Committee Votes to Leave Unused I-485 Lanes Closed

WCCB Charlotte,

[gtxvideo vid=”r4CaJ8cn” playlist=”” pid=”Bbt3TRDe” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/r4CaJ8cn.jpg” vtitle=”485 lanes”]

Β CHARLOTTE, NC — It looks like unused lanes on I-485 in South Charlotte will stay that way for a while, much to the frustration of drivers. Β The DOT plans to make them toll lanes by 2020.

Drivers complained, saying they need relief from backups now. Β The DOT had three options: keep the lanes closed, make them commuter lanes, or open them to the public. Β A transportation committee voted Thursday to keep them closed.

“The TCC decided to stay the course with its long term plan to reserve that extra space,” said City of Charlotte spokesman Danny Pleasant.

The committee’s recommendation will be sent to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization later this month.