This video is no longer available.
Β CHARLOTTE, NC — An early Christmas present for commuters in south Charlotte. Β The new third lane on the outer loop of I-485 is finally open between I-77 and Rea Road.
Construction of the more than $83 million widening project began in April of 2013, and wasn’t supposed to be finished until 2016. Β Part of the road may be a little rough. Β DOT crews will return in the spring to put down the final layer of asphalt. Β Drivers we spoke to didn’t mind.
“That extra lane made all the difference in the world for me today,” said Ballantyne resident Karen Reid-Sims. Β “The commute was cut in more than half, by more than half.”
The new third lane on the inner loop of I-485 is set to open Saturday morning between Rea Road and I-77.
