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The project involves widening of I-85 from south of the US 29/NC 49 Connector in Mecklenburg County to Speedway/Concord Mills Boulevard in Cabarrus County, a distance of approximately 8.3 miles. I-85 will be widened to eight through lanes with a 22-foot median from the US 29/NC 49 connector to I-485. I-85 will be widened to three lanes northbound and four lanes southbound from I-485 to Speedway/Concord Mills Boulevard. The widening between I-485 and Speedway/Concord Mills Boulevard is intended as an interim improvement, a future project will widen I-85 to eight or more lanes.

The widening of lanes will occur mostly in the median of I-85. (See artist rendition above). One auxiliary lane per direction (for a total of ten lanes) will be added to the outside of I-85 between several interchanges within the project limits. In addition to the proposed widening of I-85, the existing US 29/NC 49 connector entrance ramp onto southbound I-85 has been reconfigured from a left-hand entrance ramp to a right-hand entrance ramp.

Cameras, fiber-optic cable, and overhead dynamic message signs will also be installed along
I-85 as a part of this project. Vehicle detection devices will also be installed this spring and connected to the Metrolina Regional Transportation Center.

Currently, all lanes are built! Expect temporary lane closures in April and May as crews tie up loose ends along the project.