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CHARLOTTE, NC – Traffic troubles are expected for drivers in East Charlotte this week.
A new bridge crossing over Independence Boulevard at Conference Drive opens Tuesday at midnight, according to the Department of Transportation.
Drivers say the opening adds to the ongoing growing pains of the U.S. 74 Road Widening & Improvement Project.
“It’s going to be very confusing,” said Greg James, an East Charlotte resident.
“It’s just going to make it a lot harder for me. I’m going to have to make a big detour,” said Shalona Chambers, an East Charlotte resident.
With the Conference Drive bridge opening, another intersection will close which is stressing out nearby store owners.
“It will be very difficult for us to survive,” said Roger Aildasani, owner of Imagination Men’s Clothing.
The clothing shop for men sits at the corner of Independence Boulevard and Idlewild Road. The intersection will be closed until October 2016 as crews build a bridge taking Idlewild over Independence.
“If the business is not there, the income is not coming in which means I’ll have to close my doors” said Aildasani.
With Idlewild closing, drivers will have to find other ways to get on or across Independence. NCDOT says drivers can use Conference Drive.
“Welcome to Charlotte. You just always have to think on your seat,” said James.
NCDOT is also planing a cloverleaf interchange at Sharon Amity Road, with a bridge carrying Sharon Amity over Independence.There’s no timetable for that part of the project.
