East End Connector

The Durham East End Connector is the Alliance's highest priority for new freeway construction in the Triangle. The Connector, which will connect the Durham Freeway (NC 147) with I-85 in east Durham, will complete the northern section of the north-south Research Triangle Freeway corridor (map). When complete, and when coupled with the opening of the proposed Research Triangle Expressway turnpike (Triangle Parkway and I-540/Western Wake), the region will enjoy new north-south, stoplight-free mobility in the heart of the Triangle and a true complement to east-west I-40.

Currently, there is no direct connection between Research Triangle Park and Interstate 85 north without going through Downtown Durham or several miles out of the way along NC 147 and US 15-501. Completing the Connector -- currently the top priority of the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MPO -- will remove through traffic from indirect or downtown routings in and around downtown Durham and improve access to east Durham as well as Granville and Person counties. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is currently considering four alternative alignments for the Connector project, which will include improvements to the existing US 70 freeway bypass in east Durham.