DURHAM – An overnight traffic shift for U.S. 70 West is coming this week as part of the East End Connector project in Durham. It starts Wednesday, April 24, at 8 p.m. with the closure of the ramp from westbound U.S. 70 to N.C. 98.
Drivers wanting to access N.C. 98 will be sent on to the Cheek Road exit to access that highway.
Then overnight, U.S. 70 traffic will be moved into a different pattern between Lynn Road and Cheek Road. It should all be in place by 5 a.m. on Thursday.
Motorists need to slow down and pay extra attention as they travel into the work zone and go through the traffic shift.
The East End Connector​ is a 3.9-mile divided highway that will connect U.S. 70 to the Durham Freeway. The work includes upgrading U.S. 70 to a freeway between Pleasant Drive and N.C. 98. It will provide a multi-lane interstate connection between Interstate 85, the Durham Freeway and I-40 on the east side of Durham.
The new highway, expected to be designated Interstate 885, is expected to help alleviate congestion on the Durham Freeway and on local roads such as U.S. 15-501, and Roxboro, Mangum, Gregson and Duke streets.