Charlotte, North Carolina, October 18, 2025
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that lanes on Interstate 85 near Charlotte will be closed for several weeks due to a $337 million expansion project. The aim is to improve traffic flow in the busy area. Local residents are expressing concerns about potential delays caused by the closures and are being urged to plan alternate routes as work begins soon.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Starting October 20, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will implement overnight lane closures on Interstate 85 (I-85) near Charlotte to facilitate the installation of bridge girders for a new overpass. These closures are scheduled from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night, concluding on October 24, 2025. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes during these hours to avoid disruptions.
The construction of the new bridge aims to provide an alternative route to the W.T. Harris Boulevard and West Mallard Creek Church Road interchanges with I-85. This project is part of a broader initiative to enhance connectivity across I-85, linking residential, retail, and educational areas in University City to the employment center of the University Research Park. The bridge will also connect to the future Doby Creek and Barton Creek greenways, the J.W. Clay station of the LYNX Blue Line, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Local residents have expressed concerns over potential delays and traffic disruptions resulting from the lane closures. The NCDOT has urged drivers to plan ahead and consider alternative routes during the construction period to minimize inconvenience. This project is part of a series of planned improvements along the I-85 corridor aimed at reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. The new bridge is expected to serve as a significant entry point into Charlotte, accommodating various modes of transportation, including cars, public transit, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the overnight lane closures on I-85 near Charlotte?
The overnight lane closures are necessary for the installation of bridge girders for a new overpass, which is part of a project to provide an alternative route to the W.T. Harris Boulevard and West Mallard Creek Church Road interchanges with I-85.
When will the lane closures occur?
The lane closures are scheduled to begin on October 20, 2025, and will continue each night from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., concluding on October 24, 2025.
How will the new bridge impact local traffic?
The new bridge aims to enhance connectivity across I-85, linking residential, retail, and educational areas in University City to the University Research Park. It is expected to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow in the region.
What should drivers do during the construction period?
Drivers are advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes during the construction period to minimize delays and disruptions.
Project Overview
| Project Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | North Bridge Over I-85 |
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Construction Dates | October 20–24, 2025 (overnight lane closures) |
| Purpose | Provide alternative route to W.T. Harris Boulevard and West Mallard Creek Church Road interchanges; enhance connectivity across I-85 |
| Expected Completion | Not specified; part of broader I-85 corridor improvements |
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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.
