The road follows a southeast-northwest alignment, following a depressed road cut to the south of Downtown Durham, with interchanges to several important Durham streets and arterial roads. It passes close by several major landmarks including the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (visible to the north of the roadway), the Durham Performing Arts Center, and the American Tobacco Historic District. Past Downtown Durham, the freeway passes through Duke University, forming the boundary between East Campus and Central Campus.
The road follows a southeast-northwest direction, cutting through a depressed roadway south of Downtown Durham, connecting to several significant streets and highways in the area. It passes near notable landmarks including the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (visible north of the road), the Durham Performing Arts Center, and the American Tobacco Historic District. After passing through Downtown Durham, the freeway traverses Duke University, forming the boundary between East Campus and Central Campus.