Interlochen, MI, October 17, 2025

U.S. 31 near Interlochen has reopened after a temporary closure due to roadwork preparations. The Michigan Department of Transportation has completed essential safety upgrades aimed at improving travel conditions ahead of upcoming construction phases in Benzie County. These enhancements are expected to facilitate smoother transit for both local residents and travelers in the region.

Charlotte, North Carolina

New Indoor Music Venue Announced Near Bank of America Stadium

Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE) has unveiled plans to construct a new 4,400-seat indoor music venue adjacent to the North Gate of Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. The facility, covering 89,000 square feet, aims to enhance the city’s entertainment offerings by providing a centrally located performance space. Construction is slated to commence in 2027, with an anticipated opening in 2030. TSE will fully fund the project, though specific cost details have not been disclosed. The venue will be developed in partnership with Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s design and development group. This initiative reflects TSE’s broader efforts to enrich Charlotte’s cultural landscape, alongside ongoing upgrades to the stadium and practice facilities. TSE CEO Kristi Coleman emphasized the venue as part of the organization’s commitment to the city’s future.

Progress on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Uptown Branch

Construction of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s new five-story Uptown branch at 6th and North Tryon Streets is progressing, though behind schedule. Originally slated to open in 2026, the $137 million, 115,000-square-foot facility is now expected to open in spring 2027. The library has been closed for four years, and once completed, it is projected to attract a million visitors in its first year, becoming a key community resource and major Uptown destination. Library Director Caitlin Moen attributed the delay to meticulous work necessary to ensure the building’s longevity. The design incorporates feedback from the community, with a focus on adult users, while the separate ImaginOn branch continues serving children and teens. Mecklenburg County has contributed $72.33 million, and the library foundation still seeks $8 million in private donations to meet the total cost. Key features include a pedestrian-friendly Tryon Plaza with an ADA ramp and automated book return, a shared lobby with the adjacent theater featuring terrazzo flooring and wood ceilings, a 2,500-square-foot café with street views and public seating, an open atrium with zigzagging stairs and a skylight supplying natural light, and a public second-story terrace. The library aims to enhance Uptown’s evolving cultural landscape.

Wilson Stadium Under Construction in Wilson, North Carolina

Wilson Stadium, also known as the Wilson Sports + Entertainment Complex (WiSE), is under construction in Wilson, North Carolina. The stadium is set to be the home of the Minor League Baseball team, the Wilson Warbirds, starting in 2026. Construction began on May 10, 2024, and is expected to be completed by the opening day of baseball’s 2026 season. The stadium will have a capacity of 4,500, with artificial turf as the field surface. The project is part of a wider $280 million development approved by the city of Wilson. The stadium will feature 10–12 private suites, a baseball club lounge, a banquet facility accommodating 250 guests, and a right-field picnic area. Outside the stadium, there will be surface and street-side parking, and a year-round kids’ play area. In addition to baseball, the stadium is planned to host concerts and other community events. The stadium will be surrounded by mixed-use development, including office space, retail space, townhomes, apartments, and an 80-room hotel overlooking the field.

Mid-Currituck Bridge Project in North Carolina

The Mid-Currituck Bridge is a proposed 7-mile long two-lane toll bridge that will span across Currituck Sound, connecting US158 and NC12. Its purpose is to alleviate summer traffic congestion and improve both emergency response and evacuation times. Plans for the bridge have been in development since the 1970s, but due to high costs, it remained unfunded for decades. In 2008, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority began work on the environmental impact for the area. The Final Environmental Impact Statement was released in 2012, recommending the construction of the bridge and limited improvements to existing NC12 and US158, estimated to cost around $660 million. Construction was programmed to begin in 2019 and be completed in four years. However, the project was placed on hold in 2013 while NCDOT reviewed state, regional, and local transportation improvement funding priorities. The project was approved for inclusion in the 2016-2025 State Transportation Improvement Program. An amendment to the STIP called for NCDOT to start dedicating state transportation funding in fiscal year 2017 for bridge construction. In March 2019, the Federal Highway Administration approved the project. In May 2023, litigation filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center ended when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit refused to reconsider its decision that affirmed a decision by a lower court that the project could proceed. The opening date for the bridge remains unknown.

North Carolina Construction Industry Faces Challenges

The construction industry in North Carolina is facing significant challenges due to new tariffs on imported materials, impacting over 45% of construction supplies. With costs rising sharply—1.4% in January—the outlook remains uncertain as economic and political factors contribute to hesitancy among investors. This ongoing price surge affects both structural and finishing materials, forcing architects and developers to adapt quickly. Strategic planning and early cost assessments are essential for managing budgets effectively amidst fluctuating expenses and complex supply chain dynamics. The construction industry continues to stand out on the national stage, ranking as the fifth strongest in the country, according to a new LendingTree analysis. The study, which looked at wage growth, job growth, and new housing permits, paints an encouraging picture for the Tar Heel State’s builders, tradespeople, and contractors—and signals momentum for the region’s ongoing economic expansion. Between 2021 and 2024, construction wages in North Carolina rose by 11.4%, which trails the state’s overall wage growth of 22.3% for all occupations. While the pay increases in construction were more modest, the industry still outperformed the state’s overall labor market when it came to job growth: employment in construction grew by 13%, compared to a 10.8% increase for the workforce as a whole. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s appetite for new housing remained strong. The state issued 10,000 new housing permits in 2024, ranking 10th in the nation for new housing permits per capita. This robust performance underscores the resilience and growth of North Carolina’s construction sector amidst current challenges.

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Author: Construction NC News

The NORTH CAROLINA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionncnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in North Carolina and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas and the North Carolina Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Womble Bond Dickinson LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.