Project Overview
Traffic Information
What's traffic like in the I-485 Express Lanes project area in Mecklenburg County?
The I-485 Express Lanes project will add one express lane in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard), providing travel time reliability and improving traffic flow in this critical transportation corridor. The project will also add one general-purpose lane in each direction along I-485 between Rea Road and Providence Road.
In coordination with other projects in southern Mecklenburg County, this project will serve as part of a larger network of express lanes offering drivers the option of more reliable travel times.
To minimize the duration of construction along the project corridor, three other projects will also be built at the same time as the I-485 Express Lanes:
- Ballantyne Commons Parkway bridge widening
- New interchange at Weddington Road
- John Street interchange improvements
What are Express Lanes?
Express lanes are toll lanes built within an existing highway corridor that provide additional capacity to accommodate more traffic and offer drivers the option of more reliable travel times. Unlike traditional toll roads, drivers can choose to pay the toll and use the express lanes or continue to drive in the non-tolled general-purpose lanes.
Project Funding
This project is listed as Project I-5507 in the N.C. Department of Transportation's State Transportation Improvement Program and is fully funded for right-of-way acquisition, utilities and construction.