A major construction project is causing significant delays on I-85 near Concord Mills.  Various lanes are closed, narrowed, or shifted between I-485/Exit 48 and Highway 73/Exit 55.  Construction will continue through spring of 2013.

NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC:

To avoid the worst of the delays on I-85 northbound, use I-485/Exit 48 to North Tryon St./Exit 32 (turn left, heading north).  Follow North Tryon St./US 29 past Charlotte Motor Speedway.  Rejoin I-85 at Exit 58 in Concord. Local traffic should consider using Mallard Creek Church Rd./Exit 46 (turn left) to Mallard Creek Rd. (turn right) to Odell School Rd. (turn left).  Odell School Rd. becomes Derita Rd. as it passes Concord Mills, then becomes Odell School Rd. again as it passes the airport.  Turn right on Highway 73 and rejoin I-85 at Exit 55.

SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC:

To avoid the worst of the delays on I-85 southbound, use Highway 29 South/Exit 58.  Follow Highway 29 south through Concord and past Charlotte Motor Speedway.  Use I-485 inner loop to rejoin I-85 at Exit 48. Local traffic should use Highway 73/Exit 55 (turn right) to Odell School Rd. (turn left).  Odell School Rd. will become Derita Rd. as you pass the airport, then become Odell School Rd. again as you pass Concord Mills.  Turn right on Mallard Creek Rd., then left on Mallard Creek Church Rd.  Rejoin I-85 at Exit 46.