Managed Lanes Coming to I-485

CHARLOTTE, NC — Most of the attention has been focused on I-77, but there are more managed lanes coming for drivers in the Charlotte area.

Work to turn the unused lanes on I-485 into toll lanes will begin this summer. They run from I-77 South to U.S. 74, a total of 17 miles. NC DOT says the goal is sustainability and a better product.

“You use price, in a managed lane situation, to keep the lane from becoming over saturated and shutting down,” says Scott Cole of the NC DOT. “So over the long term it doesn’t become too congested for travel.”

The project will be awarded to a design build team in July. Construction will likely begin after the first of next year.