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Expect I-485 detours in Charlotte as state closes ramps for toll lanes project

Drivers crawl along I-485 near the Johnston Road interchange on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Traffic will be detoured on the interstate in Charlotte as state contract crews close ramps for the nearly finished toll lanes project.
Drivers crawl along I-485 near the Johnston Road interchange on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Traffic will be detoured on the interstate in Charlotte as state contract crews close ramps for the nearly finished toll lanes project. Charlotte Observer file photo

Drivers face detours on Interstate 485 in Charlotte next week as state contract crews close ramps for the nearly finished toll lanes project.

Several ramps will be inaccessible Monday and Tuesday nights for overhead sign work, according to a news release by the N.C. Department of Transportation.

From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night, crews will close the ramp from I-485 Outer to I-77 North and South — exit 67 — and the right lane on I-485 Outer between South Tryon Street — exit 1 — and I-77, officials said.

Drivers will stay on the Outer Loop to South Boulevard exit 65A, cross over I-485 to access the Inner Loop, and return to I-77, according to NCDOT.

Allow extra time to reach your destination, state highway officials said.

$346 million project nearly open

The overhead signs are part of the $346 million toll lane project that will include a toll lane in each direction on I-485 between I-77 and Independence Boulevard (U.S. 74) and a free I-485 lane in each direction between Rea Road and Providence Road.

The overall project should open in late February, officials said. Some work will continue into spring before the project is finally complete, according to NCDOT.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov.

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Joe Marusak
The Charlotte Observer
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
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