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[tjcreasy]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

[WashuOtaku]

I think they should keep the Interstate 885 signs up along the route, even if the route isn't approved. Or they could try to get the route approved as Interstate 685. On second thought, the 685 designation should be applied to the remainder of the NC 147 freeway, given that road is upgraded to Interstate Standards as well.

An East-West I-685 from the current start of the Durham Frwy to I-540 via the East End Connector makes sense. The upgrades to the on and off ramps would be substantial but if downtown Durham continues to grow, those upgrades will be needed anyway.

Why not just reroute US 70 along Durham Freeway instead and simply eliminate NC 147 entirely. I don't see a need of another Interstate shield, it can be like US 421 through Winston-Salem.

[tjcreasy]

I think they should keep the Interstate 885 signs up along the route, even if the route isn't approved. Or they could try to get the route approved as Interstate 685. On second thought, the 685 designation should be applied to the remainder of the NC 147 freeway, given that road is upgraded to Interstate Standards as well.

An East-West I-685 from the current start of the Durham Frwy to I-540 via the East End Connector makes sense. The upgrades to the on and off ramps would be substantial but if downtown Durham continues to grow, those upgrades will be needed anyway.

Why not just reroute US 70 along Durham Freeway instead and simply eliminate NC 147 entirely. I don't see a need of another Interstate shield, it can be like US 421 through Winston-Salem.

I’d be okay with that too, either way it would be nice to have a single route number along what will become a true east-west alternative to I-40 between Raleigh and Durham. I could see a variable message sign in Mebane or Efland advising motorists of travel times to RTP/RDU and Raleigh via either route.

[sprjus4]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

[tjcreasy]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

Good catch, I don’t know how I overlooked that. Those two interchanges will complete the full conversion of US 70 to a freeway between I-885 and I-540.

[fillup420]

Funny enough, Today I noticed an I-885 North/US 70 West post-mounted assembly appeared just before the railroad bridge. I was unable to get a picture but I will try next time I drive past it.

[sturmde]

The opening has been delayed to June 2021, due to delays replacing railroad bridges over the new freeway.
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article248194765.html

Sounds like a serious screwup by the contractor...steel ordered for the railroad overpass proved inadequate so they had to back up and start over.

There was no explanation in the article as to why the Connector between NC 147 and US 70 cannot be opened prior to the railroad work on US 70 being completed. Could it be since they put up all the I-885 signs, and the current railroad bridge is not up to Interstate standards, that they would rather just wait and not have to cover up those signs?

Just found a list of approved AASHTO US Route Number Committee results for Nov. 2020 (though not official). According to the list NCDOT did not apply for approval of I-885. The next meeting is probably in May. Could this be the real reason the Connector won't open until June?

Bob, did you find that unofficial results listing somewhere online that you could share that link?  I've searched in vain...

Thanks in advance, David.

[bob7374]

The opening has been delayed to June 2021, due to delays replacing railroad bridges over the new freeway.
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article248194765.html

Sounds like a serious screwup by the contractor...steel ordered for the railroad overpass proved inadequate so they had to back up and start over.

There was no explanation in the article as to why the Connector between NC 147 and US 70 cannot be opened prior to the railroad work on US 70 being completed. Could it be since they put up all the I-885 signs, and the current railroad bridge is not up to Interstate standards, that they would rather just wait and not have to cover up those signs?

Just found a list of approved AASHTO US Route Number Committee results for Nov. 2020 (though not official). According to the list NCDOT did not apply for approval of I-885. The next meeting is probably in May. Could this be the real reason the Connector won't open until June?

Bob, did you find that unofficial results listing somewhere online that you could share that link?  I've searched in vain...

Thanks in advance, David.

The link is here:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_U.S._Roads/Resources/AASHTO_minutes

[bob7374]

Funny enough, Today I noticed an I-885 North/US 70 West post-mounted assembly appeared just before the railroad bridge. I was unable to get a picture but I will try next time I drive past it.

Here's a photo of the new sign assembly, courtesy of David Johnson:


There's also another one further north beyond the Bus. 70/NC 98 exit. In this case the I-885 shield is partly covered:

[1995hoo]

^^^^

I note the covered speed limit sign. Any idea what they expect it to be?

[Roadsguy]

^^^^

I note the covered speed limit sign. Any idea what they expect it to be?

65 mph according to the signage plans, which is what all of I-885 will be posted at.

[tolbs17]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

Is it really gonna be a 'freeway' though?

[Roadsguy]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

Is it really gonna be a 'freeway' though?

If the preliminary design diagrams are any indication, yes.

[tolbs17]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

Is it really gonna be a 'freeway' though?

If the preliminary design diagrams are any indication, yes.

http://prntscr.com/wl8pi1

So does this ramp really make this a 'freeway' design?

[Roadsguy]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

Is it really gonna be a 'freeway' though?

If the preliminary design diagrams are any indication, yes.

http://prntscr.com/wl8pi1

So does this ramp really make this a 'freeway' design?

Why not? It's certainly not an optimal design, but still controlled-access and free-flowing, which are the two primary criteria for a road being considered a freeway.

[froggie]

Frankly, I'd be more worried about the extremely short weave section eastbound between Brier Creek and 540 than I would the curvature on the ramps referenced by tolbs17.

[tolbs17]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

Is it really gonna be a 'freeway' though?

If the preliminary design diagrams are any indication, yes.

http://prntscr.com/wl8pi1

So does this ramp really make this a 'freeway' design?

Why not? It's certainly not an optimal design, but still controlled-access and free-flowing, which are the two primary criteria for a road being considered a freeway.

Sharp curve ramps and theres traffic lights on the ramps.

Why not go back to the original alternative 2 idea where there was a trumpet interchange or alternative 1 which has more impacts, but has adequate LOS for the future.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

Brier Creek has turned into such a cluster. Can't believe they're even entertaining alternatives 2 or 2 revised with the number of turns to/from TW Alexander. And ditto on short weaves eastbound to 540, noticed that too. I already see so many stupid decisions made there with the two-lane turn from Brier Creek to three lanes on Glenwood east, then the two-lane exit to 540.

Would love for 70 to be completely converted to freeway, but all of those projects have unfortunately been delayed like everything else. The Brier Creek project page still shows 2021, but think it's delayed until at least 2025 now.

[Evan_Th]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

Is it really gonna be a 'freeway' though?

If the preliminary design diagrams are any indication, yes.

http://prntscr.com/wl8pi1

So does this ramp really make this a 'freeway' design?

Why not? It's certainly not an optimal design, but still controlled-access and free-flowing, which are the two primary criteria for a road being considered a freeway.

Sharp curve ramps and theres traffic lights on the ramps.

Why not go back to the original alternative 2 idea where there was a trumpet interchange or alternative 1 which has more impacts, but has adequate LOS for the future.

I don't see the trumpet interchange in Alternative 2.  You might be confusing it with the Aviation Parkway extension?  The original Article 2 doesn't have any interchange at all at TW Alexander Dr, which I think is a very bad idea.

[architect77]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

Is it really gonna be a 'freeway' though?

If I remember correctly US 70 goes up and down hills a lot. It's an old highway in that respect, and today they would cut through those highs for gentler inclines/declines.

That will prevent US70 from being a true freeway.

[fillup420]

Drove past those new 885 shields today and they have been covered up completely.

[sprjus4]

Yes, I propose routing it over US 70. NCDOT plans to convert US 70 to a freeway just short of I-540 in the near future. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-durham-raleigh/Pages/default.aspx

Another project is planned that would convert that segment to I-540 with interchanges at Brier Creek Pkwy and TW Alexander Dr.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-70-brier-creek/Pages/default.aspx

Is it really gonna be a 'freeway' though?

If the preliminary design diagrams are any indication, yes.

http://prntscr.com/wl8pi1

So does this ramp really make this a 'freeway' design?

Why not? It's certainly not an optimal design, but still controlled-access and free-flowing, which are the two primary criteria for a road being considered a freeway.

Sharp curve ramps and theres traffic lights on the ramps.

Why not go back to the original alternative 2 idea where there was a trumpet interchange or alternative 1 which has more impacts, but has adequate LOS for the future.

I don't see the trumpet interchange in Alternative 2.  You might be confusing it with the Aviation Parkway extension?  The original Article 2 doesn't have any interchange at all at TW Alexander Dr, which I think is a very bad idea.

Alternative 2 IIRC did not have an interchange w T.W. Alexander, but did build a connector to the west with a trumpet interchange for access.