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What Charlotte Commuters Need to Know About I-85 Lane Closures

Update NCDOT Takes Steps for a Smoother Journey on I-85 The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has recently initiated nightly lane closures on Interstate 85 in Gaston County. Why? To conduct essential geotechnical investigations for an ambitious upcoming widening project. Scheduled to last for two weeks, these lane closures will unravel what’s needed beneath our roadways to support the traffic-heavy future. What’s Ahead? Understanding I-85 Widening Plans The aim of the I-85 widening project is nothing less than transformative: expanding the highway from six to eight lanes along a crucial 10-mile stretch between the U.S. 321 interchange in Gastonia and the N.C. 273 interchange in Belmont. This multi-phase project is being taken seriously, with an estimated cost of $1.4 billion — a hefty investment in our region’s infrastructure! Officials have pointed out that this expansion is much needed to accommodate the growing demand for road space due to increasing traffic. With projections of more residents moving into Charlotte and neighboring areas, the time for change is now. The Three-Peak Plan: Breaking Down the Project Phases Do you want to know how they plan to tackle this gargantuan task? The project is divided into three distinct phases: Phase 1: Covering Exits 17 to 23, focusing on widening I-85 and enhancing the Cox Road/U.S. 29/74 junction in Gastonia, with an estimated cost of $587.7 million. Phase 2: This stage will address Exits 23 to 27, improving I-85 and the intersection at N.C. 7/U.S. 29/74 in Belmont, which is estimated to be around $567.8 million. Phase 3: Involves replacing several bridges, including two Norfolk Southern bridges, a P&N Railroad bridge, and the Groves Street bridge, with an anticipated cost of $240 million. According to NCDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Program, they’ve already secured the necessary funding for property acquisition, utility relocation, and construction. Timeline for Change: What To Expect While it's great to know that the groundwork is being laid now, the construction phase isn’t expected to kick off until the winter of 2033. It’s a long wait, but understanding the rigorous design, environmental review, and engineering involved makes it a little clearer why it takes time. The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters to You So, how does this highway expansion affect you, the Charlotte resident? It’s all about improving regional connectivity and reducing congestion, making your daily commute smoother and safer. As populations in Charlotte and its suburbs continue to swell, these improvements become central to the quality of life for commuters. It’s not just about roadwork; it’s about easing the flow of daily life. As we increase our population, better access and travel routes become essential. The widening of I-85 will likely contribute to economic growth and transportation efficiency, making our Charlotte community not just livable, but vibrant. Stay Tuned: How You Can Get Involved If you’re passionate about your commuting experience and the growth of Charlotte, here’s your chance to stay informed and engaged. If you enjoyed this story and wish to stay updated on local developments, join Charlotte Local Unplugged on Facebook and YouTube. Connect with your community, and be part of the conversation.