Remaining lanes of Fairview Road reopen after South Park fire snarled traffic Thursday
READ MORE
SouthPark Fire
On May 18, 2023, a five-alarm fire broke out at a construction site in SouthPark. Two men died as a result of the blaze.
Expand All
Roads in and around the South Park neighborhood reopened Thursday hours after firefighters battled a massive blaze, but not before causing traffic issues throughout the day and into the evening.
The westbound lanes of Fairview Road between Sharon Road and Tyvola Road reopened to traffic shortly before 5 p.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police announced on social media, followed by the eastbound lanes reopening about 7 p.m.
CMPD had asked drivers to avoid the South Park area and seek alternative routes, cautioning that roads likely would be closed into the evening.
The blaze shut down Liberty Row Drive, Assembly Street and Barclay Downs Drive for much of the day. The southbound lanes of Park South Drive were also closed initially but reopened about 11:15 a.m., CMPD said previously.
A Charlotte Observer journalist near the scene reported “major traffic backups” and that police were rerouting motorists away from the area throughout the morning.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said on Twitter the road closures would impact dismissal and school bus routes for some students Thursday.
CMPD also asked folks to not call 911 “unless you have an emergency.”
The fire was near the South Park Business Park towers near Fairview Road and Piedmont Row Drive, according to first responders.
Reports and emergency radio traffic indicate the fire involved a parking garage construction zone. Video from the scene and radio traffic between first responders indicated part of the garage structure collapsed before 10 a.m.
Use the interactive map below from the GPS service Waze to track traffic in the area:
Observer reporter Kallie Cox contributed to this story.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Do you have any photos or video to share? Did you see the fire? Submit photos or information for publication using this form or email news@charlotteobserver.com.
This story was originally published May 18, 2023 at 10:39 AM.
