East End Connector in Durham, NC

Weston & Sampson performed the preliminary and final design for the East End Connector, a multi-lane freeway with full control of access. The project extends from NC 147 to NC 98 and will improve mobility and safety for motorists traveling through Research Triangle Park.

The design included multi-lane, multi-level, high-speed ramps with both directional and semi-directional movements and over 116,000 linear feet of roadway centerline alignments and more than 10,000 linear feet of sidewalk. The project involved coordination with the Rail Division regarding the design of the railroad bridge detour and replacement of the railroad bridge over US 70. In addition, the project spans the railroad switchyard in Durham, including the proposed TTA rail corridor. Weston & Sampson also performed the hydraulic and floodplain analysis, updated the natural systems report, prepared permit drawings and applications for 2 concurrence meeting, prepared the public hearing maps, and participated in the meeting. The findings of the preliminary analysis were presented to state and federal agencies as part of the NCDOT merger process.

The project involved extensive water and sewer line relocations for the City of Durham. Weston & Sampson provided utility construction and Utilities by Others (UBO) plans, obtained water and sewer permits through City of Durham, and obtained water permits through CSX and Norfolk Southern Railroads. Weston & Sampson also coordinated extensive utility conflicts involving Duke Power Transmission, City of Durham Water and Sewer, Verizon Telephone, Time Warner Cable, PSNC Energy, and Duke Energy distribution.

We also provided final roadway and hydraulic design, which included development of drainage plans for both temporary detour and permanent condition (storm systems for 4 interchanges as well as curb and gutter sections and median highway sections) and culvert survey report and preparation of permit drawings. Finally, we created 3D models and animation using LumenRT, MicroStation V8i, SketchUp, and Google Earth to visually show proposed highway improvements.

During design and construction, Weston & Sampson has been responsive to NCDOT regarding property owner concerns related to potential downstream impacts. Weston & Sampson has worked with NCDOT staff to provide pre- and post-drainage assessments for multiple storm events to address these concerns and relate how the stormwater management plan is working as intended.

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