Major Highways & Driving Tips in Durham, North Carolina, United States
1. Interstate 40 (I-40)
A major east-west interstate crossing Durham, connecting cities such as Memphis and Raleigh. It is a crucial route for long-distance travel.
- Rush Hours: Expect heavy traffic during morning and evening peak hours.
- Toll Roads: I-40 passes through a toll area near the city. Be prepared with appropriate change or an electronic pass.
- Construction Zones: Regular maintenance and construction may cause delays or lane closures.
2. Interstate 85 (I-85)
Another key north-south interstate traversing Durham, linking cities like Atlanta and Richmond. It's a vital route for both local and long-distance travel.
- Truck Traffic: Heavy truck traffic is common, especially near the Georgia border.
- Roadwork: Keep an eye out for periodic road maintenance and construction activities.
- Rest Areas: Rest areas along I-85 are limited, so plan accordingly when traveling long distances.
3. US Highway 15 (US-15)
Connecting Durham to Washington D.C., US-15 provides a significant north-south corridor through the city.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic during peak hours and increased congestion near downtown Durham.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on US-15 vary, so be mindful of changes as you travel.
- Exits and Interchanges: Familiarize yourself with exit numbers and interchanges along the highway for efficient navigation.
4. NC Highway 147 (NC-147)
A prominent north-south route in Durham connecting with I-85, NC-147 is a key artery for commuters and travelers alike.
- Commuter Traffic: Heavy commuter traffic is common during morning and evening rush hours.
- Construction Zones: Regular maintenance and construction may cause delays or lane closures on NC-147.
- Intersections: Be aware of busy intersections, particularly the one with I-85 and Duke University Road.
5. Durham Freeway (I-40/I-85)
The Durham Freeway is the combined section of I-40 and I-85 in the city center. It's a vital road system for travelers passing through or residing in Durham.
- Rush Hours: Heavy traffic during morning and evening peak hours is common on the Durham Freeway.
- Toll Roads: The freeway passes through a toll area. Be prepared with appropriate change or an electronic pass.
- Construction Zones: Regular maintenance and construction may cause delays or lane closures on the Durham Freeway.
6. Duke University Road (DUR-1),
A major road connecting Duke University and downtown Durham, DUR-1 is a crucial artery for commuters and travelers.
- Commuter Traffic: Heavy commuter traffic is common during peak hours.
- Campus Pedestrians: Keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially around Duke University's campus.
- Bus Routes: DUR-1 is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.
7. North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Boulevard
Connecting downtown Durham with North Carolina Central University, this road is a vital route for students and commuters.
- Commuter Traffic: Heavy commuter traffic is common during peak hours.
- Student Pedestrians: Keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially around North Carolina Central University's campus.
- Bus Routes: NCCU Boulevard is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.
8. Gregson Street (DUR-701)
Running east-west through Durham's downtown area, Gregson Street is a key road for commuters and travelers.
- Commuter Traffic: Heavy commuter traffic is common during peak hours.
- Bus Routes: Gregson Street is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.
- Parking Availability: Finding parking along Gregson Street can be challenging, especially during busy times.
9. Main Street (DUR-703)
A historic road in downtown Durham, Main Street is a popular destination for shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Pedestrian Traffic: Expect heavy pedestrian traffic, especially during weekends and evenings.
- Limited Parking: Finding parking along Main Street can be challenging due to limited spaces.
- Bus Routes: Main Street is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.
10. Broad Street (DUR-702)
Running east-west through downtown Durham, Broad Street offers a mix of commercial and residential areas.
- Commuter Traffic: Heavy commuter traffic is common during peak hours.
- Residential Areas: Be aware of residential areas along Broad Street, with speed limits and parking restrictions in place.
- Bus Routes: Broad Street is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.
11. North Duke Street (DUR-706)
A north-south road in Durham, North Duke Street connects downtown with the Research Triangle Park.
- Commuter Traffic: Heavy commuter traffic is common during peak hours.
- Research Triangle Park: Be aware of the Research Triangle Park entrance, which can cause increased traffic during workdays.
- Bus Routes: North Duke Street is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.
12. Geer Street (DUR-704)
A popular road for dining and entertainment in Durham's Central Park District, Geer Street can be busy during weekends and evenings.
- Pedestrian Traffic: Expect heavy pedestrian traffic, especially during weekends and evenings.
- Limited Parking: Finding parking along Geer Street can be challenging due to limited spaces.
- Bus Routes: Geer Street is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.
13. Mangum Street (DUR-705)
Connecting downtown Durham with Duke University, Mangum Street is a key road for students and commuters.
- Commuter Traffic: Heavy commuter traffic is common during peak hours.
- Campus Pedestrians: Keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially around Duke University's campus.
- Bus Routes: Mangum Street is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.
14. West Club Boulevard (DUR-709)
A west-east road connecting downtown Durham with Research Triangle Park and Duke University, West Club Boulevard is a crucial artery for commuters.
- Commuter Traffic: Heavy commuter traffic is common during peak hours.
- Research Triangle Park: Be aware of the Research Triangle Park entrance, which can cause increased traffic during workdays.
- Bus Routes: West Club Boulevard is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.
15. Hillsborough Street (DUR-708)
Running east-west through Durham's campus area, Hillsborough Street is a key road for students and commuters.
- Commuter Traffic: Heavy commuter traffic is common during peak hours.
- Campus Pedestrians: Keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially around Duke University's campus and NC State University's Central Campus.
- Bus Routes: Hillsborough Street is served by multiple bus routes, which can contribute to congestion during peak hours.