Interstate travel is slow in spots due to congestion at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday across the Charlotte region, and one major thoroughfare is slowed because of a fire.

The fire was in the 6500 block of South Boulevard, and crews were forced to close the road in both directions for an hour. At 7 a.m., authorities reopened one lane in each direction, but traffic is slow in the area.

At 8:30 a.m., one lane remains closed in each direction.

The fire scene is between Arrowood Road and Archdale Drive. Charlotte fire Capt. Rob Brisley says delays are likely to continue for a while in the area, so motorists should detour. Old Pineville Road is a good detour route, and it can be reached off either Arrowood or Archdale.

Otherwise, the biggest problems in the region are due to congestion. At 8 a.m., here are the worst spots:

I-85 southbound, Cabarrus ... No wrecks, but heavy congestion delays. Average speed is 15 mph near Poplar Tent Road and Bruton Smith Boulevard.

I-485 inner loop, south Mecklenburg ... Slow traffic between Providence Road and I-77, with average speeds of 15 to 20 mph.

U.S. 321, Gastonia ... Traffic is slow southbound, for about 1-2 miles north of I-85. That is typical.

Providence Road inbound ... Slowest traffic is from Fairview Road to uptown, with average speeds of 25 mph.

North Tryon Street inbound ... From J.W. Clay Boulevard down to the I-85 Connector, average speeds are only 20 mph.

Delays are building on southbound Interstate 85 in Cabarrus County, due to construction in the area. The average travel speeds are 25 to 30 35 mph.

At 7:30 a.m., there were no delays on I-77, I-485, or I-277.