CHARLOTTE – Tonight, N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will be performing a traffic shift on Interstate 485 at the Johnston Road interchange. These activities are part of the I-485 express lanes project underway to add an express lane and deliver additional corridor improvements along Interstate 485 between I-77 and U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard.)
The traffic shift will start just after midnight Friday morning, weather permitting. Contract crews will close all lanes on the inner loop, detouring all traffic to Johnston Road (exit 61A.) This will allow the safe removal of existing lane markings, installing new ones to reflect the new traffic pattern. Work will also include placing traffic protection on the adjacent bridge for construction activities.
When the shift is complete, traffic will be moved toward the outside shoulder on the inner loop to allow for more space in the median to continue building a direct connector to Johnston Road.
Drivers will detour north to N.C. 51, proceeding south back to I-485. All lanes will open by 5 a.m. Friday.
Drivers should be mindful of crews working in this location and allow extra time to reach their destination.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.