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 in traffic.
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,” Brian Davis, NCDOT’s Lead Resident Engineer-Matthews told CLTtoday.
Exit and entrance ramps that directly connect express lanes to Johnston Road open this spring.
Photo via NCDOT
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.
Mad Miles 5 Year Anniversary Run | 5:30-8 p.m. | Ford Green | Free | Join the group for a fun two-mile run + live music and vendors.
Tosco Music Open Mic | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Evening Muse | $8 | Share your love of music and support local performers during this family-friendly concert.
Wednesday Night Live: Bravo Pueblo | 5-9 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free | Dance along to Charlotte’s electro-pop trio while surrounded by art.
Samara Joy | 7:30 p.m. | Belk Theatre | $46+ | Get your ticket to watch the Grammy-winning jazz artist bring soulful sounds to Uptown.
Thursday, May 9
Charlotte Career Fair | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Ayrsley | Free | Bring a freshly-printed resume to network and interview for dozens of open positions.
District One Spring Market | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | One South | Free | Support small businesses and vendors during this one-of-a-kind market.
Modern Speed Dating & Match Making | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Goldie’s Live Music Bar & Restaurant | $30+ | Be matched with compatible singles in a fun environment.
The Temptations & The Four Tops | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $70+ | “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch,” we know you’re going to sing along to this iconic show.
Friday, May 9
Artisphere presented by Prisma Health | Friday, May 9-Sunday, May 11 | Hours vary | Main Street, Greenville, SC | Free | Voted one of the top five arts festivals in the country by USA TODAY’s 10Best, Artisphere is bringing 140 makers, live music, tasty eats, and more to Greenville, SC.*
Spartanburg is a community of artists, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and more. | Photo by Sam Dean
Imagine a place where your career thrives and your weekends are filled with live music, local boutiques, and scenic trails. We’ve found just the place. Enter: Spartanburg, South Carolina, where small-town charm meets big-time opportunities.
Lake, a luxury sleepwear brand, is coming to SouthPark. The retailer will open its first NC-based storefront at Specialty Shops SouthPark this summer, replacing Sharon Luggage. An opening date is TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Civic
Charlotte City Council presented the proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year. This budget includes the city’s first property tax increase in six years, — recommending a 1.37-cent hike — $20 million for traffic safety projects, and a raise for hourly city workers. (WCNC)
Traffic
Both directions of Rea Road in South Charlotte are closed for pipe installation. The work near Providence Road is expected to wrap Friday, May 30. Detours are up along Rea Road, Pineville-Matthews Road, and Providence Road. (Queen City News)
Job
PSA Airlines is expected to hire at least 200 people in the coming months. The airline is relocating its headquarters to Charlotte from Dayton, OH. Jobs include maintenance, finance, operations, human resources, and talent management. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Announced
Two Charlotte natives are cementing their spot in NC music history. Hattie “Chatty Hatty” Leeper, one of the first Black women to be a radio DJ in the South, and country artist Luke Combs will be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The ceremony is Thursday, Oct. 16, and tickets are available.
Concert
Singing duo Aly & AJ are coming to the Queen City for their Silver Deliverer Tour. The former Disney Channel stars take the stage Friday, Oct. 24 at Ovens Auditorium. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 9.
Drink
Four Charlotte-area breweries are among the 2025 World Beer Cup winners. Pilot Brewing Co., Legion Brewing, Olde Hickory Brewing, and Armored Cow won for various beers. See the full list.
Try This
LaZoom, an Asheville-based comedy bus tour, is officially bringing laughs to the Queen City. The purple buses provide a 90-minute interactive ride through Charlotte’s history. Think of it as interactive theater on wheels. (WCNC)
Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes are set to take on the Washington Capitals in Round 2 of the 2025 NHL Playoffs. Will the Canes win the Stanley Cup this year? Go beyond the ice for the biggest stories on the Carolina Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Wellness
Struggling to lose weight despite doing everything “right”? PHD Weight Loss uses your unique metabolic type to protect muscle, burn stubborn fat, and reset your system — no pills, no guilt. Get a free FDA‑cleared body scan and metabolic assessment today. Call (980) 237‑9090 and mention “PHDlife.”*
Travel
Manifest your best summer yet: Score this rare ~$1,000 travel card bonus and plan your dream beach vacation in a hydrangea-enveloped coastal mansion worthy of a cameo in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” (Swoons.)*
Bad ads are a $1.3 trillion problem. And we all know bad ads: The creepy ones. The irrelevant offers. The cringe graphics. Enter RAD Intel. Their AI is boosting marketing results by 3.5x for Fortune 1000 companies. And you can invest at their current share price... only until May 8.†‡*
Featured Deal
To celebrate Small Business Week, we’re offering small business owners 20% off purchases in our Self-Service Ad Portal. Use the discount code SMALLBIZ at checkout through Sunday, May 11.
Category
Wellness
💓 Focused on health
High-energy workouts and some pumping music make for a great combo. | Photo via Gritbox Fitness
For Small Business Week, we searched for Charlotte businesses that provide a service to everyone in the Queen City: wellness. Here are four local businesses to visit and their recommendations for you.
Bonus: Don’t forget to take advantage of Small Business Week deals happening across the city now through Saturday, May 10.
Charlotte Family Yoga
“Our heated classes give you a little glitter (seat) and a great opportunity to breathe.”
Gritbox Fitness
“Try a classic grit class. Gritbox Fitness hosts 45 minute HIIT style classes consisting of kickboxing cardio + strength exercises. These classes are for all-levels and are packed with high-energy vibes.”
My Outdoor Joy
“We provide outdoor education and experiences for people with zero to intermediate outdoor skills. Our classes and events include canning, camping, hiking, exploring SCUBA diving and more.”
Restore Hyper Wellness
“We provide a holistic approach to total wellness under one roof. Try out a whole-body cryotherapy session.”
The Buy
Support small businesses from across the globe with one-of-a-kind products from Etsy. We love this customizable burger stamp for leveling up summer grill outs. Bonus: The artisan seller also offers a custom ice stamp so you can elevate upcoming cocktail nights.
City Editor Jack and I were among the first to sample the mouthwatering dishes at Leluia Hall, which officially opens to the public today. I can say with absolute certainty that every item on the menu will leave you wanting more.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.
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