The route consists of two previously preexisting segments of freeway—NC 147 to the south and US 70 to the north—connected by the East End Connector, which opened to traffic on June 30, 2022.

The whole route carries the moniker of the Triangle Expressway, which it inherits from the portion of NC 540 south of the aforementioned interchange.

Running north on the Durham Freeway (former NC 147) through the Research Triangle Park, three closely-spaced interchanges link the route to East Cornwallis Road, T.W.

Several gantries are located along the route and entrance/exit ramps, where they collect tolls via the NC Quick Pass or other interoperable ETC systems.

The I-885 designation did not become public knowledge until the release of signing plans in 2014, though NCDOT had not yet received approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

[6] In addition to the construction of a short segment of new freeway between NC 147 and US 70, the section of US 70 between Cheek Road and the connector was being realigned and widened to six lanes.

In May 2022, AASHTO approved the establishment of I-885; this was followed with the East End Connector opening to traffic on June 30, 2022, at which point I-885 was signed on the entirety of its designated corridor.