heading south to I-40 (*Added May 2023):

Image of 1 mile advance overhead sign for I-885 South/US 70 East exit on I-85/US 15 North/US 70 East in Durham, October 2022

The first reference to I-885 heading North on I-85 at the Business 15/501 exit.

Image of 1/2 mile advance overhead sign for I-885 South/US 70 East exit on I-85/US 15 North/US 70 East in Durham, October 2022

The lone sign on the gantry is the 1/2 mile advance for the I-885 South/US 70 East exit.

Image of overhead ramp sign for I-885 South/US 70 East exit on I-85/US 15 North/US 70 East in Durham, October 2022

The signage at the exit ramp, notice no reference to RDU Airport on any of the overhead signs. Turning around...

Image of 1/2 mile advance overhead sign for I-885 South/US 70 East exit on I-85/US 15 South in Durham, October 2022

The 1/2 mile advance for the I-885 exit heading South on I-85.

Image of overhead ramp sign for I-885 South/US 70 East exit on I-85/US 15 South in Durham, October 2022

The overhead signage at the now I-885 South/US 70 East exit.

Image of 1/2 Mile advance overhead sign for Cheek Road exit with new I-885 exit number on I-885 South/US 70 East in Durham, October 2022

The 1/2 mile advance for the now first I-885 exit heading south, Cheek Road.

Image of first South I-885/East US 70 East reassurance marker after I-85 exit in Durham, October 2022

The first set of South I-885/East US 70 reassurance markers approaching the Cheek Road exit.

Image of overhead signage at ramp for Cheek Road exit on I-885 South/US 70 East in Durham, October 2022

The first advance sign for the new Business 70/NC 98 shares a gantry with the Cheek Road exit sign (and some wires crossing to obscure the view.

Image of 1/4 Mile advance overhead sign for Business 70 West/NC 98 exit on I-885 South/US 70 East in Durham, October 2022

The 1/4 mile advance for the West Business 70/NC 98 exit.

Image of second set of South I-885/East US 70 reassurance markers in Durham, October 2022

The second set of reassurance markers.

Image of overhead signage at ramp for US 70 Business West/NC 98 exit on I-885 South. US 70 East in Durham, October 2022

The overhead signage at the West Business 70/NC 98 exit. Notice that US 70 East gets Raleigh as the control city and I-885 gets the RDU Airport.

Image of gore sign with new I-885 exit number for Business US 70 West/NC 98 exit on I-885 South/US 70 East
         in Durham, October 2022

The gore sign for the West Business 70/NC 98 exit with new I-885 number.

Image of 1/2 Mile advance overhead sign for US 70 East exit on South I-885/East US 70 in Durham, October 2022

The second I-885 pull through sign with the 1/2 mile advance for the US 70 East exit. Notice the shields on the pavement below the sign, which way to look?

Image of pavement markings approaching the split of South I-885 and East US 70 in Durham, October 2022

A closer look at the pavement markings prior to the US 70 East exit.
Image of overhead signage at split of South I-885 and East US 70 in Durham, October 2022

Overhead signage prior to the US 70 East exit. The gore sign appears to already have been hit.

Image of overhead signage at start of East End Connector on I-885 South after East US 70 exit in Durham, October 2022

The first exit sign on the East End Connector indicates the end of the new highway at NC 147 North is only 1/4 mile away.

Image of overhead signage at split of South I-885 and North NC 147 in Durham, October 2022

The signage for the now beginning on NC 147 North exit as I-885 takes the rest of the Durham Freeway. These signs were changed from those initially put up (see photos from RoadwayWiz below) that included a reference to NC 147 South.

Image of overhead signage after merge of South I-885 with the Durham Freeway, October 2022

After the merge with the Durham Freeway the first advance sign for the Ellis Road exit as the road shrinks down to 2 lanes (a project that will widen the entire Freeway to 3 lanes each way is a few years off).

Image of South I-885 reassurance marker and mile marker on Durham Freeway, October 2022

A first standalone (and longest standing) South I-885 reassurance marker, with newer mile marker in front.

Image of 1/2 mile advance sign for the Ellis Road exit on South I-885/Durham Freeway, October 2022

The look closely or you will miss it ground mounted 1/2 mile advance sign for the Ellis Road exit.

Image of overhead signage at ramp for Ellis Road exit on South I-885/Durham Freeway, October 2022

The signage at the ramp to Ellis Road has never had exit tabs when it was NC 147 Exit 8, and still doesn't despite in being I-885 Exit 8.

Image of Toll Road 1/2 mile advisory sign on South I-885/Durham Freeway, October 2022

One of the advisory signs indicating the Triangle Freeway Toll Road begins after the I-40 exit.

Image of overhead signage at the I-40 interchange, the end of South I-885/Durham Freeway, October 2022

UPDATE: It appears NCDOT fixed the problem, at least a little, by moving the NC 885 South sign over next to the I-40 West sign in November, here is an updated image from Google Maps Street View:

View of overhead signage at ramp for I-40 East at end of I-885 South in Durham, NC 885 South pull through sign moved to the right, Google Maps Street View image, November 2022

Overhead signage at the I-40 exit, where I-885 ends and becomes NC 885. Notice the placement of the Toll NC 885 pull through, oops.

Image of Toll Road 1/2 mile advisory sign on South I-885/Durham Freeway, October 2022

The Toll NC 885 pull through here official marks the start of the Triangle Freeway.

A few signs from NC 885:

Image of the first South Toll NC 885 reassurance marker after the I-40 exit in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The first Toll South NC 885 reassurance marker after the I-40 exit.

Image of the 1 mile advance sign for Hopson Road/Davis Drive exit on NC 885 South/Triangle Expressway in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The 1 mile advance sign for the Hopson Road/Davis Drive exit.

Image of the overhead ramp sign for Hopson Road/Davis Drive exit on NC 885 South/Triangle Expressway in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The Hopson Road/Davis Drive exit sign.

*Google Street View image from December 2022 on Hopson Road:

Image of NC 885 South ramp sign along Hopson Road, Google Maps Street View, December 2022

One of the now NC 885 ramp signs on Hopson Road.

Image of the 1 1/2 miles advance arrow per lane sign for NC 540 exits on NC 885 South/Triangle Expressway in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The first advance sign for the NC 540 exits at the end of NC 885 south. Plans released for a NC 540 sign replacement project indicate that the directions will be changed to West and East, this was completed in May 2023, see photo below.

Image of 1/2 Mile advance arrow-per-lane sign for NC 540 West and East at end of NC 885 South Triangle Expressway in Research Triangle Park, Google Maps Street View, June 2023

The 1/2 mile advance sign now with West NC 540 heading to I-40 and East NC 540 continuing the Triangle Expressway, from Google Maps Street View, June 2023.

Image of the Toll South NC 885 South reassurance marker after the Hopson Road exit in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

Another South NC 885 reassurance marker after the Hopson Road/Davis Drive exit.

Image of the 1/2 mile advance arrow-per lane sign for NC 540 exits on NC 885 South/Triangle Expressway in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The North NC 885 Triangle Expressway 1/2 mile advance sign on NC 540 East (soon to be West, see below), with new I-885 shield also.

Image of newly modified signage approaching exit ramp for Toll NC 885 North on Toll NC 540 West/Triangle Expressway in Research Triangle Park, Google Maps Street View, June 2023

The new sign put up in May 2023 indicating your now traveling 'West' on NC 540, from Google Maps Street View.

Image of the 1/2 mile advance arrow-per lane sign for NC 540 exits on NC 885 South/Triangle Expressway in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

Original signage at the North NC 885 exit ramp on Toll NC 540. This sign would also be changed in May 2023, here's the new version:

Image of recently modified signage at ramp for beginning of Toll NC 885 North on Toll NC 540 West in Research Triangle Park, Google Maps Street View, June 2023

Toll NC 540 is now heading West, even though its going in the same easterly direction. Heading back north towards Durham...

Image of blue marker on ramp to NC 885 North/Triangle Expressway in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

A blue marker seen on the exit ramp indicating this is the Exit 67 ramp from North NC 540. This was probably changed to West NC 540, like was done to the mile marker below:

Newly change mile marker now reading West NC 540 along Triangle Expressway before US 1 exit, Google Maps Street View image, June 2023

The now West NC 540 mile marker on former NC 540 North approaching the US 1 interchange.

Image of mile marker and 1/2 mile advance overhead sign for Hopson Road/Davis Drive exit on NC 885 North/Triangle Expressway in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

A North NC 885 mile marker prior to the 1/2 mile advance sign for the Hopson Road/Davis Drive exit.

Image of North NC 885 reassurance marker in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The first North NC 885 reassurance marker prior to the Hopson Road/Davis Drive exit.

Image of 2 miles advance sign for I-40 exits on NC 885 North in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The fancy support 2 Miles advance sign for the I-40 exits at the end of NC 885.

Image of North NC 885 mile marker in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The North NC 885 Mile 3 marker, why not have a toll label on this too?

Image of advance overhead signs for I-40 exits on NC 885 North in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The 1 3/4 Miles and 1 Mile advance signs for the I-40 exits, just beyond a North Toll NC 885 reassurance marker.

Image of overhead signage at ramp for I-40 East exit on NC 885 North in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

Overhead signage at the ramp to I-40 East at the end of NC 885 North. Transitioning to I-885 North...

Image of North I-885 pull through sign at I-40 West exit in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The first North I-885 pull through sign at the I-40 West exit.

Image of last NC 885 mile marker prior to I-40 bridges in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

Still one more NC 885 mile marker prior to the I-40 bridges.

Image of 1/2 Mile advance sign for Cornwallis Road exit on I-885 North in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The first advance sign for Cornwallis Road on I-885 North/Durham Freeway.

Image of North I-885 pull through sign at Cornwallis Road exit in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The second North I-885 pull through sign at the Cornwallis Road exit.

Image of overhead signage at Alexander Drive exit on I-885 North in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The unchanged North I-885 exit signage at Alexander Drive, still no exit number for Ellis Road.

Image of 1/2 Mile advance sign for NC 147 North exit on I-885 North in Durham, October 2022

The 1/2 Mile advance sign approaching the East End Connector/NC 147 North exit.

Image of 1 mile advance sign for new I-885/Durham Freeway exit on I-40 West in Durham, October 2022

Painted North NC 147 shields ahead of the NC 147/Durham Freeway exit.

Image of North I-885 pull through sign at I-40 West exit in Research Triangle Park, October 2022

The overhead signage at the new beginning for NC 147 North and the start of the I-885 North East End Connector.

Signage on I-40 West

Image of 1 mile advance sign for new I-885/Durham Freeway exit on I-40 West in Durham, October 2022

The 1 Mile advance sign for the Durham Freeway exit, now I-885 to NC 147, at the Davis Drive exit.

Image of 1/2 mile advance sign for new I-885/Durham Freeway exit on I-40 West in Durham, October 2022

The 1/2 Mile advance sign for I-885 North paired with a 3/4 Mile advance for now Toll NC 885 South.

Image of overhead ramp sign for new I-885/Durham Freeway exit on I-40 West in Durham, October 2022

The 1 Mile advance sign for the Durham Freeway exit, now I-885 to NC 147.

     Taken July 1, courtesy of David Johnson. Photos start along US 70 West:

Image of uncovered arrow per lane 1/4 mile advance overhead sign for newly opened I-885 East End Connector exit on US 70 West in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

The now uncovered arrow-per-lane 1/4 Mile advance sign for the now open I-885 South/East End Connector.

Image of uncovered arrow per lane overhead sign for newly opened I-885 East End Connector exit on US 70 West in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

The now uncovered arrow-per-lane sign at the now open I-885 South/East End Connector exit.

Image of driving onto newly opened I-885 East End Connector exit from US 70 West in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

Driving onto the newly opened I-885 South/East End Connector from US 70 West.

Image of merging of US 70 East and I-885 South ramps on East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

US 70 West ramp approaching I-885 South ramp at start of East End Connector.

Image of merged US 70 East and I-885 South ramps on East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

US 70 West ramp meeting the I-885 South ramp.

Image of overhead signs for upcoming NC 147 exit on East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

First set of overhead signs on the East End Connector indicates only 1/4 mile to the NC 147 North exit.

Image of 65 MPH signs on I-885 South/East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

The speed limit on the East End Connector is 65 MPH.

Image of overhead signs for NC 147 exit on East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

Last set of overhead signs for the NC 147 North exit at the end of the Connector. If you compare with the aerial photos taken below of the Connector notice the pull through signs have been changed, they originally included NC 147 South.

Image of overhead sign for Ellis Road exit on I-885 South/Durham Freeway, by David Johnson July 2022

First set of overhead signs on the Durham Freeway on now officially I-885 South after the NC 147 North exit. Lanes narrow from 3 to 2. There is a project to widen the Durham Freeway to 3 lanes south of here but it is currently not funded in the 2024-2033 Draft STIP.

Image of South I-885 reassurance marker and new 8.5 mile marker in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

While the reassurance marker has been up for 2 years, the South I-885 mile marker is new, mile markers have been installed the length of the Durham Freeway both north and south.

Image of I-885 pull through sign at Alexander Drive exit on Durham Freeway south in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

The newly updated I-885 Durham Freeway pull through sign at the Alexander Drive exit headed south.

Image of I-40 1 mile advance sign at Cornwallis Road exit on Durham Freeway south in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

The revised I-40 exit advance overhead signs at the Cornwallis Road exit headed south.

Image of NC 885 pull through sign at I-40 East exit on Durham Freeway south in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

There is a problem with the location of this newly placed Toll NC 885 pull through sign, its on the wrong side. It replaced a lane ends advisory sign for the I-40 East ramp. How much confusion will this cause?

Image of NC 885 pull through sign at I-40 West exit at start of Triangle Expressway south in Durham, by David Johnson July 2022

A correctly placed Toll NC 885 pull through sign at the I-40 West exit. Now turning around and heading north...

Image of End Toll NC 147/Begin I-885 advisory sign on Durham Freeway north, by David Johnson July 2022

This sign has a couple problems. First, its partially hidden by a tree. Second, it still has a NC 147 shield.

Image of I-885/Durham Freeway pull through sign on Durham Freeway north, by David Johnson July 2022

The revised now I-885 Durham Freeway pull through sign at Cornwallis Road.

Image of I-885 shields painted onto Durham Freeway north pavement prior to NC 147/Durham Freeway North exit, by David Johnson July 2022

They've painted I-885 shields on the pavement prior to the NC 147 North/Durham Freeway exit.

Image of uncovered I-885 North overhead sign prior to NC 147 North/Durham Freeway exit, by David Johnson July 2022

Finally, the I-885 North overhead signs at the NC 147 North exit are uncovered.

Image of traffic using opened I-885 North ramp at NC 147 North/Durham Freeway exit, by David Johnson July 2022

Headed onto the opened East End Connector on I-885 North, NC 147 North/Durham Freeway traffic to the left.

Image of traffic from opened NC 147 South ramp merging with I-885 North ramp on East End Connector, by David Johnson July 2022

East End Connector traffic on I-885 North approaching ramp from NC 147 South/Durham Freeway.

Image of overhead signage on I-885 North/East End Connector ramp approaching US 70 East exit, by David Johnson July 2022

Again, the first overhead signage on the Connector is a 1/4 Mile advance sign, this time for US 70 East.

Image of overhead signage on I-885 North/East End Connector ramp at US 70 East exit, by David Johnson July 2022

Overhead signage at the US 70 East exit, notice the 3 control cities here for I-885 North.

Image of overhaed signage on I-885 North/East End Connector ramp at US 70 East exit, by David Johnson July 2022

A closer view of the overhead signage.

Image of I-885 North ramp approaching US 70 West ramp at end of Durham East End Connector, by David Johnson July 2022

A wide median where I-885 North traffic merges with that from US 70 West.

Image of overhead signage on I-885 North/US 70 West approaching Cheek Road exit ramp, by David Johnson July 2022

Overhead signage at the Cheek Road exit. NCDOT apparently decided not to number the ramp to I-85 North, keeping it unnumbered as it was when just US 70.

Image of I-885 North/US 70 West reassurance marker after Cheek Road exit, by David Johnson July 2022

A now uncovered (again) North I-885/West US 70 reassurance marker after the Cheek Road exit. Now heading south on NC 147:

Image of I-885 North 3/4 mile advance sign on NC 147 South/Durham Freeway at Briggs Avenue, by David Johnson July 2022

The uncovered advance signage for the North I-885/East End Connector exit.

Image of I-885 North exit Arrow-per-lane overhead sign on NC 147 South/Durham Freeway, by David Johnson July 2022

The uncovered Arrow-per-lane sign at the split of ramps for the North and South I-885.

More to come...

VIDEO LINKS (New 9/30/22)

Drive I-885 in both directions, courtesy of Mileage Mike, shot on July 3, 2022

Watch these videos of the opened sections of Future I-885/NC 885 by Image of RoadwayWiz logo :

Durham Freeway and Triangle Expressway South

Triangle Expressway and Durham Freeway North

CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS

Photos taken by Mark David Moore on June 10:

Image of still covered over advance APL sign for I-885 East End Connector exit on US 70 West in 
                                           Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

Exit signs along US 70 West approaching the Connector still covered over as of the middle of June.

Image of exit sign with I-885 milepost on US 70 West in Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

Uncovered exit signs along US 70 West show both US 70 and I-885 exit numbers.

Image of 1/2 mile advance overhead sign for US 70 Business West/NC 98 exit
        on Future I-885 North/US 70 West in Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

The 1/2 mile advance sign for the Bus. 70 West/NC 98 exit with uncovered exit tab and completed lane markings on the roadway.

Image of 1 mile advance overhead sign for Cheek Road exit
        on Future I-885 North/US 70 West in Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

The uncovered exit tab with I-885 exit number for Cheek Road can be seen from under the railroad bridge.

Image of 1 mile a advance overhead sign for new I-885 South/US 70 East exit
        on I-85 North/US 70 East in Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

Now on I-85 North, the new 1 mile advance sign with an I-885 shield seen at the Roxboro Street/Avondale Drive exit.

Image of 1/2 mile a advance overhead sign for new I-885 South/US 70 East exit
        on I-85 North/US 70 East in Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

The new 1/2 mile advance sign on I-85 North.

Image of 1/4 mile advance overhead sign for US 70 Bus. West/NC 98 exit
        still covered over on Future I-885 South/US 70 East in Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

The exit tabs for the Bus. 70 West/NC 98 exit were still covered over on US 70 East.

Image of overhead signage at ramp for US 70 Bus. West/NC 98 exit
       with exit tab still covered over on Future I-885 South/US 70 East in Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

As is that at the ramp for the Bus. 70 West/NC 98 exit, though uncovered Exit 11 gore sign can be seen in the distance.

Image of new lane markings for Future I-885 South approaching US 70 East
        exit ramp in Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

The completed lane markings for Future I-885 South can be seen heading toward the US 70 East exit ramp.

Image of overhead pull through sign with I-885 shield replacing NC 147
         on the Durham Freeway south at Alexander Drive, by Mark David Moore June 2022

Now on the Durham Freeway headed south, where an I-885 shield has replaced NC 147 on the pull through sign at Alexander Drive.

Image of Toll Road advisory sign with new NC 885 shield replacing NC 147
         on the Durham Freeway south at Alexander Drive, by Mark David Moore June 2022

A NC 885 shield has replaced NC 147 on the 1 3/4 Mile Toll Road Begins advisory sign just after the Alexander Drive exit.

Image of overhead advance signage for I-40 exits, no longer with NC 54,
         on the Durham Freeway south at Cornwallis Road, by Mark David Moore June 2022

New signage for the I-40 West exit no longer includes a NC 54 shield.

Image of Toll Road advisory sign with new NC 885 shield replacing NC 147
         on the Durham Freeway south at Alexander Drive, by Mark David Moore June 2022

Another NC 885 shield replacing NC 147 on the next, 3/4 Mile Toll Road Begins advisory sign just after Cornwallis Road.

Image of new NC 885 pull through sign, shield replacing NC 147,
         at the start of the Triangle Expressway at the ramp to I-40 West in Durham, by Mark David Moore June 2022

The new NC 885 pull through sign at the ramp to I-40 West (with NC 54 shield also removed).

Image of overhead arrow-per-lane sign at the end of NC 885 at NC 540/
         Triangle Expressway in Wake County, by Mark David Moore June 2022

The end of new NC 885 at NC 540. The directions on this sign for NC 540 were changed to West and East in May 2023.

Taken by David Johnson on June 18, 2022:

Image of NC 885 shields replacing NC 147 at entrance ramps to Triangle Expressway on Hopson Road in Durham, by David Johnson, June 2022

Overhead signs with new NC 885 and I-885 shields at Hopson Road interchange with the Triangle Expressway.

Image of NC 885 shields replacing NC 147 at entrance ramps to Triangle Expressway on Hopson Road in Durham, by David Johnson, June 2022

Ground mounted guide sign with new NC 885 and I-885 shields at Hopson Road ramp for the Triangle Expressway headed north.

Image of NC 147 shield still standing prior to entrance ramp to Triangle Expressway on Hopson Road in Durham, by David Johnson, June 2022

Meanwhile the Toll NC 147 trailblazers still stand approaching the Triangle Expressway ramps at Hopson Road.

Taken earlier on June 4:

Image of new signage with I-885 shield for Durham Freeway exit on I-40 West, by David Johnson, June 2022

New 1 Mile advance sign for the Durham Freeway exit on I-40 West with I-885 shield.

Image of new advance signage with I-885 and NC 885 shields for Durham Freeway and Triangle Expressway exits on I-40 West, by David Johnson, June 2022

New 3/4 Mile advance sign for the Triangle Expressway with NC 885 shield and 1/4 mile advance with I-885 shield for Durham Freeway exit on I-40 West.

Image of new ramp signage with I-885 shield for Durham Freeway exit on I-40 West, by David Johnson, June 2022

The new exit sign for the Durham Freeway with I-885 shield on I-40 West.

Image of new 1/4 mile advance signage with NC 885 shield for Triangle Expressway exit on I-40 West, by David Johnson, June 2022

The 1/4 Mile advance sign for the Triangle Expressway exit with new NC 885 shield on I-40 West.

Image of new overhead ramp sign for Triangle Expressway with new NC 885 shield on I-40 West, by David Johnson, June 2022

The exit sign for the Triangle Expressway with NC 885 shield on I-40 West. Turning around...

Image of new advance signage with I-885 and NC 885 shields for Durham Freeway and Triangle Expressway exits on I-40 East, by David Johnson, June 2022

New advance signage for the Durham Freeway and Triangle Expressway with I-885 and NC 885 shields on I-40 East.

Image of new advance signage with I-885 and NC 885 shields for Durham Freeway and Triangle Expressway exits on I-40 East, by David Johnson, June 2022

New advance signage for the Durham Freeway and Triangle Expressway with I-885 and NC 885 shields on I-40 East.

Taken by Charles M. Kunz on I-40 East on May 26:

New I-885 North signage and replacement NC 885 shield on Triangle Expressway sign put up the night of May 24-25.

Image of new I-885 exit sign along I-40 East in Durham, by Charles M. Kunz, May 2022

The new I-885 North to NC 147 exit sign, westbound signs were put up the night of May 25-26.

Taken by David Johnson on June 4 and May 21, 2022. First at the start of the Durham Freeway:

Image of new pull thru sign with I-885 shield at start of the Durham Freeway, by David Johnson, June 2022

New pull through sign for the Durham Freeway with I-885 shield prior to ramp for I-40 West. Other overhead signs and reassurance markers had not been changed as of June 4.

Along I-85 North:

Image of new 1/2 mile advance sign with I-885 shield on I-85 North in Durham on I-85 North, by David Johnson, June 2022

New advance signage with I-885 shield approaching US 70 exit on I-85 North.

Image of new sign with I-885 shield at exit with US 70 East on I-85 North in Durham, by David Johnson, May 2022

The first appearance of an I-885 shield on I-85 North, here at the US 70 East exit. The new sign drops RDU Airport as a control city.  Perhaps it will appear on a new auxiliary sign for this exit.

Image of new exit number tabs based on I-885 mileposts for Cheek Road and Business US 70/NC 98 exits on US 70 East
                                          (Future I-885 South) in Durham, by David Johnson, May 2022

Closeup of the overhead signs at the Cheek Road exit, the new I-885 exit numbers are not covered up, unlike the gore sign seen at the bottom of the photo.

Image of covered over I-885 milepost exit tab for Business US 70/NC 98 exit on US 70 East in Durham, by David Johnson, May 2022

The Exit 11 tab is covered over at the Business 70/NC 98 exit, along with the remaining signs which are an I-885 South pull through and US 70 East exit sign.

Image of overhead sign for US 70 East exit on Future I-885 South in Durham, by David Johnson, May 2022

The next sign for the US 70 East exit has the number uncovered. Final paving of the left lane from prior to the railroad bridge to the future split of I-885 South and US 70 East has not been completed.

Image of unfinished paving along US 70 East (Future I-885 South) in Durham, by David Johnson, May 2022

The unpaved future I-885 South left lane continues approaching the US 70 East exit.

Along Toll NC 540 East:

Image of signage at future I-885 South exit with US 70 East in Durham, by David Johnson, May 2022

This new overhead sign for the current NC 147 Toll North exit was put up earlier this year and covered up, despite not having NC 885 and I-885 shields.

Earlier Photos

Courtesy of Adam Prince on March 12, 2022 showing start of demolition of railroad bridge:

Image of railroad bridge demolition over US 70 (Future I-885) in Durham prior to East End Connector exit, by Adam Prince, March 2022

Heading east of US 70 approaching the new railroad bridge with old one partially dismantled behind it.

Image of railroad bridge demolition over US 70 (Future I-885) in Durham prior to East End Connector exit, by Adam Prince, March 2022

Near the new railroad bridge with only support posts for old bridge left behind on other side.

Image of railroad bridge demolition over US 70 (Future I-885) in Durham prior to East End Connector exit, by Adam Prince, March 2022

A closer look at the crane behind the new railroad bridge helping to dismantle the temporary one.

For photos of what's left of the temporary bridge heading west, go HERE.

PREVIOUS PHOTOS

From November 2021 courtesy of Adam Prince, showing the lack of progress in the removal of the temporary railroad bridge:

Image of covered over overhead signs awaiting opening of East End Connector on US 70 West in Durham, by Adam Prince November 2021

The first overhead signs approaching the Connector are still covered up on US 70 West.

Image of covered over overhead Arrow-per-Lane sign awaiting opening of East End Connector at future ramp to I-885 South on US 70 West in Durham, by Adam Prince November 2021

The Arrow-per-Lane (APL) overhead signs at the future I-885 South Connector ramp still covered up too.

Image of covered over overhead sign for US 70 Business/NC 98 exit awaiting opening of East End Connector on US 70 West in Durham, by Adam Prince November 2021

The exit sign for the Business 70/NC 98 exit at the Carr Road off-ramp is also still covered up, though the exit is open. It should just have the I-885 exit number tab covered as it is on US 70 East.

Image of covered over overhead sign for US 70 Business/NC 98 exit awaiting opening of East End Connector on US 70 West in Durham, by Adam Prince November 2021

The next sign for Business 70/NC 98 is also still covered up.

Image of covered over overhead signs awaiting opening of East End Connector on US 70 West in Durham, by Adam Prince November 2021

The lanes of US 70 West are still painted for when there was two-way traffic. NCDOT has stated they will not update lane markings or put paint new lines until just before the Connector is to open, perhaps in April or May 2022.

Image of covered over overhead signs awaiting opening of East End Connector on US 70 West in Durham, by Adam Prince November 2021

The reason the Connector is not open yet. The temporary railroad bridge still in place prior to the permanent bridge on US 70 West. Demolition is to start in December, but final paving will have to wait until the spring of next year.

From Google Maps Street View in October 2021:

Image of future signage covered over for I-885 North exit with new exit number on NC 147/Durham Freeway South at Briggs Avenue, Google Maps Street View image, October 2021

Closeup view of covered 1 mile advance sign for I-885 North exit with future exit number, 1A (the Briggs Avenue North exit is to become 1B once I-885 is opened and NC 147 truncated to the East End Connector interchange.

Taken by Adam Prince in October 2021

Image of overhead signs, some covered up approaching Business US 70/NC 98 exit on US 70 East (Future I-885 South) in Durham, by Adam Prince October 2021

Overhead signs for the East End Connector/US 70 exit still covered up at the exit for Business 70/NC 98. Exit tab covered over for Future exit 11.

Image of overhead signs, covered up approaching temporary railroad bridge prior to US 70 East exit on US 70 East (Future I-885 South) in Durham, by Adam Prince October 2021

More covered up overhead signs due to still unopened East End Connector, the reason, the still standing temporary railroad bridge seen behind the new bridge.

Courtesy of roadwaywiz, taken in June 2021 over the unopened East End Connector:

Image taken looking west along unopened I-885/East End Connector toward NC 147 interchange in Durham, by roadwaywiz, June 2021

Halfway along the route looking west toward the interchange with the Durham Freeway.

Image taken looking east along unopened I-885/East End Connector toward US 70 interchange in Durham, by roadwaywiz, June 2021

And now looking west toward the interchange with US 70.

Image taken looking closely at the unopened I-885/East End Connector NC 147 interchange in Durham, by roadwaywiz, June 2021

A closer look at the interchange with the Durham Freeway, including the flyover ramp from NC 147 South to I-885 North.

Image taken looking closely at the unopened I-885/East End Connector US 70 interchange in Durham, by roadwaywiz, June 2021

Now a closer look at the interchange with US 70.

Image taken looking closely at the unopened I-885/East End Connector roadway in Durham, by roadwaywiz, June 2021

And a closer look at the East End Connector roadway itself.

Image of bridge over Angier Avenue and railroad tracks on unopened I-885/East End Connector in Durham, photo by roadwaywiz, June 2021

Closeup view of the bridge over Angier Avenue and railroad tracks looking west.

Image of 1/4 mile advance and pull through overhead signs for NC 147/Durham Freeway exit on unopened I-885 South/East End Connector, photo by roadwaywiz, June 2021

Closeup of the 1/4 Mile advance and pull through signage approaching the interchange with the Durham Freeway on Future I-885 South. The signs were apparently designed, and then put up, prior to the decision to truncate NC 147 to the East Connector interchange. These signs were changed prior to the road opening at the end of June 2022, see WRAL video link at top of page.

Image of overhead ramp and pull through signs on unopened I-885 South for NC 147/Durham Freeway exit, photo by roadwaywiz, June 2021

Close up of the exit and pull through signage at the Durham Freeway interchange. Same problem with the NC 147 shield on the pull through. The NC 147 North ramp has a 55 MPH advisory speed which presumes the Connector will be signed at 65 MPH.

Image of 1/4 mile advance and pull through signs on unopened I-885 North for US 70 exit, photo by roadwaywiz, June 2021

Heading the other way on Future I-885 North. A closeup of the 1/4 advance and pull through signs for the approaching US 70 exit.

Image of overhead ramp and pull through signs on unopened I-885 North for US 70 exit in Durham, photo by roadwaywiz, June 2021

Here's a closeup of the exit and pull through signs at US 70, no problems with the signage in this direction.

Image of signs on unopened I-885 North for US 70 exit and flyover ramp from US 70 West, photo by roadwaywiz, June 2021

Looking beyond the US 70 exit signs, you can see the flyover ramp to I-885 South from US 70 West.

Previous Photos

Taken by Sean C. McManus on April 26, 2021:

Image of covered overhead signage prior to railroad bridge over Future I-885 South/US 70 East still under construction, by Sean C. McManus, April 2021

The railroad bridge is nearer to completion behind the covered over Future I-885 East End Connector signage on US 70 East.

Image of still under construction railroad bridge over Future I-885 South/US 70 East in Durham, by Sean C. McManus, April 2021

A closer view of the railroad bridge. Will it take until December now for this to be completed and the temporary bridge demolished?

Image of still under construction railroad bridge over Future I-885 South/US 70 East in Durham, by Sean C. McManus, April 2021

Approaching the new railroad bridge with the old bridge and its supports in the future roadway.

Image of temporary railroad bridge still in place over Future I-885 South/US 70 East in Durham, by Sean C. McManus, April 2021

A closer view of the temporary bridge. Construction vehicles in place but little sign of actual work going on.

Previous Photos

Taken by David Johnson on January 9:

Image of newly paved connection between completed flyover ramp to Future I-885 South East End Connector from US 70 West in Durham, by David Johnson, January 2021

Recently paved roadway to connect US 70 West to flyover that will carry traffic to I-885 South.

Image of newly placed I-885 North/US 70 West reassurance marker prior to railroad bridge in Durham, by David Johnson, January 2021

This reassurance marker pair was recently placed prior to the railroad bridge, whose construction is delaying the actual opening of I-885, apparently the I-885 shield was covered over later, in early February.

Image of newly placed partially covered I-885 North/US 70 West reassurance marker in Durham, by David Johnson, January 2021

This reassurance marker pair also went up after the Business 70/NC 98 exit, it appears here that the first attempt to cover over the I-885 shield was only partially successful.

Taken by Andrew B. Futrell showing signage along the unopened East End Connector after bridge over railroad tracks heading toward the US 70 interchange in December 2020:

Image of East End Connector bridge over railroad tracks and installed signage for Future I-885/US 70 exit in Durham, by Andrew B. Futrell, December 2020

Taken by Charles M. Kunz on November 23, 2020. Jumping the gun? This South I-885 reassurance marker has appeared between the future East End Connector interchange and the Ellis Road exit. Is this supposed to be covered up?

Image of South I-885 reassurance marker on Durham Freeway prior to Ellis Road exit, taken by Charles M. Kunz, Nov. 23, 2020

Taken by David Johnson on October 26, 2020 along US 70 West

Image of approaching future I-885/East End Connector interchange on US 70 West in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

Widening work along US 70 has been completed east of the Lynn Road intersection.

Image of new overhead sign structure over widened US 70 east of Lynn Road prior ro Future I-885/East End Connector interchange, by David Johnson October 2020

The partially covered up new overhead signs for the future US 70 West / I-885 East End Connector interchange prior to Lynn Road.

Image of future US 70 East/I-885 East End Connector interchange seen across intersection with Lynn Road in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

The future flyover ramp from US 70 East to I-885 South can be seen on the other side of the Lynn Road intersection.

Image of newly placed overhead sign on US 70 West in Durham prior to Future I-885/East End Connector interchange, by David Johnson October 2020

The new overhead sign ahead of the future ramp to I-885 South, US 70 East traffic now moved to its permanent alignment using the exit ramp from I-885 South on the other side of the interchange.

Image of newly placed exit signs along US 70 East prior to Carr Road exit in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

New overhead signs put up, uncovered for Carr Road, and covered for the Business 70/NC 98 exit, which will be Exit 11 on I-885 North (I-885 South being Exit 288B).

Along US 70 East (Future I-885 South)

Image of 1/2 mile advance overhead sign for West Bus, 70/NC 98 exit with I-885 exit number on US 70 East in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

The 1/4 mile advance sign for the East Business 70/NC 98 exit has the future I-885 exit number, 11.

Image of traffic along new section of US 70 East (Future I-885 South) lanes in Durham prior to Business 70/NC 98 exit, by David Johnson October 2020

US 70 traffic now using permanent alignment of future I-885 South lanes just prior to Business 70/NC 98 exit (whose exit sign is still covered up, despite being open).

Image of newly placed overhead signs, covered up, on US 70 East (Future I-885 South) at Business 70/NC 98 exit in Durham, photo by David Johnson October 2020

A closer look at the overhead signs at the Business 70/NC 98 exit, the sign in the middle is for the US 70 East exit off of Future I-885 South.

Image of traffic on newly opened US 70 East (Future I-885 South) lanes approaching bridge over Business 70/NC 98 in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

Driving the newly opened US 70 East (future I-885 South) lanes approaching the bridge over Business 70/NC 98.

Image of newly opened bridge of US 70 East (Future I-885 South) crossing over Business 70/NC 98 in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

Crossing over the newly opened bridge over Business 70/NC 98.

Image of recently placed overhead signs for newly opened US 70 East exit off of Future I-885 South in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

Covered over pull through and advance signs approaching the newly opened ramp that will carry US 70 East traffic at the East End Connector interchange. Coverings still allow you to see the I-885 exit number, 10 and that the pull through is South I-885 to I-40, NC 147 RDU Airport.

Image of overhead signage at the now opened exit ramp for US 70 East from Future I-885 South/East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

Traffic alignment of lanes heading under Carr Road bridge now changed to use opened US 70 East exit ramp.

Image of traffic on US 70 East now using exit ramp from Future I-885 South East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

US 70 East traffic heading onto future I-885 South exit ramp at East End Connector interchange.

Image of traffic on US 70 East (future exit ramp from I-885 South East End Connector) heading over flyover ramp that will carry US 70 West traffic to Connector in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

Traffic on the US 70 East ramp heading under future flyover ramp from US 70 West to I-885 South.

Image of traffic on future US 70 east exit ramp from I-885 South heading over bridge over I-885 North East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

Traffic now heading across bridge over future I-885 North lanes in East End Connector interchange.

Image of US 70 East traffic on future exit ramp from I-885 South East End Connector heading toward Lynn Road in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

US 70 East traffic traveling down hill towards former alignment.

Image of US 70 East traffic approaching future ramp from I-885 North prior to Lynn Road intersection in Durham, by David Johnson October 2020

US 70 East lanes approaching future ramp from I-885 North heading toward the southern end of the East End Connector work zone.

EARLIER PHOTOS

Taken by David Johnson on May 18, 2020

Along NC 147 South

Image of newly placed 1/2 mile advance sign for Future I-885 North exit at off-ramp to Briggs Avenue North on NC 147 South in Durham showing new exit number, by David Johnson in May 2020

These overhead signs were put up in early May 2020, the left is for I-885 North and the correct exit number, 1A, can be partially seen. The exit tab for the Briggs Avenue exit is covered up because it should have the future NC 147 exit number 1B.

Closeup of overhead 1/4 mile advance sign for future I-885 North exit, with wrong exit number, on NC 147 South in Durham, by David Johnson in May 2020

Another view of the earlier placed 1/4 mile advance sign for the I-885 South exit. Wind has apparently helped reveal more of the sign including all of the I-885 shield and that this sign has the now outdated Exit 9 listed.

Image of recently placed overhead exit sign at ramp to Future I-885 North/East End Connector with correct exit number on NC 147 South in Durham, by David Johnson in May 2020

The new sign placed at the future ramp to the I-885 North/East End Connector. The uncovered exit tab shows the correct future exit number, 1A. It may also be, that unlike the 1/4 mile advance, there are only 2 route shields on the left side of the sign.

US 70 East

Image of covered up overhead exit ramp sign for future US 70 Business/NC 98 exit on Future I-885 South lanes on US 70 East in Durham, by David Johnson, May 2020

The covered over newly placed overhead sign for the now open Business US 70/NC 98 exit on Future I-885 South.

Image of uncovered pull through sign still without shields on future I-885 South lanes as seen from current US 70 East lanes in Durham, by David Johnson in May 2020

Shields have still not been placed on the pull through signs along the future I-885 South lanes at the new bridge over Business US 70/NC 98 and grading work continues.

Image of construction progress in building future I-885 South lanes from current US 70 East in Durham, by David Johnson in May 2020

Work continues in constructing the future I-885 South lanes as seen from current US 70 East using the future I-885 North lanes. This may be the last significant piece of construction needed to be completed for the project to be completed.

Taken by Charles M. Kunz along US 70 on April 24, 2020:

Image of recently placed overhead gantry for signs for Busines US 70/NC 98 and US 70 East in Durham, by Charles M. Kunz, April 2020

Newly installed overheads on future I-885 South lanes with missing I-885, NC 147 and I-40 shields, and covered over signs for US 70 East and Business 70 West/NC 98 exits as seen from current US 70 East lanes using future I-885 North lanes.

Image of recently placed overhead sign for West Business US 70/NC 98 on US 70 West/Future I-885 North in Durham, by Charles M. Kunz, Jan. 2020

Photo from January showing new covered overhead sign on US 70 West for future West Business 70/NC 98 exit.

Taken by David Johnson along NC 147 South on April 2, 2020 showing new signage in that direction:

Image of newly placed overhead sign gantry for future I-885/East End Connector exit sign on NC 147 South in Durham, by David Johnson

This overhead gantry was put up in early April and will have signage approaching the ramp to I-885 North from NC 147 South.

Image of covered over recently placed 1/2 mile advance arrow-per lane exit sign for future I-885 interchange with NC 147 South in Durham, by David Johnson

The 1/2 mile advance overhead seen in the traffic camera image above. It would appear that the contractor has installed signs from the original plans, since you can see an '9' on the tab, this was to be Exit 9, but with the decision to truncate NC 147 at I-885, this should be Exit 1A. Also the spacing of the shields on the left side of the sign (South I-885 is seen, I-40 on the right is mostly covered up) implies that there are 3 shields, the old plan had South NC 147 in the middle.

Image of almost completed future ramp from NC 147 South to I-885 North/East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson in April 2020

The nearly completed future ramp from NC 147 South to the East End Connector, I-885 North.

Image of covererd over 2 right lanes end overhead advisory sign at ramp with future I-885 South on NC 147 South in Durham, by David Johnson, April 2020

The other overhead sign seen from behind by the traffic camera is this yellow advisory sign that may read "Merging Traffic 2 Left Lanes' referring to the I-885 South lanes ahead.

Image of overhead sign recently installed after East End Connector interchange in Durham on NC 147 (Future I-885) South, by David Johnson, April 2020

Another new pair of overhead signs has been installed southbound prior to the Glover Road bridge, the right one is probably about the right lane ending ahead, perhaps the other is a South I-885 pull through.

Taken by David Johnson along NC 147 on January 22, 2020 showing new signage and completed southbound roadwork shown in traffic camera images above:

Image of newly placed 1/4 mile advance overhead sign for NC 147 exit on Future I-885 North in Durham, by Davd Johnson

The new 1/4 mile advance sign put up in the media prior to the future I-885/NC 147 split. Southbound traffic using recently completed lanes, restricted to 2 lanes by traffic barrels.

Image of NC 147 North approaching future ramp carrying I-885 North onto future East End Connector on Durham, by David Johnson

It appears the future I-885 lanes heading off to the right are mostly complete, and only partially blocked off.

Image of traffic heading under bridge carrying future I-885 South traffic across NC 147 North in East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

NC 147 North traffic heading under support structure for Future I-885 South roadway from the East End Connector.

Image of NC 147 North lanes still under construction north of Future I-885 North split at East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

Traffic north of the East End Connector interchange still has to shift to the right around continued widened railroad bridge construction.

Image of 1/2 mile advance overhead sign for Briggs Road exit partially covered by a black tarp on NC 147 North in Durham, by David Johnson

The new 1/2 mile advance sign for the Briggs Avenue exit, with the future Exit 1 tab, has now been partially covered by a tarp.

Image of future NC 147 North lanes under construction approaching Briggs Avenue in Durham, by David Johnson

Work has mostly been completed along future left lanes of NC 147 North prior to the railroad bridge.

Image of construction workers on railroad bridge for future North NC 147 lanes prior to Briggs Avenue exit in Durham, by David Johnson

Workers in closed off left lanes of NC 147 placing new concrete on railroad bridge.

Photos by David Johnson along US 70 East on January 22, 2020:

Image of cantilever sign support for new NC 98 exit on US 70 East (Future I-885 South) in Durham, by David Johnson

New sign support awaits Bus. 70/NC 98 exit sign at new off-ramp from US 70 East (Future I-885 South) at start of project work zone.

Image of new exit ramp from US 70 East, Future I-885 South for NC 98 in Durham, by David Johnson

Closeup view of the exit ramp, US 70 East traffic moves over to Future I-885 North lanes over the hill.

Image of construction along US 70 East crossing NC 98/Business 70 bridge as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

Traffic on US 70 East moved over to future I-885 North lanes after crossing bridge over NC 98.

Image of new Future I-885 South lanes being constructed along US 70 East just south of NC 98 exit in Durham, by David Johnson

Grading still continues for Future I-885 South lanes south of the Business 70/NC 98 exit, on-ramp traffic can be seen on the right.

Image of Future I-885 lanes being constructed along US 70 East after NC 98 exit in Durham, by David Johnson

Temporary exit ramp to Future I-885 South/US 70 East continues across construction area from US 70 traffic south of NC 98/Bus. 70.

Image of US 70 East using Future I-885 North lanes approaching new railroad bridge being built as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

US 70 East traffic continues using Future I-885 North lanes headed toward new railroad bridge being constructed prior to the East End Connector interchange.

Image of future I-885 South lanes under construction alongside US 70 East approaching new railroad bridge as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

The future I-885 South lanes are paved approaching site of the new railroad bridge.

Image of traffic on US 70 East using Future I-885 North lanes approaching new railroad bridge under construction as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

A gantry for a future advance sign for the US 70 Business/NC 98 exit has been placed just to the north of the new railroad bridge.

Image of new railroad bridge under construction along US 70 East in front of temporary bridge as part of East End Connector project construction in Durham, by David Johnson

Approaching the new railroad bridge, work is proceeding on paving the Future I-885 South lanes in the vicinity.

Image of US 70 East traffic heading under new and temporary railroad bridges constructed as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

Traveling under the new railroad bridge, with the temporary one just behind it.

Image of US 70 East traffic traveling under temporary railroad bridge in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Traveling under the soon to be removed temporary railroad bridge with the East End Connector interchange in the distance.

Image of US 70 East traffic using Future I-885 North lanes between railroad bridge and East End Connector interchange under construction in Durham, by David Johnson

US 70 East traffic still in Future I-885 North lanes, future south lanes paved and sign gantries in place.

Image of traffic on US 70 East using Future I-885 North lanes with new sign gantry northbound now in place, by David Johnson

Signs up and uncovered for future split of I-885 South and US 70 East approaching the East End Connector interchange.

Image with a closeup view of recently placed overhead signage for future East End Connector interchange on I-885 South in Durham, by David Johnson

Closer view of the new signage including an I-885 shield, though not officially approved by AASHTO.

Image of future I-885 South lanes being constructed as part of East End Connector Project in Durham, by David Johnson

Work continues on Future I-885 South lanes approaching the East End Connector interchange.

Image of end of future I-885 North ramp to meet US 70 West as part of East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

Concrete barrier at end of future North I-885 lanes merging with US 70 West within the East End Connector interchange.

Image of concrete barrier along US 70 East marking future merge between I-885 North lanes and US 70 within the East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

Looking down paved future I-885 North lanes approaching US 70 lanes in East End Connector interchange.

Image of US 70 lanes south of future East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

US 70 lanes south of the future East End Connector interchange, future US 70 East lanes now paved in the distance.

Image of current US 70 lanes passing by future US 70 East lanes under construction as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

Heading toward future end of US 70 freeway showing work continues in building future US 70 East lanes.

Image of grading work underway to complete southern end of US 70 freeway as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

Closer view of still incomplete future southern end of US 70 freeway.

Image of widening project underway on US 70 at southern end of East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Work continues to widen US 70 at the southern end of the East End Connector project work zone.

Photos Taken by David Johnson on August 17, 2019

Image of start of new NC 147 North lanes at southern end of East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Traffic no longer crosses over at the southern end of the Project work zone.

Image of traffic using new NC 147 north lanes south of East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

Driving the new northbound lanes.

Image of newly opened NC 147 lanes south of future I-885 interchange with East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson

Future third lane of NC 147 North currently blocked off by yellow line.

Image of newly placed 1/2 mile advance overhead sign for future NC 147 North exit off of I-885 in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Closeup of the new 1/2 mile advance signage from the new northbound lanes.

Image of new NC 147 North lanes approaching future I-885/East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

New NC 147 North lanes approaching the future I-885 split.

Image of newly placed overhead signage at future split of I-885 and NC 147 North at East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

Closeup of overhead signage at future ramp for I-885 North on new NC 147 North lanes, traffic moved over to the left lanes.

Image of traffic using new NC 147 North lanes approaching underpass for Future I-885/East End Connector ramps in Durham, by David Johnson

Construction equipment is apparently being stored in the future I-885 lanes at the East End Connector interchange.

Image of traffic on new NC 147 lanes approaching underpass of Future I-885 South lanes at East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

About to head under the ramp that will carry Future I-885 South traffic to the Durham Freeway.

Image of NC 147 North traffic heading under new underpass of Future I-885 South lanes at East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

Driving under the Future I-885 South lanes.

Image of NC 147 North traffic exiting new underpass of Future I-885 South lanes in East End Connector interchange area in Durham, by David Johnson

The light at the end of the tunnel, or I guess underpass, in the East End Connector interchange.

Image of new NC 147 North lanes continuing after passing under Future I-885 ramps in East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

The new lanes continue up to the future on-ramp from I-885 South.

Image of recently placed 1/2 mile advance sign (with wrong exit number?) for Briggs Avenue exit on NC 147 North in Durham, by David Johnson

At present the exit only tab for the Briggs Avenue exit points to the closed third lane just after merging with the future I-885 South on-ramp (exit number still has not been corrected, should be 10). [Update-based on new information above, this is correct, though could be signed as 1B.]

Image of NC 147 traffic rejoining original lanes prior to the Briggs Avenue exit in Durham, by David Johnson

More work is still needed where new NC 147 lanes meet the old alignment at the railroad bridge prior to Briggs Avenue.

Image of NC 147 traffic at end of East End Connector Project work zone prior to Briggs Avenue exit in Durham, by David Johnson

View of conditions at the end of the East End Connector Project work zone prior to the Briggs Avenue exit.

Taken by David Johnson on July 21, 2019

Western end (NC 147)

Image  of NC 147 South traffic entering East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Traffic entering the East End Connector work zone on NC 147 South, future flyover ramp to I-885 North in distance.

Image of NC 147 South traffic at future ramp to I-885 North in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Passing by the future ramp to I-885 North. Notice the ramp has not been paved as of yet.

Image of NC 147 South traffic about to pass under completed flyover ramp to Future I-885 roadway in Durham, by David Johnson

Traffic passing under the completed flyover ramp. Northbound traffic using southbound lanes still temporarily. Permanent NC 147 North lanes are supposed to be opened this month.  Switching directions...

Image of beginning of East End Connector Project work zone on NC 147 (Future I-885) North in Durham, by David Johnson

The start of the work zone for the East End Connector project on NC 147 North.

Image of NC 147 traffic shifting to temporary lanes at start of East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

NC 147 North traffic shifting to temporary lanes prior to the East End Connector interchange. Work is still ongoing to transition the old alignment to the new lanes.

Image of traffic on temporary NC 147 lanes paralleling future lanes on right, close to completion, by David Johnson

The future I-885/NC 147 North lanes appear close to completion but are still missing some lane markings.

Image of newly placed signs 1/2 mile south of future East End Connector (I-885) exit on NC 147 North in Durham, by David Johnson

Closeup view of the 1/2 mile advance sign for NC 147 North and the covered over I-885 North to US 70, I-85 pull through sign. The control cities hidden are Greensboro and Petersburg.

Image of recently placed overhead signs at future exit to NC 147 North on I-885 North in Durham, by David Johnson

Closeup of the exit signs at the future NC 147 North exit ramp. Will future traffic reporters refer to this as the I-885/NC 147 Split? Work is near completion beyond the barrier for the future South I-885/NC 147 left shoulder.

Image of NC 147 North traffic using temporary lanes in East End Connector interchange work zone, by David Johnson

Shoulder work continues back toward future merge between I-885 and NC 147 South beyond the flyover ramp.

Image of future merge between NC 147 South lanes and I-885 South onramp in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

View of the future merge area of South NC 147 and I-885 traffic, work on the I-885 ramp bridge continues.

Image of Future I-885 South lanes at merge point with NC 147 South traffic in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Closer view of the the future I-885 South lanes as they approach NC 147 South.

Image of construction for future NC 147 lane tunnel below I-885 South bridge in East End Connector Project work area in Durham, by David Johnson

Support structure for Future I-885 South lanes extends out over Future NC 147 North prior to flyover ramp.

Image of future on-ramp to NC 147 North from I-885 South under I-885 North flyover ramp in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Looking under the flyover ramp toward the future on-ramp to NC 147 from I-885 South.

Image of view of Future NC 147 North lanes from temporary lanes in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Nearing the end of the work zone with future NC 147 lanes to the right still needing lane markings.

Image of recently placed overhead signs on future NC 147 North lanes for Briggs Avenue exit at northern end of East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

The overhead exit tab for Briggs Avenue is still missing a 0 (unless NCDOT decided to change the number to 1 after the sign was manufactured?).

Angier Avenue Bridge

Image of completed Future I-885/East End Connector bridge over Angier Avenue in Durham, by David Johnson

Driving north under the completed Future I-885/East End Connector bridges over Angier Avenue and railroad tracks.

Image of close up view of completed Future I-885/East End Connector bridges over Angier Avenue and railroad tracks in Durham, by David Johnson

Closeup view of the underside of the two bridges.

East End/US 70

Image of view at southern end of East End Connector Project work zone on US 70 West in Durham, by David Johnson

View heading west on US 70 at start of construction zone, not much change in the past month.

Image of lane markings for future US 70 traffic on future US 70 west lanes in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Still no progress in tying in future flyover ramp to I-885 South to US 70 lanes, nor grading Future US 70 East lanes to the left.

Image of traffic using new US 70 West lanes prior to future flyover ramp to I-885 South in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

More work appears needed to complete the flyover ramp as well as build new US 70 East lanes at the I-885 interchange.

Image of US 70 traffic driving under nearly complete flyover ramp to Future I-885 South in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

A closer look at the flyover ramp, no pavement markings for future temporary US 70 East travel lanes.

Image of US 70 West traffic heading toward new Carr Road exit in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Still only 1 temporary exit sign for Carr Road exit seen going under flyover ramp.

Image of traffic on new US 70 West lanes heading toward Carr Road bridge in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Little progress seen on the left in completing the grading of the Future I-885 South/US 70 East lanes approaching the Carr Road bridge.

Image of temporary VMS placed in future I-885 North/US 70 West lanes in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

A better look at the future I-885 South/US 70 East lanes. Portable VMS with information on NC 98 exit.

Image of new railroad bridge being constructed behind temporary structure from US 70 West (Future I-885 North) in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

New railroad bridge can be seen nearing completion behind temporary bridge from US 70 West.

Image of new railroad bridge being constructed across US 70 (Future I-885) lanes in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

A better look at the new bridge behind the temporary structure. Hopefully the overhead sign gantry beyond the bridge will be moved further north.

Image of traffic on new US 70 West (Future I-885 North) lanes at NC 98/US 70 Business interchange in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Traveling over the bridge at NC 98/Business US 70 along Future I-885 lanes.

Image of traffic on new US 70 West (Future I-885 North) lanes at NC 98/Bus. US 70 exit in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Construction work still continues to the left to complete the Future I-885 North lanes in the vicinity of NC 98/Business 70.

Image of traffic on US 70 West (Future I-885 North) lanes after NC 98/US 70 Business exit in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Work to grade future I-885 lanes continues at northern end of East End Connector project work zone following the NC 98/Business 70 exit.

Photos taken in late June 2019 by Charles M. Kunz show first new East End Connector signage on NC 147:

Image of newly placed overhead signage (with partially uncovered I-885 shield) for future I-885 North lanes at split with NC 147 Durham Freeway, by Charles M. Kunz

The overhead signage installed in mid-June show, partially hidden, the first I-885 shield, though still not officially approved by AASHTO. The exit tab also shows that they have changed the exit number plan since the first sign plans were created, this was to be Exit 4 (see plans below). Apparently having 2 Exit 1s along the Durham Freeway corridor between NC 540 and the Connector was thought to be too confusing, so NC 147 mileage will continue to be used, at least until I-885 splits off toward US 70.

Image of newly placed overhead sign for Briggs Avenue exit on future NC 147 North lanes after East End Connector/I-885 exit in Durham, by Charles M. Kunz

A newly installed 1/2 mile advance sign along the future NC 147 lanes for the Briggs Avenue exit. There appears to be a missing 0 on the exit tab, as the exit number should be 10.

Photos taken in June 2019 by Adam Prince show little progress since April due to the weather along US 70:

Image of US 70 West traffic using completed lanes prior to future interchange with I-885/East End Connector in Durham, by Adam Prince

Little work has occurred in completing the future US 70 eastbound lanes at the future interchange with I-885, looking west.


Image of temporary exit ramp sign for new Carr Road exit on US 70 West in Future I-885/East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by Adam Prince

This temporary sign has been put up prior to the off-ramp for the new Carr Road exit on US 70 West.

Image of overhead sign gantry over future I-885 Northbound lanes prior to Carr Road bridge on US 70 West in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by Adam Prince

Again, progress on the future I-885 South lanes to the left has not really advanced near the Carr Road bridge since April.

Image of traffic using future I-885 North lanes approaching temporary railroad bridge on US 70 West in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham by Adam Prince

US 70 west traffic traveling under temporary railroad bridge, not much progress seen in building the permanent structure on the other side.

Image of construction progress along US 70 West in Future I-885 North lanes approaching off-ramp to NC 98 in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by Adam Prince

Large cell tower looms over new NC 98 exit off-ramp currently without any permanent signage.

Image of new overhead sign for Cheek Road exit on Future I-885 North/US 70 West in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by Adam Prince

New overhead 1/2 Mile advance sign for Cheek Road exit, blank space on right is presumably for yellow right lane ends sign. Notice lack of progress on completing the road to the left of the concrete barrier.


Photos taken in April 2019 by Isaiah Sconiers showing US 70 West moved to permanent alignment earlier in the month:

Image of future exit and flyover ramp from US 70 to I-885 South in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by Isaiah Sconiers

Westbound US 70 traffic at future ramp to I-885 South with nearly completed flyover ramp in distance, eastbound US 70 traffic to also be shifted to future US 70 West lanes in near future.

Image of under construction flyover ramp for US 70 East to I-885 South traffic in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by Isaiah Sconiers

Closeup view of flyover ramp, current US 70 will serve as a service road going underneath flyover on left.

Image of US 70 traffic using permanent alingment through East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, from Isaiah Sconiers

One new exit sign gantry is up prior to Carr Road bridge while others await placement in future US 70 East lanes.

Image of US 70 East traffic heading under temporary railroad bridge in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by Isaiah Sconiers

US 70 traffic heads under temporary railroad bridge with support posts now in path of roadway.

Photos taken in late August 2018 at the NC 147 interchange by Adam Prince:

Image of traffic being taken from current NC 147 North lanes to temporary lanes shared with southbound traffic approaching East End Connector interchange, by Adam Prince

Traffic on NC 147 North using temporary cross over to southbound lanes prior to future East End Connector interchange.

Image of NC 147 Durham Freeway traffic using temporary lanes while future lanes are being reconstructed prior to future East End Connector interchange, by Adam Prince

Future I-885/NC 147 lanes currently share northbound traffic while future northbound lanes are widened and reconstructed ahead of Future I-885 interchange.

Image of graded future I-885 North lanes approaching East End Connector project interchange in Durham, by Adam Prince

View approaching future I-885 and NC 147/Durham Freeway split shows future north lanes still only graded. NCDOT's official timeline has the NC 147 modifications completed by June 2018.

Image of progress building new NC 147/Durham Freeway North lanes at East End Connector interchange, by Adam Prince

Graded future NC 147/Durham Freeway and I-885 North lanes continue as ramp for I-885 can be seen heading right in the distance.

Image of future NC 147 South to I-885 North flyover ramp in Durham East End Connector Project work zone. by Adam Prince

Traveling under the future NC 147 South to I-885 North flyover ramp with view of future Durham Freeway north lanes and ramp curving off to left in the distance.

Image of future ramp from I-885 South to NC 147 North under construction in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by Adam Prince

View of the future ramp from I-885 South to NC 147/Durham Freeway North still only graded, along with future NC 147 North lanes.

Photos taken in late July 2018 at the US 70 interchange by David Johnson:

Image of new roadway for US 70 traffic that will be on-ramp to US 70 East from I-885 North/East End Connector under construction in Durham, by David Johnson

US 70 traffic has been diverted onto an new roadway to the left of the future lanes at the East End Connector interchange, part will be used for future US 70 East ramp traffic (Variable message sign is indicating NC 98 exit is temporarily closed).

Image of US 70 heading west along new roadway to left of future I-885 interchange with US 70 at East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

Work to build the flyover ramp from US 70 West to I-885 South can be completed now that US 70 traffic has been shifted to the left.

Image of progress in creating future ramp from I-885 North to US 70 East in East End Connector project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Looking to the west of the US 70 roadway one can see the building of the future ramp to US 70 East from I-885 North.

Image showing incomplete flyover ramp with gap over future I-885 roadway looking toward the NC 98 interchange in East End Connector project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Closeup view of the US 70 West flyover ramp gap over the incomplete I-885/US 70 freeway.

Image of US 70 traffic heading under flyover ramp for future US 70 West/I-885 South East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

US 70 traffic on temporary alignment heading under completed part of future flyover ramp to I-885 South.

Image of US 70 West traffic paralleling future I-885 freeway roadway north of East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

Completed Carr Road bridge can be seen to the right as US 70 transitions back to its existing lanes after the East End Connector interchange.

Image of completed bridge over future I-885/US 70 lanes north of East End Connector interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

Closer view of completed Carr Road bridge over future I-885/US 70 lanes.

 Image of workers laying down pavement along split of current US 70 with future East End Connector alignment in Durham, by David Johnson

Workers place asphalt along the closed right lane of US 70 West heading toward the NC 98 exit.

Image of construction along US 70 West in vicinity of future I-885 roadway in East End Connector work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Workers prepare new alignment for US 70 West lanes diverging from current roadway approaching railroad bridge.

Image of lanes split between current and future US 70 West lanes prior to railroad bridge in East End Connector project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

New lane being built on the right appears will take US 70 West traffic to right side of railroad bridge in the distance.

Image of current US 70 West roadway approaching temporary and future railroad bridge over future I-885 roadway in Durham, by David Johnson

US 70 lanes using future I-885 South roadway approaching railroad bridges (current temporary and future).

Image of US 70 West approaching temporary and future railroad bridge over Future I-885 South lanes in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnsonc

New but temporary bridge in front of permanent bridge under construction approaching NC 98 interchange.

Image of temporary railroad piers being excavated next to US 70 West lanes in East End Connector project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Piers of temporary bridge being dug out as part of construction process for permanent railroad bridge.

Image of construction of new US 70 West lanes in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Work is proceeding on new lanes to connect to future NC 98 bridge.

Image of traffic using newly repaved lanes of US 70 West near NC 98 interchange in East End Connector Project work zone, by David Johnson

End of new pavement ahead along current alignment of US 70 approaching the closed NC 98 exit.

Image of raised lanes for future I-885 roadway from current US 70 West in East End Connector Project work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Future bridge over NC 98 can be seen on the right, the closed NC 98 exit was at the other side of the bridge.

Image of new NC 98 bridge being constructed for I-885 freeway as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

Closer view of he bridge and work behind it to connect to future I-885 lanes.

Image of construction of new lanes for Future I-885 along US 70 West in Durham as part of East End Connector project, by David Johnson

Presumably when future I-885 North bridge over NC 98 is complete, traffic will be shifted over so that southbound bridge can be constructed along what is currently US 70 East and West lanes.

Image of future I-885 lanes under construction to the right of current US 70 as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

Pavement is being placed to the right for future I-885 North lanes between NC 98 and Cheek Road.

Earlier photos taken by the Durham Herald Sun at the Future US 70 interchange in July 2018:

Image of under construction interchange between Future I-885/East End Connector and NC 147/Durham Freeway, by Durham Herald-Sun

Construction of flyover ramps still in progress. US 70 traffic using future eastbound lanes.

Image of grading around future I-885 interchange with NC 147/Durham Freeway, by Durham Herald-Sun

Looking along future path of incomplete flyover ramp over Future I-885 North lanes looking east.

Image showing contruction trucks at site of future interchange between I-885/East End Connector and NC 147/Durham Freeway, by Durham Herald-Sun

Different view showing construction progress at future interchange with US 70.

Image taken from future flyover ramp of I-885/East End Connector in Durham at US 70, by Durham Herald-Sun

View taken from future flyover ramp structure for future US 70 interchange.

Latest traffic camera view looking south from the NC 55 exit (northbound camera has been off-line since May 2018) showing progress adding future I-885 on-ramp to NC 147 North:

NCDOT traffic camera image of NC 147 north of East End Connector project

Earlier Views from NCDOT Traffic Cameras in March 2018 and December 2017 showing Durham Freeway near EEC interchange, as of March northbound traffic has been shifted temporarily to completed southbound lanes so northbound lanes can be rebuilt:

Northbound:                                                Southbound:

                                            Image from NCDOT traffic camera in March 2018 of progress building East End Connector from NC 147/Durham Freeway looking north                 Image taken from NCDOT traffic camera in Dec. 2017 looking south showing progress reconstructing road for East End Connector interchange                                           

Latest Photos - Taken on May 5, 2018 by Adam Prince along US 70:

Image of US 70 West traffic approaching future East End Connector/I-885 interchange in Durham, by Adam Prince

US 70 West approaching future off-ramp to I-885 South, future on-ramp from the Connector to US 70 East can be seen on the left.

Image of US 70 West traffic approaching incomplete flyover ramp to Future I-885 South in East End Connector project work zone in Durham, by Adam Prince

There has been little progress in extending the flyover ramp across the current US 70 lanes, perhaps they are waiting for traffic to be shifted to the US 70 freeway lanes.

Image of new ramp bridges for East End Connector/Future I-885 interchange with US 70, by Adam Prince

Future interchange ramp bridges can be seen across US 70 from the current westbound lanes.

Image of future US 70 freeway lanes from current US 70 roadway, lanes being used as storage area for construction equipment for East End Connector/I-885 project in Durham, by Adam Prince

The paved future US 70 freeway lanes are being used as a storage area for construction materials.

Image of traffic on US 70 West beyond NC 98 interchange showing progress building new freeway as part of East End Connector/Future I-885 project in Durham, by Adam Prince

Beyond the NC 98 exit, work continues to upgrade US 70 to become the future northern end of the I-885 freeway.


Earlier Photos-Taken on March 20, 2018 by David Johnson from temporary NC 147 northbound lanes:

Image of NC 147 North traffic using crossover to temporary lanes approaching East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

NC 147 North traffic using crossover to access completed southbound lanes to be shared by Durham Freeway traffic while new northbound lands approaching the Future I-885 North interchange is completed.

Image of NC 147 North traffic using southbound lanes temporarily approaching Glover Rd bridge, by David Johnson

NC 147 traffic in future southbound lanes approaching Glover Road bridge prior to East End Connector construction.

Image of NC 147 traffic using temporary lanes approaching East End Connector project in Durham, by David Johnson

Contractors have already ripped out old northbound lane surface approaching future I-885 North exit ramp.

Image of new bridge construction for NC 147 North in East End Connector work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

View under completed NC 147 South to I-885 North flyover ramp of paved Future I-885 ramps and new bridge construction.

Image of Future I-885 ramp construction from temporary lanes of NC 147 at East End Connector work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Closer look at new bridge construction and removal of former northbound lanes beyond concrete barriers.

Image of bridge construction in East End Connector work zone from NC 147 North temporary lanes in Durham, by David Johnson

Closer view of completed flyover ramp for NC 147 traffic to access the East Connector roadway.

Image of flyover ramp for future NC 147 South to I-885 North traffic in East End Connector work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Another view of new bridge construction from temporary Durham Freeway north lanes.

Image of new bridge construction from temporary NC 147 North lanes in East End Connector work zone in Durham, by David Johnson

Closer look at new bridge construction heading under the flyover ramp bridge.

Earlier Photos - Taken on July 23 and 28, 2017 by David Johnson:

Traveling southbound showing progress in building ramp structures over the Durham Freeway:

Image showing traffic shift at start of East End Connector construction zone on NC 147 South in Durham, by David Johnson

Traffic being shifted heading toward future I-885 North off-ramp.

Image of southbound Durham freeway approaching Future I-885 North off-ramp, by David Johnson

The future I-885 North off-ramp is being graded.

Image approaching newly placed steel supports for future ramp from NC 147 South to I-885 North, by David Johnson

The girders for the future I-885 North off-ramp were placed during the weekend of July 14-16.

Image taken of beams in place for future flyover ramp from NC 147 South to I-885 North in Durham, by David Johnson

While the beams are new the grading of the surrounding roadway has been completed for a while, based on the grass growth.

Image taken of newly placed support beams for future ramp from NC 147 South to I-885 North in Durham, by David Johnson

A closeup of the bottom of the new ramp structure already having bridge deck materials being placed between the girders.

Image taken looking back at Future I-885 North ramp from NC 147 South in Durham, by David Johnson

The previously placed part of the ramp over the northbound lanes have been mostly completed.

Image of traffic on new NC 147 Southbound lanes near future interchange with I-885, East End Connector in Durham, by David Johnson

Traffic south of the interchange is now using the new southbound lanes heading toward Ellis Road.

Along US 70 at the other end of Connector construction:

Image of US 70 traffic at northern end of East End Connector construction zone, by David Johnson

View from US 70 East heading toward East End Connector construction zone.


Image of distance sign on US 70 East in Durham approaching East End Connector work zone, by David Johnson

Long standing destination mileage sign on US 70 East approaching future flyover ramp for East End Connector.


Image taken of incomplete flyover ramp over US 70 at East End Ave intersection in Durham, by David Johnson

Incomplete flyover ramp for future I-885 South traffic as seen from US 70 East at East End Avenue.

Image showing partially complete flyover ramp by US 70 near East End Ave. in Durham, photo by David Johnson

A closer view of he flyover ramp with completed steel work above future I-885/US 70 lanes.

Image of completed support structures for future ramps of I-885 East End Connector at US 70 in Durham, by David Johnson

Some of the support structures for other ramps seen from US 70 awaiting their steel their completion.

Image of construction crane in front of Future I-885 ramp to US 70 East, by David Johnson

Idle crane waits in front of bridge under construction over Future I-885 lanes being graded leading away from US 70 East.

Image of future I-885/East End Connector lanes heading west from US 70 interchange in Durham, by David Johnson

 Looking under the bridge reveals future I-885 roadway toward the Durham Freeway receiving final grading.

Image of southern end of future ramp bridge over I-885 lanes in Durham, by David Johnson

Closer view of southern end of bridge showing work proceeding on creating barrier walls above Future I-885 lanes.


Earlier Photos from March 31 and April 2, 2017:

First the western section, NC 147, between Briggs Avenue and Ellis Road, heading South then turning around:

Image of view from Briggs Ave. on-ramp onto NC 147 South approaching East End Connector work zone
Entering NC 147 South from the Briggs Ave. on-ramp showing traffic being shifted to a temporary bridge while the future southbound lanes and ramps are being constructed.

Image taken of NC 147 South approaching temporary bridge in East End Connector work zone
About to head over the temporary bridge on NC 147 South showing concrete has been poured for future Southbound lanes and bridge approaching the Future I-885 North off-ramp.

Image taken on NC 147 South of East End Connector construction zone
A little further south, concrete barriers separate NC 157 South traffic from future southbound lanes approaching interchange fly-over ramps.

Image showing progress in completing support structure for Future I-885 North on-ramp from NC 147 in Durham
Approaching the flyover ramp that will take NC 147 South traffic to I-885 North showing not all the overhead beams have been installed yet. To the right, not all of the concrete roadway has been placed for the future South lanes.

Image taken south of I-885 flyover ramps along NC 147 South in Durham
Traveling further south after the flyover ramps with the future NC 147 South lanes now elevated to the right.

Image taken of Future NC 147 South lanes being built as part of East End Connector project in Durham
Work is ongoing in building the future I-885/NC 147 South lanes south of the interchange with both lanes of current traffic in the future North lanes.

Image taken of southbound lane construction for Future I-885/NC 147 South in Durham
Construction of new I-885/NC 147 South lanes continues south from the East End Connector toward Ellis Road, with Glover Road bridge in distance.

Image taken of southern end of East End Connector work zone from NC 147 South in Durham
Power line warning signs and the start of concrete placement on the future Southbound lanes highlight the southern part of the East End Connector work zone.

Image taken of view along NC 147 North approaching East End Connector work zone in Durham
Turning around at Ellis Road and heading north, the East End Connector work zone is first viewed prior to passing under the Glover Road bridge.

Image taken traveling NC 147 North toward future I-885 interchange in Durham
Work on the Future Southbound lanes can be barely seen above the median barriers as seen from North NC 147.

Image taken of East End Connector construction from NC 147 North in Durham
Approaching the future split of NC 147 with I-885 North, work on the future southbound lanes can be seen to the left.

Image showing construction of Future I-885 North Ramp from NC 147 North in Durham
Heading further toward the flyover ramps, the future North I-885 ramp can be seen to the right, only recently begun grading work.

Image showing construction of future I-885 ramps and northbound lanes from NC 147 North in Durham
A closer view of the Future I-885 ramp heading off from NC 147 lanes about to go under the future flyover ramp and bridge.

Image taken of traveling through future flyover ramp construction zone for East End Connector on NC 147 in Durham
A close view of the flyover and other ramp bridges being built over NC 147 North.

Image taken of East End Connector construction from NC 147 North at Future I-885 interchange
View after traveling under the future ramps of construction area heading towards the Briggs Avenue exit.

Image taken of construction on Future I-885 South ramp to NC 147 North in Durham
At the northern end of the construction zone, work has started on the right in building the Future I-885 South ramp to NC 147 North.

Next, the Middle Section-Angier Avenue:

Image taken of bridge construction for East End Connector over Angier Ave. in Durham
Heading north on Angier Avenue through the East End Connector work zone shows progress in building supports and grading the future I-885 lanes to the east to carry traffic over the road and the railroad tracks to the left.

Image taken of future bridge construction for East End Connector over Angier Ave. in Durham
A closer view of construction while traveling between the bridge pier construction and the elevated land for the I-885 roadway.

Finally, the Eastern Section - US 70 from East End Avenue to NC 98 (and back beyond):

Image of view from US 70 West prior to East End Ave at start of East End Connector project work zone
View from US 70 West at East End Avenue intersection with East End Connector work zone coming into view.

Image of view from East End Avenue on US 70 West in Durham of East End Connector work zone
View from US 70 west just passed the East End Avenue intersection, showing Current and Future US 70 lanes.

Image taken of new US 70 lanes being constructed as part of East End Connector project in Durham
Approaching the future ramp from US 70 to I-885 South on the right, where some paving has started heading up toward the ramp overpass.

Image taken looking at East End Connector related construction to the west of current US 70 in Durham
Looking to the west of US 70, a paved on-ramp from Future I-885 North and bridge construction can be spotted.

Image taken of East End Connector construction from US 70 West in Durham
Approaching the future site of the I-885 South off-ramp from US 70 West with a closer look at the paved lanes.

Image of view looking at East End Connector construction west of US 70 in Durham
Another look to the west of US 70 opposite the future I-885 South Off-Ramp showing grading and paving of future ramp to US 70 East.

Image of flyover ramp construction for I-885 over US 70 in Durham
Approaching the flyover ramp for I-885 South partially completed over current US 70 lanes with bridge being constructed to the left.

Image taken of ramp bridge being constructed west of US 70 as part of East End Connector project in Durham
Closer look of ramp bridge being constructed that will take traffic under the flyover ramp for US 70 West traffic heading onto I-885 South.

Image taken showing future I-885/US 70 lanes north of East End Connector interchange in Durham
A view to the right from US 70 West shows future I-885/US 70 lanes heading under completed bridge currently not connected to any street.

Image taken of East End Connector work zone north of future I-885/US 70 interchange in Durham
A closer look at the future I-885/US 70 lanes shows paving has not begun along graded roadway underneath the completed bridge.

Image taken of current signage at US 70 Business exit from US 70 West in East End Connector work zone in Durham
Signage for the pre-existing US 70 Business exit from US 70 West in the middle of the East End Connector work zone. When I-885 is completed US 70 Business traffic will use the revised NC 98 exit.

Image taken of US 70 West traveling through East End Connector work zone in Durham
US 70 lanes travel toward future I-885/US 70 lanes to travel under bridge prior to NC 98 exit.

Image taken of nearly completed bridge over Future I-885/US 70 lanes in East End Connector work zone in Durham
About to travel over new bridge over Future I-885/US 70 lanes, current US 70 traveling in future southbound lanes will work is still ongoing to excavate future northbound lanes.

Image taken of construction of future Interstate 885 North lanes prior to NC 98 in Durham
Future I-885 North lanes continue to the right paralleling US 70 headed toward the NC 98 Exit.

Image taken of bridge construction for future Interstate 885 North lanes over NC 98 in Durham
Prior to the NC 98 exit, work is continuing of the bridge that will take I-885 North/US 70 West over NC 98.

Image taken of NC 98 Exit gore sign on US 70 in Durham
A closer look at the NC 98 Exit Gore Sign. This will be Exit 11 when I-885 is completed, see sign plans below.

Image taken of Future Interstate 885 North bridge being constructed over NC 98 in Durham
View at the bottom of the US 70 West off-ramp to NC 98 showing the construction is proceeding that will take I-885 North traffic over the intersection.

Image of view on East US 70 of construction of new lanes for Future I-885 in Durham
Returning east on US 70 showing work is half finished in demolishing old railroad bridge in front of new one being completed over Future I-885 South lanes.

Image taken of view south over Future I-885/US 70 alignment north of East End Connector interchange in Durham
Looking South beyond the bridge, over approaching project work zone as US 70 curves to meet US 70 Business.

Image taken along US 70 East in Durham showing construction of lanes for Future Interstate 885 as part of East End Connector project
Further along approaching East End Avenue intersection with Future I-885/US 70 lanes to left and flyover ramp in distance.

Image taken of construction along US 70 East in Durham for East End Connector project
Approaching East End Avenue and future interchange area, another look at US 70 West to I-885 South flyover ramp construction.

Image of view along US 70 East south of Future East End Connector interchange showing construction progress
View on US 70 East beyond East End Avenue showing future US 70 lanes slowly making their way back to the alignment of the current lanes at the bottom of the hill.

Image taken of new US 70 lanes merging with existing alignment as part of East End Connector project in Durham
At the bottom of the hill and the southern end of the East End Connector project work zone, showing the last part of the new road alignment merging with the old prior to the Living Waters Community Church.

Earlier Photos - February 19, 2017

A few photos from Adam Prince showing the progress building the interchange with NC 147, the Durham Freeway approaching the interchange on NC 147 North:

Image showing view from NC 147 North of bridge prior to East End Connector construction area, from Adam Prince

Image of view from NC 147 approaching ramps being constructed for East End Connector interchange, from Adam Prince

Image of view on NC 147 approaching recently placed overhead beams for East End Connector ramp from  NC 147 South, from Adam Prince

Image of closeup view of future ramp under construction for NC 147/East End Connector Interchange, from Adam Prince


Previous - October 23, 2016

These photos, from LC, show progress on the eastern side of the project along US 70 West, traveling through the future I-885/US 70 interchange and further north to the existing freeway north of NC 98:

Image showing construction work for future US 70/East End Connector interchange in Durham, by LC

Image of construction at future US 70 - East End Connector interchange in Durham, by LC

Image from US 70 West prior to future interchange with East End Connector, under construction in Durham, from LC

Image of new interchange for future East End Connector under construction from US 70 West in Durham, from LC

Image approaching new bridge being constructed over US 70 as part of East End Connector project in Durham, from LC

Image approaching new ramp for East End Connector interchange with US 70 in Durham, by LC

Image of new flyover bridge being built over US 70 for East End Connector Project in Durham, by LC

Image of construction of future US 70 freeway for East End Connector project in Durham, by LC

Image of new US 70 freeway being constructed next to current roadway for East End Connector project, from LC

Image of future US 70 freeway under construction, part of East End Connector project in Durham, from LC

Image of future US 70 freeway under construction as part of East End Connector project in Durham, from LC

Image of future US 70 freeway under construction as part of East End Connector Project in Durham, from LC

Image of new bridge being built over future US 70 freeway, part of East End Connector project in Durham, by LC

Image of new bridge being built over US 70 as part of East End Connector project in Durham, by LC

Image of construction along US 70 West in Durham for East End Connector project, by LC

Image of construction for East End Connector project along US 70 West in Durham, from LC

Image of construction for East End Connector project on US 70 West at NC 98 exit, from LC

Image of construction for East End Connector on US 70 West beyond NC 98 exit, by LC

Here's a view of progress on the NC 147 side from the NCDOT Traffic Camera in the area, taken 10/15/16:

Image from NCDOT Traffic Camera of construction at future NC 147/East End Connector interchange

Previous Photos - April 17, 2016

These photos, from Adam Prince, show progress on the eastern side of the project along US 70 West traveling through the future I-885/US 70 interchange and then further north toward the current Business 70 off-ramp:

Image of construction along US 70 prior to future connection with the East End Connector

Image of future US 70/East End Connector area under construction, by Adam Prince

Image of US 70 construction near future interchange with East End Connector, from Adam Prince

Image of future railroad bridge being constructed in front of existing bridge over US 70 as part of East End Connector project, by Adam Prince




Previous Photos - November 14, 2015


These photos, from Adam Prince, show the progress on the eastern side of the project along US 70 toward the current Business 70 off-ramp last fall:

Image of clearing completed for future East End Connector/US 70 interchange in Durham, by Adam Prince

Image of clearing for future East End Connector interchange with US 70 in Durham, by Adam Prince

Image of construction for future I-885 along west US 70 in Durham, by Adam Prince






Image of progress widening US 70 for future East End Connector near Business 70 in Durham, by Adam Prince





Image of widening US 70 and clearing for new bridge near Business 70 in Durham, by Adam 
Prince

Previous Photos - October 30, 2015



These photos, courtesy of Adam Prince, show progress at the future I-885/NC 147 interchange, compare with previous photos regarding work in median and in constructing the future I-885 North Off-Ramp:

Image of progress in creating Future East End Connector interchange with Durham Freeway. Photo by Adam Prince




Image of progress constructing future I-885 off-ramp from Durham Freeway. Photo by Adam Prince

Image of construction equipment at future I-885/NC 147 interchange. Photo by Adam Prince
Image of support posts being constructed at future I-885/NC 147 interchange. Photo by Adam Prince

Previous Photos - June 22, 2015


The contractors have begun clearing the project area, starting first on the eastern side along US 70, and now along the western side on NC 147 starting in late May. Here are some photos of the clearing along the Durham Freeway on June 20:

Image of clearing along median of Durham Freeway for East End Connector Project. Photo by Adam Prince

Image of clearing along median of Durham Freeway for East End Connector Project. Photo by Adam Prince

Image of clearing along side of Durham Freeway for East End Connector Project. Photo by Adam Prince

And of the clearing and other construction along US 70  courtesy of Adam Prince from May 20:

Image of clearing along US 70 in Durham for East End Connector project, photo by Adam Prince

Image of clearing along US 70 in Durham for East End Connector project. Photo by Adam Prince

Image of broken rock being placed in East End Connector project area in Durham, photo by Adam Prince

Image of clearing along US 70 in Durham for East End Connector Project, photo by Adam Prince

Image of clearing at future site of East End Connector/US 70 interchange in Durham, photo by Adam Prince

Image of concrete barriers placed in East End Connector work zone on US 70 in Durham, photo by Adam Prince

Image of land clearing in vicinity of NC 98 exit on US 70 in Durham, photo by Adam Prince

Image of land clearing at future interchange between East End Connector and US 70 in Durham, photo by Adam Prince



Proposed Route of I-885



This future interstate highway would use an upgraded US 70 freeway East (South) from I-85 Exit 178 two miles to the planned East End Connector which would then run about a mile from US 70 to the Durham Freeway (NC 147). The route would then run south with NC 147 for about 5 more miles to I-40 Exit 270 along the Durham Freeway (planned to be widened to 6 lanes). The benefit of the I-885 proposal would be to provide a single numerical designation for drivers from I-85 to RTP and, since the East End Connector is funded as Durham's Urban Loop project, like other NC cities' urban loops, an interstate designation is appropriate. An even number is to be used since it would connect two interstates.

NCDOT officials have discussed an I-885 designation for about 10 years, but the sign plans were the first public notice of the interstate proposal. An NCDOT official says it may be necessary to upgrade parts of the Durham Freeway and US 70 (widen some of the existing shoulders outside of the Project area or request an exemption for a bridge that might not quite meet the specifications) to get federal approval. NCDOT doesn't plan to submit applications to either the FHWA or AASHTO until closer to the East End Connector project's completion, they did not do so at the AASHTO meeting in October 2019.2 Here's a map of the corridor from the News & Observer:


Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/09/08/4134356_road-worrier-durhams-east-end.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

adHere's a map of the proposed route, courtesy of the Raleigh News & Observer (2)
Map of proposed I-885 route in Durham, NC courtesy of Raleigh News & Observer








Project History




The East End Connector has been an official NCDOT project since the 1970s. Traffic planners in Durham had a connecting route from the Durham Freeway to US 70 in mind earlier in the 1960s when they mapped out the Durham Freeway and left space for an interchange with the Connector between Exits 8 and 11. Since there is no direct connection between the two major east-west highways in the City of Durham (Durham Freeway and US 70), motorists and truckers often use other streets to access the highway system. NCDOT estimated over the next 25 years, traffic volumes would increase significantly and without the Connector additional cut-through traffic would affect local streets and communities. The East End Connector, NCDOT argued, would provide a link among four major transportation routes (I-85, US 70, NC 147, and I-40) and facilitate better traffic flow.

The project has been shelved several times due to wrangling over competing Durham road priorities and debates over a state spending formula that always seemed to find other cities more deserving of big-project dollars.8 During the 1990s NCDOT, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization, the City of Durham and Durham County all identified the East End Connector project as a priority and pressed for funding. The project was made eligible for funding under the Urban Loop construction fund in the late 1990s after the preferred NCDOT Loop project, a northern bypass which would have cut through the Eno River State Park, was opposed by city officials. The neighborhoods to be affected, largely African-American, were wary of the project, remembering how the building of the Durham Freeway through the heart of downtown during the 1960s bulldozed much of the vibrant 'Black Wall Street' area (opposition which prevented the Freeway from being completed until the late 1990s). NCDOT's preferred alternative to construct the Connector, ended up with 22 residences and 33 businesses being condemned. The final hurdle, concerns of residents of the Hayestown neighborhood, located mostly between Angier Avenue and U.S. 70, was alleviated in 2010 when NCDOT made changes in project plans to provide an improved interchange at Carr Road to preserve the neighborhood’s access to U.S. 70.15


Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/01/07/4456684_ncdot-awards-142-million-contract.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy


Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/09/08/4134356_road-worrier-durhams-east-end.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Sign Plans (as of 2/17/22)

 

Changes to the designations of the Durham Freeway since the start of construction have resulted in new sign plans being created. The changes result from the decision in 2019 for NC 147 to not run concurrently with I-885 on the Durham Freeway. Instead, NC 147 will only run north of the East End Connector interchange. The Triangle Expressway portion of Toll NC 147 south of I-40 will be renumbered as NC 885. Therefore, the existing exit numbers along the Durham Freeway will remain and those originally planned for the Connector and US 70 portions of I-885 will be changed (see plans below). As part of a contract let in September 2021 to replaced signage along the Triangle Expressway (NC 540 and now NC 885), sign plans have included those for I-885 as well along I-40, the Durham Freeway and Triangle expressway. Here are examples of some of the signs, the plans were created assuming the I-885 signs would already be in place by the time the other signs went up, but this has not happened yet due to the delays in the Connector opening.

Along I-40:

Signs headed west are simply replacing the NC 147 shield with that of I-885:

Image of NCDOT sign plan of overhead advance signage for I-885 and Toll NC 885 on I-40 West in Durham, NCDOT, May 2021

While those headed east will include a "To NC 147" on them:
Image of sign plan for I-885 and Toll NC 885 exits on I-40 East in Durham, NCDOT, May 2021

Here's a closeup of the I-885 1/4 mile advance sign at the ramp to Toll NC 885 South:

Image of plan for signs at ramp to Toll NC 885 on I-40 East in Durham, NCDOT, May 2021

Durham Freeway

The signs alerting drivers of the approach of the Triangle Expressway Toll Road will simply have their shields changed from NC 147 to NC 885:

Image of plan for 1 3/4 mile advance warning sign for start of NC 885 Toll Road on Future I-885 /Durham Freeway South, NCDOT, May 2021

NC 885

Trailblazer signage will be changed along Toll NC 147 to Toll NC 885, and will include additional information:

Image of plan for Toll NC 885 trailblazers along Triangle Expressway between I-40 and Toll NC 540, NCDOT, May 2021

Here's the signage at the southern end of NC 885. The directions of Toll NC 540, which were originally East and South at this interchange were changed to West and East in May 2023:


Image of plan for overhead signs at split of ramps at end of Future Toll NC 885 at Toll NC 540 in Morrisville, NCDOT, May 2021

If highways going in the opposite direction to what they are signed as is possibly confusing, what about signage on I-40 which was also changed in May and now indicates a choice between I-540 East and NC 540 East, here's the 1/2 mile advance sign on I-40 East from NCDOT's traffic camera at Page Road taken on June 9:

NCDOT traffic camera image of new 1/2 mile advance sign for I-540/NC 540 exit with East banners for both routes, May 2023

*And here's the signage at the exit, courtesy of David Johnson, photo taken May 28, 2023:

I-540 and NC 540 East signage recently placed on ramp from I-40 East in Durham, photo by David Johnson, May 2023

Here's plans for the new ground mounted exit ramp signage, in this case for the Alexander Drive exit, notice the note for the overhead Durham Freeway sign, those are to be changed by the East End Connector contract, the ground mounted signs are part of a sign replacement contract for the Triangle Expressway toll road:


Image of plan for new ground mounted I-885 signage at Alexander Drive exit, NCDOT May 2020

Here's plans for new exit numbers along the Durham Freeway north of the East End Connector/I-885 interchange:

NCDOT plan of revised exit numbers for NC 147 in downtown Durham area, November 2020

Signage plan showing changed exit numbers for NC 147 after future truncation at I-885 interchange. Most exits simply go down by 9, however the Chapel Hill Street exit, current Exit 13 will become 4A while Swift Avenue, Exit 14 is to become 4B.

Here's the new exit number overlay plan for the Duke University auxiliary sign for the US 15/501 South exit:

Image of sign plan for Duke University auxiliary plan with future new exit number for NC 147 Durham Freeway, NCDOT May 2020

And, perhaps the most important auxiliary sign for the Durham Bulls ballpark:

Image of new exit number overlay sign plan for Durham Bulls ballpark on NC 147 North after future truncation to I-885 interchange, NCDOT May 2020

Sign plans in vicinity of the NC 55 exit:


Image of plans for new exit number signage along NC 147 in vicinity of NC 55 after future truncation at I-885 interchange, NCDOT May 2020


EARLIER PLANS

Posted in 2018 by Roadsguy on AARoads Forum, here are the new plans for I-40 signing for the Durham Freeway exit:

NCDOT plan for 1 1/4 miles advance sign for the I-885 exit on I-40 West in Durham      NCDOT plan for 1-Mile advance sign for I-885 exit on I-40 West in Durham

Here is what else Roadsguy has learned about the updated signage from his contact at NCDOT in 2018:

The plans don't include renumbering all of NC 147's exits, just Briggs Avenue. As we've already seen, it's Exit 1 northbound. Southbound, however, 10B and 10A become Exit 1C (speculation, not shown) and 1B, with 1A being the southbound exit flyover to the connector. The roadway merging onto southbound I-885 has no exit number for it. (EDIT: Has the Exit 1B signage for Briggs Avenue on NC 147 southbound been installed yet?)
The mismatch of Exit 4/Exit 5/Exit 6B at each end of the connector is no more. The NC 147, US 70, and NC 98/US 70 Business exits are now Exit 9, Exit 10, and Exit 11, respectively.
Though none of the Triangle Expressway signage is modified in these plans (except for the one mentioned above), I imagine that nothing more needs to be done than simply slapping NC 885 shields over the NC 147 shields and "To I-885" shields over the "To NC 147" shields. (Existing signage at the 147/540 interchange treats regular/toll NC 147 and regular/toll NC 540 as separate routes for some reason.)18

Some of these questions were later answered by the new plans from late 2021.

Meanwhile, here are older plans for one of the signs at the future intersection between I-885/US70 and West Business 70/NC 98:

Earlier plans had the NC 98/Business 70 numbered Exits  Northbound and 6A and 6B Southbound, the Cheek Road exit would have been renumbered Exit 7 (with the I-85 exit renumbered Exit 8), as seen in the plan below (these will now be Exits 11, 12 and 13):

Here was the plan for the overhead signs at the future southbound split of I-885 and US 70, the new exit number will be 10A:

Signage at the west end of the Connector was planned to appear as this when NC 147 was to run concurrently with I-885:

The Split of I-885 (to the Connector) and NC 147 northbound is to be Exit 4, as the photos above show, this is now Exit 9:

Ellis Road was to become Exit 3, as the sign plan below indicated, while Alexander Drive was to be Exit 2 and Cornwallis Road Exit 1, they will all now keep their current numbers.

Image of sign plan for future I-885 exit with Ellis Road in Durham, from NCDOT

Here's what the signage on NC 147 South approaching the future I-885 interchange was to look like, first at Briggs Avenue:

image of sign plan for I-885 exit on Durham freeway south, by NCDOT

Then approaching the flyover ramp to the Connector, notice the 40 MPH speed limit:

The Briggs Avenue exits will now be 1C and 1B with the I-885 North Exit, 1A. Finally, here's the proposed signage on the US 70 West (which should not change):

"Drive" the Future Interstate using Google Maps Street View:



US 70 West at start of construction zone (December 2018)

US 70 East at NC 98 on-ramp (October 2018)

NC 147 North prior to Glover Road Bridge (November 2018)

NC 147 South at Briggs Avenue Bridge (October 2018)










Photos Along I-885's Future Route




From the Durham Freeway (2017): Image of overhead exit signage at Ellis Road exit on NC 147 (Future I-885) South in Durham

Signage at the Ellis Road exit heading south after the East End Connector work zone.

Image of overhead exit signage at the Alexander Dr exit on NC 147 (Future I-885) South in Research Triangle Park
Signage at the Alexander Drive exit where NC 147 enters Research Triangle Park.

Image of overhead exit signage for I-40 exit on NC 147 (Future I-885) South in Research Triangle Park
Signage at the Cornwallis Road exit and the approaching I-40 exit prior to NC 147 South becoming a toll road.

 Image of overhead exits signs on the Durham Freeway North for Alexander Drive and Cornwallis 
Road, taken Oct. 2011

Approaching exit ramp to Cornwallis Road northbound. This section of the Freeway had been recently widened to 3 lanes in anticipation of the completion of the Triangle Parkway toll road, 10/14/2011.

Image of overhead exit signage approaching Alexander
Drive on the Durham Freeway, Oct. 2011
The 3 lane section ends just beyond the Alexander Drive interchange. NCDOT now has plans to widen the rest of the freeway to 3 lanes between here and the Connector and southbound from the Connector to Cornwallis Road. (10/14/2011)

Image taken of overhead exit signage on I-85/US 15 North at US 70 West (Future Interstate 885 South) interchange in Durham
Signage on I-85 North at Split with US 70 East, this will be the future northern end of I-885 when the East End Connector project is completed.

For more information visit the official NCDOT East End Connector project website.