Traffic Relief: Flyover ramp opens in Ballantyne

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Starting Thursday morning, drivers in Ballantyne may see some relief from daily traffic congestion -- because of a new ramp that is set to open to Interstate 485.

The new Johnston Road flyover is designed to reduce traffic that gets backed up while people wait at a traffic light to turn left onto I-485.

With the implementation of the flyover ramp, instead of cars traveling north on Johnston having to wait at a light to get on the inner loop of I-485, they'll be able to flow directly onto it.

The project has been in the works since the spring of 2013 and was supposed to be completed last month, but weather delayed it.

Drivers are expecting the flyover to have a major impact.

"It's gonna make it more convenient," said Nicole Stockman.

The flyover is part of the $83 million I-485 widening project.

WSOC