CONCORD — Weather permitting, Friday night the N.C. Department of Transportation will shift traffic on I-85 North from Bruton Smith Boulevard (Exit 49) to N.C. 73 (Exit 55) from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday, March 1, as part of the $125.2 million I-85 widening project.
The shift involves moving traffic to the outside lanes of I-85 so crews next week can continue diamond grinding the inside lanes through the project limits. This process will offer a smoother ride for motorists while draining moisture from the road surface more efficiently.
To safely move traffic, crews will close the right lane on I-85 North through the project area, while temporarily holding traffic at the northbound entrance ramps to ensure a safe transition to the new pattern. Motorists entering I-85 North from Bruton Smith Boulevard, Poplar Tent Road and George Liles Parkway should remain alert.
Should favorable weather continue, motorists could be driving on the interstate’s final alignment between exits 49 and 54 by the end of March, and between exits 54 and 55 by the end of April. This 6.8-mile section of I-85 will have four lanes in each direction open to traffic.
NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.