I-87

About I-87

From Raleigh, NC (I-40/I-440) to Wendell, NC area (US 64)

This Interstate 87 is the North Carolina route of that number, a short and partially completed Interstate in the Raleigh area measuring about 14 miles. It runs from Interstate 40 in Raleigh northeast to the Rolesville Road area near Wendell, entirely concurrent with U.S. Route 64 along its current length. It is the shortest signed primary Interstate in the system.

The completed segment is a multilane freeway through the eastern Raleigh suburbs, carrying commuter and regional traffic on the established US 64 corridor. It serves as the beginning of a planned longer route rather than a finished standalone highway.

The long-term plan calls for extending Interstate 87 northeast across eastern North Carolina toward the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, ultimately connecting Raleigh with the Norfolk area. Most of that corridor remains to be built or upgraded to Interstate standards.

State-by-state mileage

State	Miles
North Carolina	13.5
Total	13.5

History

This Interstate 87 was designated in 2016, when federal and state agencies approved the number for the planned Raleigh-to-Norfolk corridor. The designation replaced earlier proposals and applied to the existing US 64 freeway portion in the Raleigh area.

Only the short western end near Raleigh has been signed so far, with the remaining route across eastern North Carolina planned for development over time.

Major cities and places

Did you know

• This is the North Carolina I-87, distinct from the longer I-87 in New York.
• It is the shortest designated primary Interstate, about 14 miles long.
• The current route is entirely concurrent with U.S. 64.
• The long-term plan would extend it from Raleigh to the Norfolk, Virginia, area.