Starting Monday, July 10, northbound N.C. 147 (Durham Freeway) between Ellis Road (Exit 8) and Briggs Avenue (Exit 10) will be closed nightly from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. through Thursday, July 13. This is needed for part of the construction of a new bridge for the East End Connector project.
A signed detour will divert drivers along TW Alexander Drive and Alston Avenue (N.C. 55) to get back on northbound N.C. 147.
N.C. 98 (Holloway Street) will also be closed in both directions between Southerland Street and Herbert Street during the same times on Monday through Thursday night. Traffic will be detoured to Miami Boulevard and Cheek Road.
The East End Connector project will provide a direct freeway connection between N.C. 147 and U.S. 70. It will also upgrade U.S. 70 to a freeway between Pleasant Drive and N.C. 98. This will create a freeway link between I-85 to the north and I-40, the Triangle Expressway, and U.S. 1 to the south.
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The East End Connector is expected to promote economic development in areas along the I-85 corridor by improving access for people and goods between Durham and points north to major economic centers such as Research Triangle Park and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Another benefit will be alleviating congestion on N.C. 147 through downtown Durham, as well as diverting traffic off local roads such as U.S. 15/501 and Roxboro, Mangum, Gregson, and Duke Streets.
The connector is expected to be open for traffic in 2019.
Mark Donovan: 919-419-6655, @TheHerald_Sun
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