Avoid these Charlotte-area roads. Traffic could be intense for NASCAR & soccer
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- NCDOT announced on May 19 it was preparing for increased traffic on I-85, U.S. 29, N.C.
- NCDOT advised motorists to use U.S. 29 and avoid I-85 due to congestion.
- The City of Charlotte scheduled street closures near Bank of America Stadium on May 23.
Memorial Day weekend is packed with activities — some will cause road closures or change traffic patterns in the Charlotte area.
Coca-Cola 600
The 67th Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway has brought large crowds to Charlotte and Concord year after year for food, music, military appreciation and of course, racing. This year, events will be held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 leading up to the main race (and Brad Paisley pre-concert) on Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m.
Speed Street, an annual multi-day motorsports festival held in the Charlotte area over Memorial Day weekend, will also bring thousands of fans to the area.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced Tuesday, May 19 the department is preparing for increased traffic on Interstate 85, U.S. 29, N.C. 49 and Bruton Smith Boulevard throughout the festivities. Commuters should avoid using I-85 or be prepared for traffic and congestion, especially through the weekend.
The NCDOT recommends motorists use U.S. 29 to reduce delays.
Suggested routes:
- From South Carolina: Take I-77 North to the I-485 outer loop (Exit 1B) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).
- From west of Charlotte: Take I-85 North to I-485 (Exit 30) and follow I-485 Inner to U.S. 29 North. An alternate route is I-85 North to Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) to Pitts School Road to U.S. 29 South.
- From east of Charlotte: Take the I-485 outer loop to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33); and
- From north of Charlotte: Take I-85 South to George W. Liles Parkway (Exit 54) to U.S. 29 South.
Real time traffic updates are available at DriveNC.gov.
Soccer
Charlotte FC will play the New England Revolution at Bank of America Stadium Saturday, May 23. Kick off is at 7:40 p.m., but the parking lots open at 11 a.m. and events run throughout the day.
Traffic adjustments, according to the City of Charlotte:
- Brooklyn Village Avenue will be closed between Church Street and Mint Street 2-11:30 p.m. and between Church Street and College Street 9:30-10:30 p.m.
- 1st Street will be closed between Mint Street and Church Street 5:30-10:30 p.m.
- Both eastbound lanes of 4th Street between Graham Street and Mint Street will be closed 9:30-10:30 p.m.
The City of Charlotte offers an interactive street closure map at charlottenc.gov.
This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM.
