For those that don't know NCDOT wants to use Independence Blvd widening money to complete I-485 http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-071609-dd-n.c_dot_postpone_independence_wid.463aa116.html (http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-071609-dd-n.c_dot_postpone_independence_wid.463aa116.html)
I think I-485 is more important than Independence Blvd at this time. I mean the cost per mile is a lot better with the I-485 project.
This is very much a game of political football. During her 2008 campaign, Governor Bev Perdue promised that 485 construction would begin this year - and completion by 2012. (Though with 485's history that would have been 2014.)
NCDOT is trying to lobby and now politicians will try to twist the arms of MUMPO members to move I-485 to the top of the priority list - which is third behind the upgrade of Independence from Albemarle Road (NC 27) to Idlewild., and the construction of the Monroe Bypass.
I have a few opinions on it:
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/07/pressures-oninterstate-485-timeline-in.html (http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/07/pressures-oninterstate-485-timeline-in.html)
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-project-is-more-important.html (http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-project-is-more-important.html)
QuoteI think I-485 is more important than Independence Blvd at this time. I mean the cost per mile is a lot better with the I-485 project.
"Cost-per-mile" has zero correlation with importance or traffic demand.
Independence is a major traffic corridor that needs a lot of improvement. Traffic isn't so bad, nor is there a lot of demand, for that northeast leg of I-485.
I agree with CanesFan...keep the current priority list as-is.
Quote from: froggie on July 18, 2009, 08:11:38 AM
QuoteI think I-485 is more important than Independence Blvd at this time. I mean the cost per mile is a lot better with the I-485 project.
"Cost-per-mile" has zero correlation with importance or traffic demand.
Independence is a major traffic corridor that needs a lot of improvement. Traffic isn't so bad, nor is there a lot of demand, for that northeast leg of I-485.
I agree with CanesFan...keep the current priority list as-is.
Exactly, the folks that want 485 finished have made the most noise. But you can be sure that Aunt Bev will be trying to twist some arms down in Charlotte the next few weeks.
Has the much-needed, often complained about, widening of I-485 in Southern Mecklenburg County been forgotten in this mess?
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/07/has-widening-interstate-485-in-southern.html (http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/07/has-widening-interstate-485-in-southern.html)
Quote from: CanesFan27 on July 30, 2009, 09:29:15 PM
Has the much-needed, often complained about, widening of I-485 in Southern Mecklenburg County been forgotten in this mess?
I've traveled through Pineville quite a bit on I-485 and it seems to me that for a belt, one would think to make it at least six-lane divided in the first place. Especially in a city the size of Charlotte. It's been five years since I've been to Charlotte, so I can only imagine how much worse traffic has gotten there.
Quote from: Marc on July 31, 2009, 01:53:24 AM
Quote from: CanesFan27 on July 30, 2009, 09:29:15 PM
Has the much-needed, often complained about, widening of I-485 in Southern Mecklenburg County been forgotten in this mess?
I've traveled through Pineville quite a bit on I-485 and it seems to me that for a belt, one would think to make it at least six-lane divided in the first place. Especially in a city the size of Charlotte. It's been five years since I've been to Charlotte, so I can only imagine how much worse traffic has gotten there.
Well kinda, that part of the loop was planned and then built in the late 80s - early 90s when most of Charlotte's growth hadn't reached South Meck.
As a result, many loop freeways in NC now are being designed with a minimum of six lanes.
More fun in the I-485 Hot Potato game:
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-485-hot-potato-who-wants-it.html (http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-485-hot-potato-who-wants-it.html)
Quote from: CanesFan27 on August 23, 2009, 07:29:10 PM
More fun in the I-485 Hot Potato game:
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-485-hot-potato-who-wants-it.html (http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-485-hot-potato-who-wants-it.html)
I was on the southwest part of I-485 this weekend and in looking it up I wondered why I-485 was not a complete loop.
Now, I know. Sheesh. :pan:
Time for the post-freeway opening - "Hey how did that freeway get in my backyard?" story.
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/08/hey-whats-that-interstate-doing-in-my.html (http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/08/hey-whats-that-interstate-doing-in-my.html)
Earlier this month, the Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization formally chose the next leg of the widening/upgrading of Independence Blvd. as the region's top transportation priority.
Governor Beverly Perdue, who promised during her 2008 campaign that work on the last leg of I-485 would begin this year, was surprised - and then vowed to continue to aggressively work on getting 485 done.
Construction on Independence (US 74) will begin in the fall of 2010. The work for I-485 2014 or 2015.
Head to the blog for a summation of all the links.
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/09/while-i-was-away.html (http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/09/while-i-was-away.html)
An Elon University poll of 422 Mecklenburg County adults on various Charlotte area issues show that close to 75% of Mecklenburg residents prefer the completion of Interstate 485 as the region's top transportation priority. 21% of those surveyed preferred the upgrading of Independence Blvd. 73% of respondents said the I-485 loop should be finished first.
The survey was taken between September 16-20; and the margin of error is +/- 4.9 percent.
http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Note.aspx?id=940184&board_ids=5&max=5 (http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Note.aspx?id=940184&board_ids=5&max=5)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/963656.html (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/963656.html)
The Charlotte Observer reports that Governor Beverly Perdue will announce a funding solution that will allow I-485 to be completed sooner. The funding plan, which has never been used before in NC, will be revealed tomorrow at 11. The only details made available is that it won't take money away from the Independence Blvd. widening project nor any other loop project in the state.
The story is here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1045187.html (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1045187.html)
Anyone want to take a stab at what this rare funding plan would be?
Quote from: CanesFan27 on November 08, 2009, 08:04:29 PM
The Charlotte Observer reports that Governor Beverly Perdue will announce a funding solution that will allow I-485 to be completed sooner. The funding plan, which has never been used before in NC, will be revealed tomorrow at 11. The only details made available is that it won't take money away from the Independence Blvd. widening project nor any other loop project in the state.
The story is here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1045187.html (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1045187.html)
Anyone want to take a stab at what this rare funding plan would be?
I think they are going to by 2,000 tickets to try to win the Powerball jackpot. :P
Public-private partnership, perhaps?
The plan is something call design-build-finance. Something I hadn't heard before - the contractors will help pay for the construction - and will later be reimbursed by the state.
"The plan -- called design-build-finance -- offers a streamlined schedule for construction of the unfinished section of the loop, between N.C. 115 and Interstate 85 in northeast Charlotte. The price tag is estimated at $220 million."
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1045187.html (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1045187.html)
I'll have more on it later this evening when I get home from work.
Has any major project in the country ever use this financing before??
Quote from: CanesFan27 on November 09, 2009, 12:05:17 PM
Has any major project in the country ever use [design-build-finance] before??
Yes, and they've been discussed in these fora. Here's an example (http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151--221092--,00.html) of an MDOT project which used this method.
QuoteHas any major project in the country ever use this financing before??
MnDOT attempted to use the financing bit last year for the Crosstown Commons reconstruction. Got zero response.
I already have my doubts on this plan. The new adjusted cost of the project is $340 million. The contractor will only need to pay for $50 million. The $50 million will be paid back over a 10 year period.
When the project cost only $220 million (prior to changes made to the 85/485 interchange), the state said they didn't have the cash. Now the state has to come up with $70 million above that - and now it "won't be an issue", yet it won't delay/move/cut other projects?
Well, NCDOT is already going back on the governor's promise saying they are 'prioritizing' (read: shifting money around) projects including I-485.
Lots of good articles:
My Commentary - http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/11/perdue-offers-i-485-financing-plan-but.html (http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/11/perdue-offers-i-485-financing-plan-but.html)
News stories some w/ video:
http://news14.com/charlotte-news-104-content/top_stories/617299/perdue-unveils-plan-to-complete-interstate-485 (http://news14.com/charlotte-news-104-content/top_stories/617299/perdue-unveils-plan-to-complete-interstate-485)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1047199.html (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1047199.html)
http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-110809-sjf-485announcement.2991eb800.html (http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-110809-sjf-485announcement.2991eb800.html)
http://www.wbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=11466790 (http://www.wbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=11466790)
Quote from: CanesFan27 on November 09, 2009, 12:05:17 PM
The plan is something call design-build-finance. Something I hadn't heard before - the contractors will help pay for the construction - and will later be reimbursed by the state.
"The plan -- called design-build-finance -- offers a streamlined schedule for construction of the unfinished section of the loop, between N.C. 115 and Interstate 85 in northeast Charlotte. The price tag is estimated at $220 million."
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1045187.html (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1045187.html)
I'll have more on it later this evening when I get home from work.
Has any major project in the country ever use this financing before??
That what I thought the plan would be. The widening of I-75 from Fort Myers to Naples, FL is a major project that was financed this way.
From questions out of the state treasurer's office to other cities within the state unhappiness with the plan, the design-build-finance plan to complete Interstate 485 in Charlotte is nowhere near out of the woods just yet.
Summary of all the stories in the blog:
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/11/i-485-financing-plan-already-mess.html
And more drama w/I-485. NCDOT and Skanska USA (the contractor who built the most recently opened stretch of the highway) are still at odds over late fees. The project is technically not complete.
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/21544477/detail.html
It appears that the NC Treasurer's office has been skeptical of the design-build-finance plan for I-485 in Charlotte since the idea began gaining legs in October.
NCDOT has publicly stated that they had thought the treasurer's office was in support of the plan.
Summary and a ton of links at the blog:
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2009/12/it-seems-like-nc-treasurers-office-has.html
Both the Triad and Triangle Business Journal's published last week stories on the amount of funding for highway loops throughout the state of North Carolina. And when you look at the details, Charlotte doesn't have much to complain about.
Story Links:
http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2010/01/04/story1.html?b=1262581200^2656691
http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2010/01/04/story11.html
Commentary:
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2010/01/will-charlotte-stop-complaining-about-i.html
In a letter to NC Secretary of Transportation, Gene Conti, Chief Deputy Attorney General Grayson G. Kelly declared the "design-build-finance" plan for the missing Interstate 485 as legal.
More Details and Commentary:
http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2010/01/nc-attorney-generals-office-i-485.html
The Letter:
http://www.ncdoj.com/About-DOJ/Legal-Services/Legal-Opinions/Opinions/Design-Build-Finance-Agreements-for-the-Constructi.aspx
Story Link:
http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte/blog/queen_city_agenda/2010/01/beltway_plan_wins_state_endorsement.html
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has recently announced the four finalists for construction of the final five miles of Interstate 485 in Mecklenburg County.
The four teams of contractors/consultants/financiers are:
* Barnhill/English, a joint venture of Barnhill Contracting Co. and W.C. English Inc., and HDR Engineering Inc. of the Carolinas;
* Blythe Construction Inc. and Wilbur Smith Associates;
* Kiewit Southern Co. and Parsons Transportation Group Inc.; and
* The Lane Construction Corp. and The LPA Group of North Carolina, P.A.
Currently, NCDOT is in the earlier stages of reviewing each group's Request for Proposal (RFP). It is an approximately three month process that will ultimately end with the awarding of a bid on May 28th.
The final five miles of I-485 is the first of three parts of a major $540 million construction project. The second part includes widening of Interstate 85 from I-485 to Cabarrus County. The third is for the actual reconstruction of the existing I-85/485 interchange. Both remaining parts of the project will go through the same awarding process.
For more:
https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=3302
Just saw this story on the Charlotte Observer's website. They are moving up by a year the widening of the highway between South Boulevard and Johnston Road. They will also construct the missing flyover at the Johnston Road (US-521) interchange to allow people to avoid the left turn onto Inner I-485 from US-521 North.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/04/1601707/i-485-widening-now-on-for-2014.html
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on August 05, 2010, 05:23:32 PM
Just saw this story on the Charlotte Observer's website. They are moving up by a year the widening of the highway between South Boulevard and Johnston Road. They will also construct the missing flyover at the Johnston Road (US-521) interchange to allow people to avoid the left turn onto Inner I-485 from US-521 North.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/04/1601707/i-485-widening-now-on-for-2014.html
I thought I'd never see the day. I lived in Charlotte (Pineville) ten years ago and traffic on 485 was asinine then. I can only imagine what it's like now. I wonder if they've figured out a solution to the 485/77 exit on the north side. I know when it was in the planning stages there were to be 4 lanes of 485 dumping onto 2 lanes of 77, so they tossed in a quick third lane on 77, but again that was 10 years ago.
Even better news:
After years of delays, funding shortfalls, and contractor disputes, Charlotte commuters have received more good news when it comes to Interstate 485.
The much needed widening of six miles of highway in the Pineville/Ballantyne area in Southern Mecklenburg County will begin in June 2012 vs. the planned start date of October 2013. The widening will increase I-485 from four to six lanes from Interstate 77 (Exit 67) east to Johnston Road (Exit 61).
The project has an estimated cost o $77 million. It will add a new travel lane in each direction - these lanes will be built within the median. In addition, improvements to the Johnston Road interchange will be part of the project. A flyover ramp will be constructed connecting Northbound traffic to the "Inner" Westbound lanes of Interstate 485. The project should be completed by the fall of 2015.
Story:
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/26807306/detail.html
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on August 05, 2010, 05:23:32 PM
Just saw this story on the Charlotte Observer's website. They are moving up by a year the widening of the highway between South Boulevard and Johnston Road. They will also construct the missing flyover at the Johnston Road (US-521) interchange to allow people to avoid the left turn onto Inner I-485 from US-521 North.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/04/1601707/i-485-widening-now-on-for-2014.html
NCDOT recently released the interchange designs for the remaining 5.4 miles of I-485 soon to be under construction. Interestingly, all of the interchanges will be the first of its kind in NC. There are three interchanges in total.
Heading east from the current terminus at NC 115:
Prosperity Church Road - a split-diamond, consisting of two access roads and six roundabouts
Mallard Creek Road - A Diverging Diamond Interchange - this replaces a planned SPUI.
I-85 - a Turbine Interchange. This replaces a planned 4 level stack interchange. NCDOT sees the Turbine as a less expensive to build and operate, it won't take up as much space, and it won't disturb existing I-85 traffic as greatly while under construction.
Story with some images:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/03/01/2101170/last-outerbelt-junctions-to-display.html
NCDOT apparently doesn't see it as such, but I-40/Exit 195 (at NC 109) in Winston-Salem, is very much a split-diamond.
Is Interstate 485 now on way to its completion, right?
Quote from: Buummu on April 24, 2011, 10:16:05 PM
Is Interstate 485 now on way to its completion, right?
According to NCDOT's site on I-485, they are starting this summer. ;)
http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/charlotteouterloop/
both the completion of I-485 and the Interstate 85 widening are starting this summer? ... it is gonna be a full of workzones...
So when the whole thing is finished, they can expect a Circle Interchange South at the eastern I-85 junction? Interesting.
Quote from: Henry on April 25, 2011, 04:03:28 PM
So when the whole thing is finished, they can expect a Circle Interchange South at the eastern I-85 junction? Interesting.
Yep. They have a similar one down in Florida on FL-9A @ FL-202.
http://maps.google.com/?ll=30.252654,-81.516345&spn=0.013457,0.027874&t=h&z=16
It's called the Turbine interchange...
Quote from: Buummu on April 26, 2011, 07:55:53 PM
It's called the Turbine interchange...
I just looked it up on Wikipedia. In Chicagoland, everyone calls it the Circle Interchange, and I've been accustomed to calling similar designs as such.
yeah the Circle Interchange, or Turbine Interchange (as we in NC called it).. it is still the same design though.... it gotta be interesting when I-485 is finally finished...... Will it help traffic move around? I don't know. But the mainline I-85 needs widening badly and they are getting it....
Carter passed along this article to me today:
Plans to expand I-485 in south Charlotte under way (http://www.wcnc.com/news/neighborhood-news/Plans-to-expand-I-485-in-south-Charlotte-underway-175761631.html)
QuoteThere will be nine miles of new lanes from Interstate 77 to Rea Road.
The design team is now deciding how to put it all in place and how to tweak the plans on the additional lanes and a massive flyover at the Johnston Road interchange.
Thompson said drivers should expect some lane closings when work gets underway next summer, but she does not expect the interstate to close completely.
When I was in Charlotte on business late last year, I was surprised by (1) that I-485 was only 2 lanes in each direction and (2) how bad the traffic was going westbound, from Independence to near I-77, in the AM Peak. I am sure this project is sorely needed.
https://goo.gl/maps/WLL8V
Google recently updated their imagery in the Charlotte area. You can see a good amount of the construction done to the point that they are paving the new highway in some places.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on February 13, 2014, 10:28:07 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/WLL8V
Google recently updated their imagery in the Charlotte area. You can see a good amount of the construction done to the point that they are paving the new highway in some places.
I spy a DDI! Nice work, Google.
Quote from: Alps on February 13, 2014, 11:48:04 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on February 13, 2014, 10:28:07 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/WLL8V
Google recently updated their imagery in the Charlotte area. You can see a good amount of the construction done to the point that they are paving the new highway in some places.
I spy a DDI! Nice work, Google.
Their making DDI's on Poplar Tent Rd and NC-73 at I-85. See the project information at the NCDOT page.
I wouldn't be surprised if the final segment was completed on time, if not ahead of it. (that is, despite the recent winter storms that socked the South and most of the East Coast with massive snow and ice)
So, does anybody know the current status on which ramps are open at the I-85/I-485 'Turbine' interchange?
Want to have it up-to-date as with the current configuration in OSM. https://www.openstreetmap.org/note/80169
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on July 08, 2014, 11:37:35 PM
So, does anybody know the current status on which ramps are open at the I-85/I-485 'Turbine' interchange?
Want to have it up-to-date as with the current configuration in OSM. https://www.openstreetmap.org/note/80169
Still planned to be open in December, same with the last stretch of I-485 and the Pineville widening project. All complete or mostly done in December.
Some of the turbine is being used now by the existing open exits at the interchange and new signage is already up (with some covered towards Huntersville).
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on August 05, 2010, 05:23:32 PM
Just saw this story on the Charlotte Observer's website. They are moving up by a year the widening of the highway between South Boulevard and Johnston Road. They will also construct the missing flyover at the Johnston Road (US-521) interchange to allow people to avoid the left turn onto Inner I-485 from US-521 North.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/04/1601707/i-485-widening-now-on-for-2014.html
The new flyover will open tomorrow per NCDOT.
https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10126
NCDOT has posted a route request form for the last section of I-485 on their website: Request Form (https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/Request%20Form%20140423%20-%20APPROVED.pdf), Map (https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/Map%20I-485%20Mecklenburg%20FHWA%20140421.pdf) and Diagram (https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/R-2248E%20Title%20Sheet%20110705.pdf).
This request should appear in AASHTO's Fall Meeting.
Google now has StreetView of the I-485/Mallard Creek Rd interchange from back in May '14. - http://goo.gl/maps/3LT7T
NCDOT says opening of the last section of I-485 delayed until Spring 2015:
https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10435 (https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10435)
Here's the full article from the above link:
QuoteCHARLOTTE — As work continues on the final 5.7 — mile segment of the Charlotte Outer Loop in northeast Mecklenburg County, the N.C. Department of Transportation and contractor Blythe Construction will soon be faced with lower temperatures and seasonal limitations that will slow the project's completion. Although the Department and the contractor were planning to complete work by the end of December, engineers now are anticipating the completion will be spring 2015.
The current controlling operation is paving the new section of I-485. Once completed, pavement markings will be installed, concurrent with lighting and sign installation. With winter approaching, lower temperatures will likely slow progress. Once temperatures go lower than 50 degrees, asphalt cannot set properly, which is why roadway paving isn't done between November and March.
In addition, the existing onsite concrete plant near the Prosperity Church Road interchange will soon be dismantled, requiring an offsite supplier to haul materials to pave approximately 1500 feet of the highway in both directions around the plant's location.
NCDOT will continue to work with the contractor to do as much as possible to accelerate the completion, with the recognition that inclement conditions may still impede that process. The Department will continue to make every effort to finish this critical segment of the Outer Loop so motorists can reach their destinations sooner and more efficiently.
I wouldn't be surprised if the coming winter storms similar to those that attacked the East Coast came through again, thus setting opening back to summer. But I'm glad they planned ahead this time.
At least NCDOT will let you run on it, for charity. :ded:
https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10441 (https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10441)
This is going to be fun, as it'll still be months before you can actually drive on it. I'm sure lot of roadgeeks will be coming down!
http://www.active.com/charlotte-nc/running/distance-running-races/485-madd-dash-5k-10k-and-fun-run-2014?int=
There's precedent. Prior to sections of the Triangle Expressway (NC 540) opening 2-3 years ago, they held similar events, called the Triangle Expressway Trot. I participated with several of the Raleigh-area crowd on their 3rd event in late 2012, with some of us biking instead of running.
Quote from: WashuOtaku on October 28, 2014, 09:44:36 AM
At least NCDOT will let you run on it, for charity. :ded:
https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10441 (https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10441)
Hope people will get pictures of the signs or a GPS trace for OSM. ;)
Quote from: bob7374 on October 25, 2014, 02:03:26 PM
NCDOT says opening of the last section of I-485 delayed until Spring 2015:
https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10435 (https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10435)
Quote from: Henry on October 27, 2014, 12:39:31 PM
Here's the ... article from the above link:
QuoteCHARLOTTE — As work continues on the final 5.7 — mile segment of the Charlotte Outer Loop in northeast Mecklenburg County, the N.C. Department of Transportation and contractor Blythe Construction will soon be faced with lower temperatures and seasonal limitations that will slow the project's completion. Although the Department and the contractor were planning to complete work by the end of December, engineers now are anticipating the completion will be spring 2015.
I wouldn't be surprised if the coming winter storms similar to those that attacked the East Coast came through again, thus setting opening back to summer. But I'm glad they planned ahead this time.
This TV video (http://www.wistv.com/story/28875956/last-leg-of-i-485-could-open-soon) reports that July 20 is the current target date for the opening:
Quote
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the last section of I-485 connecting I-77 to I-85 could open near the end of July.
For some, opening the final leg of 485 can't come soon enough.
Six years ago, Sanchez bought Tanaka's Sushi just off Prosperity Church Road. He bought it knowing and banking on 485.
He's since been waiting delay after delay. The project has been delayed multiple times, the most recent because of weather.
"When that intersection opens up here I'm hoping that business will increase between the hours of 5 and 6:30 pm, because of traffic being lighter," Sanchez said.
The project will connect I-77 to I-85, it will also ease a lot of the congestion created from roads being closed during the construction.
"It's been tough, it's been tough for everybody especially the businesses in this little shopping center, It's really hurt everyone here," Sanchez said of the road diversions constructed around the new interchanges.
The 485 loop has been a saga 25 years long. This last leg will close the gap and complete the 67-mile circle around Charlotte.
It will also hopefully, bring Sanchez the business he expected when he bought this restaurant.
"I'm banking on that, if that comes true then that's going to be fantastic."
Here is a snip from the video:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FR3EB19E.png&hash=865b28b2e7a9faf54478a5be97991255edfddd1d)
Another side benefit of when it finally opens is that Harris Blvd should get some relief. That road is always a pain to drive.
A negative that's going to occur from it being completed is that it's going to further strain the tiny two lanes that I-77 has going north into Huntersville and the other Lake Norman cities. So NCDOT should be making plans on how to get funding to widen that whole highway to at least 8 lanes all the way through Mecklenburg County. I predict that it's going to get pretty loaded just north of the 77/485 interchange.
Quote from: Cemajr on April 24, 2015, 02:37:08 PM
Another side benefit of when it finally opens is that Harris Blvd should get some relief. That road is always a pain to drive.
A negative that's going to occur from it being completed is that it's going to further strain the tiny two lanes that I-77 has going north into Huntersville and the other Lake Norman cities. So NCDOT should be making plans on how to get funding to widen that whole highway to at least 8 lanes all the way through Mecklenburg County. I predict that it's going to get pretty loaded just north of the 77/485 interchange.
I believe construction for widening I-77 to Mooresville is scheduled to start either later this year, or early next. Though, all of the new lanes will be tolled.
Well, we have an exit number change. Everybody thought that the new I-485/I-85 interchange would be Exit #31. Well, it's going to be Exit #30 instead.
https://goo.gl/maps/TMaqt
http://www.independenttribune.com/news/relief-in-sight-last-leg-of-outer-loop-set-to/article_cc9992ec-fa7a-11e4-9d81-b34644c14fdf.html?mode=image&photo=0
This May 14 NCDOT press release (https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11137) announces that I-485 will have a 70 mph speed limit in the near future:
Quote
As completion of the final segment of the I-485 Outer Loop nears, N.C. Department of Transportation officials will begin implementing a 70 mph speed limit for the entirety of the 67-mile outer belt. NCDOT crews will be working along I-485 to install and update signs beginning Tuesday, May 26, with the change complete by Friday, May 29.
The I-485 Outer Loop is an important corridor for local and regional travel. In an effort to ensure this important road is operating safely and efficiently, NCDOT recently conducted 18 spot speed studies along I-485. Those studies revealed most traffic already traveled along I-485 at a rate of 70-75 mph. Also, I-485 has a design speed of 70 mph, meaning the speed of 70 mph was used when making decisions related to roadway design. Based on the Department's speed studies and the design speed of the roadway, NCDOT decided to implement the new speed limit.
Additionally, posting the speed limit at 70 mph should decrease the overall speed differential on the roadway, thereby creating a safer roadway for motorists. Although motorists should never travel at a higher speed than what's safe, it's optimal for a majority of motorists to travel at or around the same speed.
Currently, the posted speed limit for the Outer Loop is 65 mph.
Quote from: Cemajr on May 13, 2015, 12:57:58 PM
I-485 set to open June 5th at Noon.
(above quote from North Carolina (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=100.msg2063724#msg2063724) thread)
Also, in case anyone missed the above post in the North Carolina thread, here is a link to the May 13 NCDOT press release announcing the June 5 opening of the final section of I-485:
https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11130
So the TV report says July 20, and the NCDOT says June 5. Either way, I'll gladly drive on it whenever I come through Charlotte.
Quote from: Henry on May 20, 2015, 12:19:43 PM
So the TV report says July 20, and the NCDOT says June 5. Either way, I'll gladly drive on it whenever I come through Charlotte.
When in doubt, go what NCDOT says. :sombrero:
They did say July 20th at one time, but they moved it up.
Quote from: WashuOtaku on May 20, 2015, 08:07:28 PM
Quote from: Henry on May 20, 2015, 12:19:43 PM
So the TV report says July 20, and the NCDOT says June 5. Either way, I'll gladly drive on it whenever I come through Charlotte.
When in doubt, go what NCDOT says. :sombrero:
They did say July 20th at one time, but they moved it up.
The sooner the better!
I'll be ready to check it out and drive it on the 2nd. So close. This section is the only part that's 8 lanes I believe.
I was down in Huntersville tonight (well, last night now) and noticed none of the signs on I-77 indicate the upcoming change of I-485. It still shows TO NC 115 for exit 19A and there does not seem to be any indication that NC DOT is planning to change that.
Quote from: Grzrd on May 19, 2015, 02:20:18 PM
This May 14 NCDOT press release (https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11137) announces that I-485 will have a 70 mph speed limit in the near future:
Quote
As completion of the final segment of the I-485 Outer Loop nears, N.C. Department of Transportation officials will begin implementing a 70 mph speed limit for the entirety of the 67-mile outer belt. NCDOT crews will be working along I-485 to install and update signs beginning Tuesday, May 26, with the change complete by Friday, May 29.
The I-485 Outer Loop is an important corridor for local and regional travel. In an effort to ensure this important road is operating safely and efficiently, NCDOT recently conducted 18 spot speed studies along I-485. Those studies revealed most traffic already traveled along I-485 at a rate of 70-75 mph. Also, I-485 has a design speed of 70 mph, meaning the speed of 70 mph was used when making decisions related to roadway design. Based on the Department's speed studies and the design speed of the roadway, NCDOT decided to implement the new speed limit.
Additionally, posting the speed limit at 70 mph should decrease the overall speed differential on the roadway, thereby creating a safer roadway for motorists. Although motorists should never travel at a higher speed than what's safe, it's optimal for a majority of motorists to travel at or around the same speed.
Currently, the posted speed limit for the Outer Loop is 65 mph.
But see, you're not supposed to post the road at the design speed. You post it 5-10 mph below so that when people invariably speed by a few MPH they're not testing the limits of the road. That's established industry practice. I would expect that NCDOT will now - or if not, should now - install advisory signs for 65 MPH at every curve designed to 70.
NCDOT's press release regarding ribbon-cutting and opening of final segment of I-485 on June 5:
https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11212 (https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11212)
Alright! I'll be able to check it out when I head up there in the fall.
Well it's opened...
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article23195838.html
Just got back from checking it out in both directions. Interesting note is that on 485 Inner approaching 85 they have Charlotte/Greensboro listed as control cities but it changes to Spartanburg/Greensboro as you get closer.
The DDI at Mallard Creek Road was a little confusing at first. The turbine interchange at 485/85 is pretty cool. One of the most interesting interchanges I've seen. It takes up a massive amount of land but doesn't have the high bridges like a stack. This section is 8 lanes (the widest segment of the entire loop) so it should have smooth flowing traffic for quite a while.
Another thing of note is that I-77 heading north towards Lake Norman is about to be a total nightmare. Traffic was at a standstill already today and 485 hasn't even really been open long enough to feed into it. I can't imagine how terrible it's going to be up there a couple of months from now.
Quote from: Cemajr on June 05, 2015, 04:14:10 PM
Just got back from checking it out in both directions. Interesting note is that on 485 Inner approaching 85 they have Charlotte/Greensboro listed as control cities but it changes to Spartanburg/Greensboro as you get closer.
The DDI at Mallard Creek Road was a little confusing at first. The turbine interchange at 485/85 is pretty cool. One of the most interesting interchanges I've seen. It takes up a massive amount of land but doesn't have the high bridges like a stack. This section is 8 lanes (the widest segment of the entire loop) so it should have smooth flowing traffic for quite a while.
Another thing of note is that I-77 heading north towards Lake Norman is about to be a total nightmare. Traffic was at a standstill already today and 485 hasn't even really been open long enough to feed into it. I can't imagine how terrible it's going to be up there a couple of months from now.
How much traffic was flowing through the new segment of I-485?
Quote from: geocachingpirate on June 05, 2015, 04:57:26 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on June 05, 2015, 04:14:10 PM
Just got back from checking it out in both directions. Interesting note is that on 485 Inner approaching 85 they have Charlotte/Greensboro listed as control cities but it changes to Spartanburg/Greensboro as you get closer.
The DDI at Mallard Creek Road was a little confusing at first. The turbine interchange at 485/85 is pretty cool. One of the most interesting interchanges I've seen. It takes up a massive amount of land but doesn't have the high bridges like a stack. This section is 8 lanes (the widest segment of the entire loop) so it should have smooth flowing traffic for quite a while.
Another thing of note is that I-77 heading north towards Lake Norman is about to be a total nightmare. Traffic was at a standstill already today and 485 hasn't even really been open long enough to feed into it. I can't imagine how terrible it's going to be up there a couple of months from now.
How much traffic was flowing through the new segment of I-485?
Not much. It was pretty empty. Most people probably aren't aware of it being open yet.
Quote from: Cemajr on June 05, 2015, 04:14:10 PM
Just got back from checking it out in both directions. Interesting note is that on 485 Inner approaching 85 they have Charlotte/Greensboro listed as control cities but it changes to Spartanburg/Greensboro as you get closer.
Do you have exit numbers for the new exits along I-485? Want to update OSM with that info.
Here are a couple of links to videos about the opening:
http://www.twcnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2015/06/5/interstate-485-opens.html
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/last-leg-i-485-loop-open-friday/nmWZH/
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on June 05, 2015, 08:54:24 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on June 05, 2015, 04:14:10 PM
Just got back from checking it out in both directions. Interesting note is that on 485 Inner approaching 85 they have Charlotte/Greensboro listed as control cities but it changes to Spartanburg/Greensboro as you get closer.
Do you have exit numbers for the new exits along I-485? Want to update OSM with that info.
Exit 23A - I-77S Charlotte
Exit 23B - I-77N Statesville
Exit 23C - NC 115 Huntersville
Exit 26 - Prosperity Ridge Rd, Prosperity Church Rd, Benfield Rd
Exit 28 - Mallard Creek Rd
Exit 30 - I-85 Greensboro/Spartanburg
Quote from: Cemajr on June 06, 2015, 01:19:51 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on June 05, 2015, 08:54:24 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on June 05, 2015, 04:14:10 PM
Just got back from checking it out in both directions. Interesting note is that on 485 Inner approaching 85 they have Charlotte/Greensboro listed as control cities but it changes to Spartanburg/Greensboro as you get closer.
Do you have exit numbers for the new exits along I-485? Want to update OSM with that info.
Exit 23A - I-77S Charlotte
Exit 23B - I-77N Statesville
Exit 23C - NC 115 Huntersville
Exit 26 - Prosperity Ridge Rd, Prosperity Church Rd, Benfield Rd
Exit 28 - Mallard Creek Rd
Exit 30 - I-85 Greensboro/Spartanburg
Thanks! OSM is now fully updated for I-485 as the Mallard Creek Road interchange was the last exit number I needed (except lane counts, and that will be dealt with when Bing gets off their behinds and updates the imagery there since they still have imagery from before construction even started). :)
https://www.openstreetmap.org/changeset/31780606
I missed the part about the DDI at Mallard Creek. Was a bit surprised by that.
I drove that last section of I-485 today and was impressed by the upgraded signage approaching the loop from I-77 at Northlake. I was just there last weekend and didn't see any indication that the signs were going to be replaced, but they did.
NC DOT has some goofy looking gore signs at the new interchanges though.
Quote(except lane counts, and that will be dealt with when Bing gets off their behinds and updates the imagery there since they still have imagery from before construction even started)
You could probably glean lane counts from the photos and videos that have already surfaced...
QuoteNC DOT has some goofy looking gore signs at the new interchanges though.
How so?
Not many other places in North Carolina have the "EXIT ##" shoved to the left with a side right arrow.
Here's a Google Maps update with the newly-completed section:
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3599917,-80.78628,14z