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UPDATE: Nightly Closures Scheduled for I-85 and N.C. 86 in Orange County

​​UPDATE: Contract crews have extended their work schedule to complete additional repairs. The closures will now remain in place through 6 a.m. on March 13.​

​​​See original release below.​

​HILLSBOROUGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation will conduct nightly closures of Interstate 85 at mile marker 165, along with the N.C. 86 bridge over I-85, beginning Sunday. 

The closures will be in place from March 1–6, weather permitting, to allow for bridge maintenance work. Work will occur nightly beginning at 9 p.m. and finishing at 6 a.m. the following morning.  

Motorists are encouraged to check DriveNC.gov for real-time traffic updates and utilize the following detours:   

  • I-85 southbound: Take Exit 165 and then proceed straight across N.C. 86 to return onto I-85 South. 
  • N.C. 86 northbound: Take I-85 North to Exit 170, turn left onto U.S. 70, turn left onto I-85 South and then take Exit 165 to access N.C. 86 north of the closure. 
  • N.C. 86 southbound: Take I-85 South to Exit 164, turn left onto South Churton Street/Old N.C. 86, left onto I-85 North and then take Exit 165 to access N.C. 86 south of the closure. 

Transportation officials remind drivers to plan ahead, remain alert and obey all posted traffic signs. 

***NCDOT***

3/11/2026 10:38 AM