The N.C. Department of Transportation will work with contractor Lane Construction at the I-85 interchange with N.C. 73 (Exit 55) beginning at 11 p.m. Wednesday, weather permitting.
Demolition of the existing bridge will require intermittent lane and ramp closures in both directions to keep motorists and workers safe. This work is part of the 6.8-mile I-85 widening project, improving I-85 from four to eight lanes from south of Bruton Smith Boulevard (Exit 49) to north of N.C. 73. Lane and ramp closures will take place from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night through Thursday morning, June 6.
Wednesday and Thursday, May 29 and 30:
Crews will close the left lane on I-85 North at N.C. 73 at 11 p.m.;
At midnight, traffic will be shifted up and over the exit and entrance ramps on I-85 South at N.C. 73;
All lane and ramp closures will be removed by 6 a.m. Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31.
Friday, May 31 – Thursday, June 6:
Crews will close the left lane on I-85 North at N.C. 73 at 11 p.m.;
At midnight, traffic will be shifted up and over the exit and entrance ramps on I-85 North at N.C. 73;
All lane and ramp closures will be removed by 6 a.m. each morning through Thursday, June 6.
Exit 49

The N.C. Department of Transportation will be working at the I-85 interchange with Bruton Smith Boulevard (Exit 49) at 9 p.m. Friday, May 31, weather permitting. Crews will be preparing to shift traffic entering I-85 South to a new concrete section of the interstate, part of the 6.8-mile I-85 widening project.
Motorists traveling west on Bruton Smith Boulevard approaching I-85 will notice a slight variance when using the loop ramp to get on I-85 South. No detour is necessary to complete this work, but motorists are encouraged to remain alert and use caution. The shift should be completed by 3 a.m. Saturday, June 1.
NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.
For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow NCDOT on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter.