I-485 Charlotte Outer Loop

NCDOT has taken steps to coordinate construction work on three separate projects that will complete I-485 and widen I-85 in the Charlotte area. Using this fast-track approach will help save money and speed up completion. The projects include:

• Building the final 5.7 miles of I-485, which will run from west of N.C. 115 to west of I-85 and link I-77 to I-85. (TIP No. R-2248E).
• Converting the existing I-485/I-85 interchange to a turbine interchange, the first of its kind in the state (TIP No. R-2123CE).
• Widening approximately 7 miles of I-85 from four to eight lanes from south of Bruton Smith Boulevard/Concord Mills Boulevard to north of N.C. 73 in Cabarrus County (TIP No. I-3803B). The project also includes converting Poplar Tent Road and N.C. 73 to a superstreet design.

All three I-485/I-85 improvement projects will feature interchange designs being used for the first time in North Carolina. These interchanges not only help move more traffic quicker, but they also help improve safety and significantly reduce project costs.

It is estimated that the use of these innovative interchange designs will save more than $50 million on these three projects alone.