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05/20/13, Special Alert for Entire State

HEAVY TRAFFIC EXPECTED ON I-85 THROUGH CHARLOTTE DUE TO RACE EVENTS AT CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Heavy traffic is expected on I-85 through Charlotte from Friday, May 17^th through Monday, May 27^th due to race events at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  Roads in the vicinity of the Speedway, northeast of Charlotte, expected to be heavily impacted include I-77, I-85, I-485, US-29, and NC-49.  Commuters that use I-85 can expect delays on Friday afternoon, May 25^th and should adjust driving time accordingly.  Additionally, officials will begin limiting access to I-85 from Exit 49 on that day at approximately 10 p.m.

Motorists that do not need to travel near the Speedway during race events are asked to avoid the area, as heavy congestion is expected.

Motorists attending the event are encouraged to use the following alternate routes:

For motorists traveling from South Carolina: Take I-77 North to the I-485 Outer Loop (Exit 1B) to US-29 North (Exit 32) or NC-49 North (Exit 33). 

For motorists traveling from west of Charlotte: Take I-85 North to I-485 (Exit 48) to US-29 North (Exit 32) or NC-49 (Exit 33).  Or take I-85 North to Poplar Tent Rd (Exit 52) to Pitts School Rd to US-29 South.  Through traffic should remain in the left two lanes of I-85 North to avoid delays near Exit 49. 

For motorists traveling from east of Charlotte: Take the I-485 Outer Loop to US-29 North (Exit 32) or NC-49 North (Exit 33).

For motorists traveling from north of Charlotte: Take I-85 South to Poplar Tent Rd (Exit 52) to Pitts School Rd to US-29 South.

Officials recommend motorists take the I-485 Outer Loop to NC-49 North, which is usually less congested than other suggested routes.

*Last updated 5/15/13 at 7:15PM

4:19 PM, I-85 A, Night Time Maintenance, Moving Closure

Bridge deck washing

3:12 PM, I-85 N, Congestion

Congestion reported in the area due to an earlier vehicle accident.

3:12 PM, I-85 N, Disabled Vehicle, Lane Narrowed

Stalled truck.

3:08 PM, I-85 A, Weather Event, Congestion

Wind and rain has reduced visibility. Expect delays.