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NCDOT to set 70 mph speed limit for I-485 loop

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina Department of Transportation announced Thursday it will implement a 70-mph speed limit for the 67-mile Interstate 485 outer belt.

NCDOT announced Wednesday that they will open the final segment of I-485 on June 5 around noon.

Crews will start updating the speed limit signs on Tuesday.

40 years after planning began, final leg of I-485 to open June 5

The 5.7-mile segment from Old Statesville Road to Interstate 85 will complete the 67-mile outer loop around Charlotte.

Channel  9 saw workers along I-485 scrambling Wednesday afternoon to get the last section of the interstate open.  They were grinding rough spots in the concrete and putting up the last stretch of cable median.

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Caroline Tilson said it feels like a lifetime has passed since they originally promised an outer loop around Charlotte.

"It has been forever we've waited on it.  We are thrilled to death that it is finally going to be open," she said.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has made promises before about possible opening dates but blamed the delays on weather and crews being overly optimistic. 

Virginia Butler lives about a half mile from one of the new exits and says it will make a difference for her and thousands of other drivers.

"It's just a block away from me.  I'm really excited.  I can't wait," Butler  said.

The contractor has good reason to get the interstate open sooner rather than later.

If it goes past July 20, the company could face fines of $20,000 per day. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled before the opening.

The final leg is set to open 40 years after the planning began.

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