HUNTERSVILLE – This weekend, N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will close the ramp from I-77 South to Gilead Road as part of a $30.8 million project to convert the existing interchange to a diverging diamond interchange.
The ramp closure is scheduled from 6 p.m. Saturday until 9 a.m. Sunday, allowing workers to safely install pipe in the area. Drivers are encouraged to take I-77 South to exit 25, turning right to N.C. 73, continuing to Statesville Road (U.S. 21), turning right again to get back to Gilead Road.
The diverging diamond design allows two directions of traffic to temporarily cross to the left side of the road, providing easier access to the interstate. The project also includes a new bridge to handle eastbound traffic over I-77, with the existing bridge serving westbound drivers.
In addition, a section of U.S. 21 will be widened from two to four lanes on either side of Gilead Road to accommodate a reduced conflict intersection design, a type of intersection that redirects side-street traffic from going straight or left at a divided highway intersection.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.