CHARLOTTE — Construction on the I-485 project began in August 2019, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that the express lanes will officially open to traffic in late February.
This long-awaited development aims to improve traffic flow through a congested corridor in Southern Mecklenburg County.
The express lanes, which add one lane in each direction, have been under construction for over seven years, prompting mixed reactions from drivers.
While some, like Josh Madsen, believe that the new lanes will enhance traffic flow, others, such as Michelle See, are skeptical about their necessity and the environmental impact of the construction.
Madsen expressed his belief in the positive effects of the new construction, stating, “I think it’s a lot better when you can avoid all the cars that are trying to get on the interstate and off the interstate because I think that’s what jams it up.”
Conversely, See raised concerns about the express lanes, saying, “Honestly, I don’t know the impact of that, but I don’t think it was necessary.”
She also lamented the loss of trees in the area due to construction, remarking, “If you would have seen this street before, it was lined with trees.”
Eddie Gutierrez expressed mixed feelings about the toll costs, stating, “If it’s worth it, sure, but if not, I’ll take the back roads.”
Gutierrez wonders if paying for the express lane will actually save time during his commutes, suggesting a willingness to use alternative routes if necessary.
NCDOT announced that for the first year, the toll rates for the I-485 express lanes will depend on the time of day and day of the week.
After the initial year, pricing will fluctuate based on factors such as the number of vehicles in the express lanes, similar to the pricing model used for I-77 express lanes.
NCDOT is preparing for the opening of the express lanes in late February. Further announcements regarding toll rates and traffic management will follow in the weeks leading up to the launch.
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