CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The latest stretch of Interstate 485 is finally open.

The leg of the loop around Mecklenburg County runs five and a half miles from the Brookshire Freeway to Highway 115/Old Statesville Road in north Charlotte.

Both the inner and outer portions of the loop officially opened at about 2:30 p.m. Friday, although a few cars were able to take part of the outer loop shortly before noon. The road was actually supposed to open in March 2007.

Jen Thompson, spokeswoman for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, said everyone is excited.

“We're glad it's open and we can hear people honking their horns and waiving. They're excited the road is open as well, and it's nice to see some smiling faces on them,” she said.

It's not just commuters relieved over the opening of the newest stretch of I-485. Business owners around Northlake Mall are ecstatic.

The new section of road is now a shortcut for folks in western Mecklenburg County and Gaston County.

"Once you get here, there's a lot of retail to choose from, besides us, and I think that, plus the access is very good for us," said Phil Morosco, General Manager of Northlake Mall.

The NCDOT wants to remind drivers that crews will be working in the area over the weekend on signage and shoulder work so they should be careful.

SLIDESHOW: I-485 Construction Will Not Finish On Time In Northwest Charlotte

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MAP: NCDOT I-485 Project Map

MAP: Previous I-485 Completion Dates