The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $108 million contract to build the final section of the I-85 widening project from north of Lane Street (Exit 63) to north of the U.S. 29/601 Connector, modify the N.C. 152/ U.S. 29 Interchange; and replace two bridges on N.C. 152 over the over the Norfolk Southern Railway in Rowan and Cabarrus counties.

Work on the 5.9-mile section of the project can start as early as March 28. Work should be completed with all lanes open to traffic, by December 2018, almost half a year ahead of schedule.

“Once complete, the project will improve safety and provide congestion relief for motorists on I-85 for years to come,” said Division 9 Engineer Pat Ivey.

“This project will complete the long-planned and much-needed widening of I-85 from Greensboro to Charlotte,” said Division 9 Board Member Jake Alexander. Alexander added, “all North Carolina travelers, especially those of us in Rowan County, are looking forward to the completion of this project.”

The $108 million contract was awarded to The Lane Construction Corporation of Cheshire, Conn.

An adjacent project is underway along I-85 in Cabarrus County that will widen an 8-mile section of the highway in neighboring Division 10.