Description

Currently, two projects remain to complete the Charlotte Outer Loop:

• TIP Project R-2248E will construct an eight-lane freeway from NC 115 to west of I-85.
• TIP Project R-2123CE will reconstruct the current I-85/I-485 interchange and provide the connection between existing I-485, I-85, and the section to be constructed under TIP Project R-2248E.

These projects are at different stages of the preconstruction process. TIP Project R-2248E is approaching the right-of-way acquisition phase. The plans that will be used for the acquisition of right-of-way for the facility are being finalized. TIP Project R-2123CE is currently in the preliminary engineering phase. Preliminary designs are being developed and environmental studies are being completed to quantify and document the potential impacts to the natural and human environment.

Freeway From NC 115 to I-85

Description

Construct a new eight-lane freeway from NC 115 (Old Statesville Road) to west of I-85

News & Updates

• Right of Way Acquisition
  NCDOT Right of Way Agents are currently in the process of meeting with property owners to acquire properties that are total acquisitions only.

• Project Letting
  In May 2010, NCDOT will award the contract for constructing the project. The contractor selected to construct the project will be responsible for completing right of way acquisition on behalf of NCDOT.

Overview and Purpose

TIP Project R-2248E proposes to construct an eight-lane freeway from NC 115 to I-85 in northeast Charlotte. As part of TIP Project R-2248E, NCDOT will complete the interchange at NC 115 to accommodate all traffic movements. NCDOT also proposes to construct two new interchanges connecting I-485 to Prosperity Church Road and Mallard Creek Road. The Prosperity Church Road interchange will be a “split diamond” interchange that will accommodate the proposed road network for the Prosperity Village plan as proposed by the City of Charlotte. The proposed I-485 / Mallard Creek Road interchange will consist of a Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI), similar to the I-85/NC 16 (Brookshire Blvd.) and the I-77/Tyvola Road interchanges. The location of the proposed interchange will require that the intersections of Mallard Creek Road with Beard Road and O’Dell School Road be realigned, resulting in changes to the current travel patterns within the project area. TIP Project R-2248E does not include a connection to I-85.

Project Highlights

• Construct an eight-lane freeway from NC 115 to west of I-85.
• Complete I-485/NC 115 interchange.
• Extend Alexanderana Road from NC 115 (Old Statesville Road) to connect with Eastfield Road.
• Construct bridge to carry Browne Road over I-485.
• Construct split-diamond interchange at Prosperity Church Road.
• Realign Johnston-Oehler Road to connect with the Prosperity Church Road/Dearmon Road intersection.
• Construct as Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) in the vicinity of the Mallard Creek Road/Beard Road intersection.
• Realign Mallard Creek Road and Odell School in the vicinity of the proposed I-485/Mallard Creek Road interchange.

I-85/I-485 Interchange

Description

Modify existing I-85/I-485 Interchange in northeast Charlotte to a four-level directional interchange.

News & Updates

• Newsletter - October 2009

• Project Letting
  In August 2010, NCDOT will award the contract for constructing the project. The contractor selected to construct the project will be responsible for acquiring the right of way for this project on behalf of NCDOT.

Overview and Purpose

TIP Project R-2123CE proposes to modify the existing trumpet interchange connecting I-85 to I-485 in northeast Charlotte to a fully-directional interchange. The proposed interchange will be the final link in the I-485 Charlotte Outer Loop. In addition to modifying the I-85/I-485 interchange, the project will require the replacement of the Mallard Creek Road bridge over I-85 to accommodate the on and off-ramps from the interchange. In May 2007, a design year analysis showed that the existing interchange design completed during the original environmental and engineering studies for R-2123 needed to be re-engineered to accommodate projected design year 2035 traffic volumes of more than 180,000 vehicles per day on I-85 and more than 130,000 vehicles per day on I-485.

A Categorical Exclusion (CE) is being conducted to quantify and document the impacts to the human and natural environment within the project study area. The primary environmental concerns within the interchange study area are potential noise impacts to adjacent properties, impacts to streams and wetlands, and impacts to the endangered Schweintz’s sunflower. The CE will be completed in fall 2009. Once the CE is completed, final approval of an Interchange Modification Report (IMR) is required. The IMR is a technical document required by the Federal Highway Administration to show that the selected design will operate at an acceptable Level of Service (LOS) and not cause additional congestion in the area. Upon approval of the CE and IMR, NCDOT can begin right-of-way acquisition and apply for permits from the environmental resource agencies.

Project Highlights

• Construct a four-level freeway to freeway interchange at the current I-85/I-485 interchange in northeast Mecklenburg County.
• Replace the existing bridge carrying Mallard Creek Road over I-85 to accommodate the new on and off-ramps connecting I-85 to the new interchange.
• NCDOT is completing environmental studies to evaluate and document potential impacts to the natural and human environment.

Project Visualizations

Video

Contact Information

Resources for Local Property Owners

In many cases, it is inevitable that a certain amount of private property must be acquired. The displacement of homes and businesses is minimized to the extent practicable. The following brochures will answer questions about this process.