CHARLOTTE – The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and Turnpike Authority are pleased to announce the upcoming opening of the I-485 Express Lanes. These express lanes, which run 18 miles from I-77 to U.S. 74 in Charlotte, are scheduled to open to traffic on Feb. 28, 2026, at 6 a.m. The I-485 Express Lanes project will enhance regional connectivity and reduce travel times for commuters and residents alike.
After opening, the toll rates for the I-485 Express Lanes will initially be determined by vehicle length, time of day and the day of the week. For more information visit ncquickpass.com/i485 or plan your first trip on the NC Quick Pass toll calculator. For the first few weeks, roadway transactions will be manually reviewed to ensure accuracy. For the first few weeks, roadway transactions will be manually reviewed to ensure accuracy. This additional review will temporarily delay transactions from appearing on NC Quick Pass accounts for several days after travel.
Within twelve months of opening, the express lanes will begin dynamic pricing, meaning that prices will fluctuate based on factors such as the number of drivers in the express lanes and average speeds to ensure traffic in the express lanes maintain a minimum of 45 miles per hour. Drivers will be notified of the price NC Quick Pass account holders will pay on the toll pricing signs prior to entering any segment of the express lanes. Drivers without a NC Quick Pass will pay a higher rate. To open an NC Quick Pass account and save 50% tolls, visit ncquickpass.com.
How NC Quick Pass Determines Your Toll
Standard Vehicle
| Two-axle vehicles less than 22 feet
| Posted rate
| Two times posted rate
|
Extended Vehicle
| Two-axle vehicles more than 22 feet or two-axle vehicles with a single-axle trailer
| Two times posted rate
| Two times toll invoice rate
|
Ongoing Work
After the express lanes open to traffic, project contractors will continue working to complete final construction activities at various locations along I-485. Drivers can expect to see ongoing work including but not limited to lighting and signage installation, roadway work and work on toll technology with intermittent lane closures.
East John Street
After opening, project contractors will continue work on East John Street. Drivers can expect to see intermittent lane closures or shifts while contractors finish asphalt paving and pavement markings.
Weddington Road
Drivers may see intermittent lane closures along Weddington Road near Fincher Farm Road while contractors install a new signal and finalize work on the interchange.
NCDOT will continue to provide updates as construction nears completion.
Save 50% on Tolls with NC Quick Pass
Customers with an NC Quick Pass account will save 50% on all NC tolls, and can pay tolls electronically in 19 states.
Sign up for NC Quick Pass at ncquickpass.com or through the NC Quick Pass app. For more information, visit ncquickpass.com/i485.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.