Traffic headaches: Construction, delays to continue along I-277 for weeks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A $16.3 million bridge improvement project closed lanes along the inbound East Independence Boulevard ramp to the Interstate 277 inner loop (John Belk Freeway) on Dec. 3, 2018, to work on bridges over Elizabeth Avenue and Third and Fourth streets.

[Construction on Independence Boulevard at I-277 ramp resumes]

The construction has caused delays in another section along the I-277 inner loop.

On Jan. 18, crews moved barrier walls to work on bridges over Third, Stonewall and McDowell streets.

On Saturday evening, crews once again shifted work along the John Belk Freeway to work on bridges over Mint Street, Moorehead Street and Norfolk Southern's railroad tracks.

Officials said only one lane will be open for the next two weeks.

Channel 9 spoke to some drivers, who shared their frustration with the recent delays due to construction.

"It's just annoying because it's traffic and people are trying to squeeze into the lane," driver Camille Thomas said.

"You kind of just learn to live with it and try not to go out at certain times of day when you know it's going to be backed up and avoid it when you can," driver Ken smith said.

They hope to have work wrapped by Feb. 15 before the NBA All-Star Game activities start.

I-277 outer loop to I-77 south

Construction also started Sept. 29 on the express lane bridge replacement that closed the ramp from the outer loop of I-277 outer loop (Brookshire Freeway) to Interstate 77 southbound. The completion date has been pushed back multiple times.

Crews planned on opening the ramp this week, but now we are being told it will open the beginning of February.

For more on the estimated times of completion for these road projects, watch the video at the top of this webpage.

Cox Media Group