I-277 inner lanes near South Boulevard to be closed for four months

Drivers on Interstate 277 could face traffic congestion over the next four months as inside lanes in both directions close beginning Tuesday.

The closure will allow workers with the contractor Blythe Construction to install barrier walls as they remove and rebuild the center median, according to a news release from the city. The installation of the barrier wall and demolition of the median will take place during the day and overnight. It’s expected to be finished by June 9.

The inside lanes will remain closed during a four-month construction period to allow crews to safely work in the center median.

The work is expected to take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The ramp to exit 1-E, or South Boulevard, on the north side of I-277 will be restricted to one lane as work continues on the bridge. Ramps on the south side of the interstate will remain open.

The closure is part of the work underway for the Rail Trail Bridge Project. The long-discussed pedestrian and bicycle bridge initiative will connect users from uptown to South End through the Charlotte Rail Trail.

The Charlotte City Council approved more than $3 million in grant and donation funding in April for the project.