Raleigh –N.C. Department of Transportation contractors will begin work this week on the East End Connector in Durham. Crews will begin clearing, grubbing and erosion control. This part of the project is not expected to have any traffic impacts.
The $142 million, 3.9-mile project will provide a direct freeway connection designed to interstate standards between the Durham Freeway and north of the U.S. 70/N.C. 98 intersection. It will also upgrade U.S. 70 to a freeway between Pleasant Drive and N.C. 98.
The Connector will provide a freeway link between I-85 and I-40, the Triangle Expressway and U.S. 1 in southern Wake County.
A project first discussed nearly six decades ago, it will include two lanes in each direction, with space for a future third lane each way. In addition to a new highway, the project also involves the construction of several vehicle and railroad bridges
The East End Connector will promote economic development in areas along the I-85 corridor toward Virginia by improving access for people and goods between Durham and counties north of the city to major employment and retail centers, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Wake County.
The project is also expected lower congestion on the Durham Freeway through downtown Durham. It will also help divert traffic off local roads such as U.S. 15/501, which is often used as a connection between I-85 and I-40, as well as Roxboro, Mangum, Gregson and Duke streets.
The Connector is expected to be open in 2019.
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