The extra I-485 lane nobody can use

The Story

When the DOT recently widened I-485 in South Charlotte to three lanes, it laid a fourth lane — but opted not to open it, even through congestion is still awful.

That extra lane on I-485 won’t open for at least 5 years. Here’s why: http://t.co/QJRzFqI9TL pic.twitter.com/3VHvICA21V

— Charlotte Observer (@theobserver) January 16, 2015

Why?

Because one day, it may want to make that lane a toll lane. And federal rules make it hard to convert a free lane into a toll lane, which the state hopes to do in maybe 5 years.

Huh?

Yeah, that’s what a lot of you said, but not as nicely.

– “Another NC government disaster. Can you guys please raise our taxes again and pay yourselves more, since you do such a great job?” – CharlotteObserver.com commenter

– “All part of Pat McCrony’s plan to toll the heck out of the citizens of this state. This Republican will not support his re-election.” – CharlotteObserver.com commenter –

– “The NC taxpayers bought and paid for this lane. What right does DOT have to keep us from using it???” – Comment on Facebook

DOT spokesman says adding another lane to I-485 does not do much for traffic flow. Well….that opinion is just stupid. — Randy Baker (@bakerwire) January 16, 2015

I-485 still gets clogged at rush hour. – Shot: http://t.co/sdirt0pSlO – Chaser: http://t.co/wrc1XLfHqd

— Jeremy Markovich (@deftlyinane) January 16, 2015

C5’s Take

We agree, this one is a head scratcher. One thought is to make it a carpool lane, which can be converted under federal rules into a toll road. As has been noted: While carpool lanes aren’t terribly popular, it’s better than not using a perfectly good lane.

Photo: Mark Hames / Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published January 20, 2015 at 12:59 AM with the headline "The extra I-485 lane nobody can use."