The N.C. Department of Transportation is preparing for changes on the 6.8-mile I-85 widening project in Concord. Beginning at 9 p.m. tonight, the department and contractor Lane Construction will shift traffic to new northbound lanes between Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) and N.C. 73 (Exit 55), approximately three miles.
To prepare for the shift, the contractor will repaint pavement and lane markings, reset the barrier wall, and install signs advising motorists of the new traffic pattern. In addition, the exit ramp from I-85 North to George Liles Parkway (Exit 54) will be closed during the shift to ensure a safe transition to the new lanes. The ramp will reopen by 6 a.m. Thursday, March 7. Crews will also close the entrance ramp from George Liles Parkway to I-85 North until 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 5.
The project includes widening I-85 from four to eight lanes from south of Bruton Smith Boulevard (Exit 49) to north of N.C. 73 (Exit 55) in Cabarrus County, and converting the existing interchanges at Poplar Tent Road and N.C. 73 to diverging diamond interchanges. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2014.
NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.