Project Overview
The N.C. Department of Transportation built the East End Connector in Durham County to provide a direct connection between the Durham Freeway (N.C. 147) and Miami Boulevard (U.S. 70) – two major east-west highways in the Triangle – and improved access to Interstate 85 and I-40. The connector opened to traffic on June 30, 2022. While the connector itself is open, some work remains on the side streets along U.S. 70.
Work involved building a 1.25-mile freeway from N.C. 147 to U.S. 70 and converting approximately 2.75 miles of U.S. 70 – which is a part of the East End Connector – to a freeway.
The East End Connector will promote economic development in areas along the I-85 corridor toward Virginia by improving access for travel and the transportation of goods between Durham – and counties north of the city – and major employment and retail centers, including Research Triangle Park, Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Wake County.
Completion of the East End Connector alleviates traffic congestion on the Durham Freeway through downtown Durham and helps divert traffic off local roads, such as U.S. 15-501 – often used as a connection between I-85 and I-40 – and Roxboro, Mangum, Gregson and Duke streets.