More lane shifts begin this week on I-85 in Cabarrus

Watch out for lane shifts on Interstate 85 in Cabarrus County beginning this week as construction continues on a widening project.

Crews will be shifting northbound and southbound traffic to temporary pavement as work continues to add two new lanes in each direction over 8 miles, from north of N.C. 73 (Exit 55) to north of Lane Street (Exit 63) in Cabarrus County.

This planned lane shifts will be near the U.S. 29/601 interchange (Exit 58). N.C. Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to use caution in this area.

The shift for northbound motorists is scheduled to be in place by 6 a.m. Monday. The shift for southbound travelers is scheduled to take place by 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The temporary lanes will be in place for at least a year.

The widening project will complete the expansion of I-85 through the county, according to N.C. DOT.

Improvements also are planned for interchanges at U.S. 29/601 (Exit 58), Dale Earnhardt Boulevard (Exit 60) and Lane Street (Exit 63).

This story was originally published April 3, 2016 at 2:46 PM with the headline "More lane shifts begin this week on I-85 in Cabarrus."