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New Interstate 885 in Durham

Started by bob7374, August 19, 2014, 11:55:04 AM

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goobnav

Quote from: wdcrft63 on May 01, 2019, 06:49:23 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on April 30, 2019, 11:45:28 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on April 30, 2019, 10:49:22 PM
The interchange in the pic is located east of the US 70 Business interchange.  Is that flyover in the distance for US 70 Business?
The flyover is for traffic headed from US 70 West to I-885 South. If, as some have suggested, US 70 should be moved onto the East End Connector and use NC 147 North to I-85, then the flyover would be US 70 West. The exit for US 70 Business is to be combined with the one for NC 98.
Some may have suggested, but there's no chance US 70 will be routed over to NC147.

It'd be confusing and pointless, they tried that when the 70 bypass opened near Clayton, rerouted 70 on 40 from S. Saunders to the bypass exit and then the Fortify project put it back.  Just I-885 will be fine, there will be a slight concurrence with 147 but, how many of us here in the Triangle refer to the Durham Freeway as 147.
Life is a highway and I drive it all night long!


bob7374

I have added some new June photos showing construction progress, or more accurately lack of progress this spring due to all the wet weather, to my Future I-885 in NC page, courtesy of Adam Prince. There is a new exit and temporary exit sign for Carr Road on US 70 West:


The rest of the photos are at: http://www.malmeroads.net/ncfutints/fut885.html

goobnav

Quote from: bob7374 on June 18, 2019, 11:25:11 PM
I have added some new June photos showing construction progress, or more accurately lack of progress this spring due to all the wet weather, to my Future I-885 in NC page, courtesy of Adam Prince. There is a new exit and temporary exit sign for Carr Road on US 70 West:


The rest of the photos are at: http://www.malmeroads.net/ncfutints/fut885.html

Might get pushed back even more, we just had some pretty serious rain here over the past 24 hrs.
Life is a highway and I drive it all night long!

bob7374

Contractors have now begun installing overhead signage for the new NC 147 North lanes approaching the East End Connector that is planned to open in July. As per NCDOT tradition, not having official permission to sign a new route doesn't mean it can't be placed on signs, as shown in the only partially hidden I-885 shield in this photo from Charles M. Kunz:


The photo also shows NCDOT has changed its mind regarding giving I-885 a new set of exit numbers starting at I-40. Under the original plan drivers heading to the Triangle Expressway would see be both an Exit 1 for I-40 and an Exit 1 on Toll NC 147 at NC 540. Apparently they thought this would be too confusing. As the photo shows, the NC 147 exit will now be 9 instead of 4. Unknown if they plan to still use I-885 numbers on the Connector itself and US 70. (IMO I would renumber Toll NC 147 as Toll NC 885 to make this new plan more logical).

Roadsguy

Quote from: bob7374 on June 24, 2019, 05:07:30 PM
Contractors have now begun installing overhead signage for the new NC 147 North lanes approaching the East End Connector that is planned to open in July. As per NCDOT tradition, not having official permission to sign a new route doesn't mean it can't be placed on signs, as shown in the only partially hidden I-885 shield in this photo from Charles M. Kunz:


The photo also shows NCDOT has changed its mind regarding giving I-885 a new set of exit numbers starting at I-40. Under the original plan drivers heading to the Triangle Expressway would see be both an Exit 1 for I-40 and an Exit 1 on Toll NC 147 at NC 540. Apparently they thought this would be too confusing. As the photo shows, the NC 147 exit will now be 9 instead of 4. Unknown if they plan to still use I-885 numbers on the Connector itself and US 70. (IMO I would renumber Toll NC 147 as Toll NC 885 to make this new plan more logical).

Hopefully they also rationalize the mismatched exits on the Connector: US 70 being Exit 5 northbound, 6B southbound; and NC 147 being Exit 5 southbound. Does anyone know if the NC 147-based exit numbers will extend all the way up 885 to 85 like how both I-76 and I-276 continue the PA Turnpike's mileage?
Mileage-based exit numbering implies the existence of mileage-cringe exit numbering.

wdcrft63

Quote from: bob7374 on June 24, 2019, 05:07:30 PM
Contractors have now begun installing overhead signage for the new NC 147 North lanes approaching the East End Connector that is planned to open in July. As per NCDOT tradition, not having official permission to sign a new route doesn't mean it can't be placed on signs, as shown in the only partially hidden I-885 shield in this photo from Charles M. Kunz:


The photo also shows NCDOT has changed its mind regarding giving I-885 a new set of exit numbers starting at I-40. Under the original plan drivers heading to the Triangle Expressway would see be both an Exit 1 for I-40 and an Exit 1 on Toll NC 147 at NC 540. Apparently they thought this would be too confusing. As the photo shows, the NC 147 exit will now be 9 instead of 4. Unknown if they plan to still use I-885 numbers on the Connector itself and US 70. (IMO I would renumber Toll NC 147 as Toll NC 885 to make this new plan more logical).
I was surprised that NCDOT didn't ask AASHTO to approve the I-885 designation in May. Everyone assumes there's no problem with getting permission, but its is time to ask.

LM117

Quote from: wdcrft63 on June 24, 2019, 06:30:44 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on June 24, 2019, 05:07:30 PM
Contractors have now begun installing overhead signage for the new NC 147 North lanes approaching the East End Connector that is planned to open in July. As per NCDOT tradition, not having official permission to sign a new route doesn't mean it can't be placed on signs, as shown in the only partially hidden I-885 shield in this photo from Charles M. Kunz:


The photo also shows NCDOT has changed its mind regarding giving I-885 a new set of exit numbers starting at I-40. Under the original plan drivers heading to the Triangle Expressway would see be both an Exit 1 for I-40 and an Exit 1 on Toll NC 147 at NC 540. Apparently they thought this would be too confusing. As the photo shows, the NC 147 exit will now be 9 instead of 4. Unknown if they plan to still use I-885 numbers on the Connector itself and US 70. (IMO I would renumber Toll NC 147 as Toll NC 885 to make this new plan more logical).
I was surprised that NCDOT didn't ask AASHTO to approve the I-885 designation in May. Everyone assumes there's no problem with getting permission, but its is time to ask.

I was surprised too, especially when you consider that I-885 will be finished long before I-274 and I-285.
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

Roadsguy

Quote from: LM117 on June 24, 2019, 08:32:51 PM
Quote from: wdcrft63 on June 24, 2019, 06:30:44 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on June 24, 2019, 05:07:30 PM
Contractors have now begun installing overhead signage for the new NC 147 North lanes approaching the East End Connector that is planned to open in July. As per NCDOT tradition, not having official permission to sign a new route doesn't mean it can't be placed on signs, as shown in the only partially hidden I-885 shield in this photo from Charles M. Kunz:


The photo also shows NCDOT has changed its mind regarding giving I-885 a new set of exit numbers starting at I-40. Under the original plan drivers heading to the Triangle Expressway would see be both an Exit 1 for I-40 and an Exit 1 on Toll NC 147 at NC 540. Apparently they thought this would be too confusing. As the photo shows, the NC 147 exit will now be 9 instead of 4. Unknown if they plan to still use I-885 numbers on the Connector itself and US 70. (IMO I would renumber Toll NC 147 as Toll NC 885 to make this new plan more logical).
I was surprised that NCDOT didn't ask AASHTO to approve the I-885 designation in May. Everyone assumes there's no problem with getting permission, but its is time to ask.

I was surprised too, especially when you consider that I-885 will be finished long before I-274 and I-285.

Well, technically Future I-274 and Future I-285 are already complete, just not I-274 or I-285. :spin:
Mileage-based exit numbering implies the existence of mileage-cringe exit numbering.

froggie

Quote from: wdcrft63I was surprised that NCDOT didn't ask AASHTO to approve the I-885 designation in May. Everyone assumes there's no problem with getting permission, but its is time to ask.

I'm not.  It's FHWA that has final say, not AASHTO.  I think it's a safe bet that NCDOT already has some sort of preliminary approval from FHWA.  They'd have needed it anyway since Federal highway funding is involved with the work.

LM117

#109
Quote from: froggie on June 25, 2019, 08:12:19 AM
Quote from: wdcrft63I was surprised that NCDOT didn't ask AASHTO to approve the I-885 designation in May. Everyone assumes there's no problem with getting permission, but its is time to ask.

I'm not.  It's FHWA that has final say, not AASHTO.  I think it's a safe bet that NCDOT already has some sort of preliminary approval from FHWA.  They'd have needed it anyway since Federal highway funding is involved with the work.

Even if FHWA has indicated that they don't have a problem with it, they may still want AASHTO to approve the number before adding it to the interstate system. That happened with I-795.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2007_10_19.pdf
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

bob7374

I've posted recent photos of construction taken by David Johnson, both at the Durham Freeway/NC 147 side:


and at the US 70 side:


The remainder are on the Future I-885 in NC webpage: http://www.malmeroads.net/ncfutints/fut885.html

tolbs17

Quote from: bob7374 on July 24, 2019, 11:41:11 PM
I've posted recent photos of construction taken by David Johnson, both at the Durham Freeway/NC 147 side:


and at the US 70 side:


The remainder are on the Future I-885 in NC webpage: http://www.malmeroads.net/ncfutints/fut885.html

It's great how they get lighting on their highways and we don't apparently.

tolbs17

What's the point of I-885? Is it to connect I-85 and I-40 together?

wdcrft63

Quote from: mrhappy1261 on July 27, 2019, 03:54:00 PM
What's the point of I-885? Is it to connect I-85 and I-40 together?
Yes. I-885 will be a partial loop around the east side of Durham, connecting I-85 and I-40. It will also connect north Durham suburbs to the Research Triangle Park, where thousands of people work.

tolbs17

Quote from: wdcrft63 on July 27, 2019, 05:59:18 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on July 27, 2019, 03:54:00 PM
What's the point of I-885? Is it to connect I-85 and I-40 together?
Yes. I-885 will be a partial loop around the east side of Durham, connecting I-85 and I-40. It will also connect north Durham suburbs to the Research Triangle Park, where thousands of people work.

That would come in handy, that's a nice design!

sturmde

Quote from: mrhappy1261 on July 27, 2019, 03:54:00 PM
What's the point of I-885? Is it to connect I-85 and I-40 together?

It really would make sense for NC 147 to be truncated at the intersection with I-885 when it opens, and see NC redesignate the southern end as TOLL NC 885.  In a sense, it becomes the best route from the RTP area northward to Virginia and DC to go up 885 to 85...

goobnav

Quote from: sturmde on August 09, 2019, 02:35:52 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on July 27, 2019, 03:54:00 PM
What's the point of I-885? Is it to connect I-85 and I-40 together?

It really would make sense for NC 147 to be truncated at the intersection with I-885 when it opens, and see NC redesignate the southern end as TOLL NC 885.  In a sense, it becomes the best route from the RTP area northward to Virginia and DC to go up 885 to 85...

No need to confuse the locals, just overlap NC 147 with I-885 for the short stretch.  Granted, I'm local and it wouldn't confuse me but, being a former Yankee, we're used to it.


It'll be a good connector for those coming south to get to the park as opposed to using US 15-501 and would also kind of give a loop around Durham.
Life is a highway and I drive it all night long!

bob7374

According to an NCDOT engineer who posted on the Facebook Tar Heel Roads group, the new NC 147 (Future I-885) North lanes in the vicinity of the East End Connector interchange are to open some time tomorrow (Friday 8/16) evening.

goobnav

Quote from: bob7374 on August 15, 2019, 11:20:13 PM
According to an NCDOT engineer who posted on the Facebook Tar Heel Roads group, the new NC 147 (Future I-885) North lanes in the vicinity of the East End Connector interchange are to open some time tomorrow (Friday 8/16) evening.

Will try to recon this weekend.  Thank you Bob!
Life is a highway and I drive it all night long!

bob7374


The Ghostbuster

Is Interstate 885 signposted yet (even as Future 885)? If not, does anyone know when such signs might be erected?

LM117

#121
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 16, 2019, 04:40:12 PM
Is Interstate 885 signposted yet (even as Future 885)? If not, does anyone know when such signs might be erected?

No and NCDOT still hasn't submitted an application to AASHTO yet.
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

bob7374

I have posted new photos of the opened NC 147 North lanes at the Future I-885 interchange courtesy of David Johnson, including those of the new underpass after the future I-885/NC 147 North split:


The rest of the photos are on my Future I-885 in NC webpage: http://www.malmeroads.net/ncfutints/fut885.html

1995hoo

Quote from: LM117 on August 16, 2019, 05:23:41 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 16, 2019, 04:40:12 PM
Is Interstate 885 signposted yet (even as Future 885)? If not, does anyone know when such signs might be erected?

No and NCDOT still hasn't submitted an application to AASHTO yet.

Which makes the pictures at bob7374's link that much more interesting, as the covered-up BGSs quite clearly have what appears to be an I-885 shield.
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

tolbs17

Quote from: sturmde on August 09, 2019, 02:35:52 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on July 27, 2019, 03:54:00 PM
What's the point of I-885? Is it to connect I-85 and I-40 together?

It really would make sense for NC 147 to be truncated at the intersection with I-885 when it opens, and see NC redesignate the southern end as TOLL NC 885.  In a sense, it becomes the best route from the RTP area northward to Virginia and DC to go up 885 to 85...

Widen I-85 to the VA state line to six lanes then! Maybe this could be the alternative to Greensboro when using US 70 and I-540 or the aviation parkway (If it ever gets upgraded which i think it's doubtful), traffic on I-40 wouldn't be as high. That doesn't mean I-40 shouldn't get widened or not have express lanes though.



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