I-85 and I-40 remain joined as they continue eastward to the Research Triangle region, anchored by the cities of Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. West of Durham near Hillsborough, the two highways split, with I-40 heading southeast through Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh while I-85 continues eastward through Durham, then northeastward as it exits the city. In between Greensboro and Durham, I-85/I-40 is eight lanes wide even through the more suburban stretches.
I-85 and I-40 remain linked as they proceed eastward to the Research Triangle region, anchored by the cities of Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. West of Durham near Hillsborough, the two highways separate, with I-40 heading southeast through Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh while I-85 continues eastward through Durham, then northeastward as it exits the city. In between Greensboro and Durham, I-85/I-40 has eight lanes even in suburban areas.