This video is no longer available.
CHARLOTTE, NC — An early Christmas present for commuters in south Charlotte. 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. Part of the road may be a little rough. DOT crews will return in the spring to put down the final layer of asphalt. 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. “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.
