Support Us Button Widget

I-485 express lanes to be complete by winter 2025

Once complete, the $346 million project in southern Mecklenburg County will add a toll lane in each direction between I-77 and Independence Boulevard + new interchanges and widened roads.

An aerial view of a four-lane interstate with exit signs above the traffic.

The I-485 express lanes in South Charlotte are expected to be complete by winter 2025.

Photo via WCNC

Winter 2025 — that’s when the express lanes along I-485 in South Charlotte are expected to be complete. The $346 million project, underway since 2019, promises several new stretches of road to the area, plus less time sitting in traffic.

"[The lanes] are the product of what’s called the ‘Fast Lane Study’ that was done back in 2007,” Brian Davis, NCDOT’s Lead Resident Engineer-Matthews told CLTtoday. “The city of Charlotte, NCDOT, and other agencies studied the whole region to decide what roads would benefit most from express lanes.”

Food for thought: I-77’s general purpose lanes see a 30% to 40% increase in average speed during peak travel times. Basically, you’re cutting your commute time.

“That extra 20 minutes you get to spend with your family or doing something that you enjoy instead of sitting in traffic will help in a lot of different ways,” said Davis.

What will drivers notice?

When the I-485 express lanes are complete, drivers will notice one lane in each direction of I-485 between I-77 and Independence Boulevard. There will also be one general-purpose lane between Rea Road and Providence Road in the Ballantyne and Waverly/Rea Farms areas.

Travelers on Westinghouse Boulevard and Johnston Road will also find interchanges to drive directly onto the express lanes.

An aerial view of an interchange and connecting road under construction.

NCDOT is constructing exit and entrance ramps that directly connect express lanes to Johnston Road.

Photo via NCDOT

Projects within a project

While express lanes were being added, NCDOT had three other construction projects nearby:

  • Ballantyne Commons bridge widening to be completed by mid-spring.
  • Widening of Weddington Road to be finished by late summer or early fall.
  • John Street will be widened this fall to ease traffic along nearby interchange ramps.

Express lane costs

While a price has not been shared on the I-485 toll lanes, drivers can expect to find dynamic pricing (similar to I-77). Meaning, more drivers = higher costs.

Pro tip: CATS buses ride in the express lanes for free + Quick Passes can save drivers 50% on NC tolls.

More from CLTtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Make the most of the fall season and cooler weather with this list of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and Halloween-themed haunts happening this fall.
Broaden your horizons and indulge in elevated fare with a tasting menu from one of these Charlotte restaurants.
The music venue would be near Bank of America Stadium’s North Gate and would be constructed by 2030.
Sponsored
The upcoming event hosted by Mac’s Speedshop and the Carolina BBQ Festival will showcase four of Charlotte’s pitmasters and barbecue before the main event next spring.
With 40,000+ sqft of equipment and 24/7 access, this NoDa gym has become a community hub for anyone chasing their fitness goals.
Troodie, a new social app built to connect foodies, content creators, and restaurants, just launched in the Queen City.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about adding an accessory dwelling unit — also known as an ADU — to your property.
Grab your crew or make it a solo date to screen flicks from horror to animation at these local movie nights.