CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For years, drivers on Interstate 485 have been frustrated by long commutes. Now, some say they're worried about their safety as construction on the I-485 Express Lanes project continues.
The project, which will add one express lane in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard), is designed to improve traffic flow and travel time, but some drivers say it only complicates their travels.
“I do not get on I-485 if I don’t have to," Charles Reyes, who lives in Fort Mill, said. "The lane markers are not where you expect them to be."
Part of his concern is the lane changes which the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) says are a necessary part of the project as the contractor shifts traffic into its final pattern.
WCNC Charlotte crews traveled I-485 Inner between Providence Road and Johnston Road to see these concerns firsthand. There were several spots with spotty covering and at least one location near Johnston Road that made it appear as if part of the left lane wasn't there at all.
“They try to come out and paint over where the lane was, but people are confused," Ballantyne resident Bob Baehl said. "And then, [there is] the speed that people are doing."
NCDOT issued the following statement to WCNC Charlotte about the road conditions:
"Safety is NCDOT’s first priority. This area is part of the ongoing I-485 express lanes project where the contractor is shifting traffic into its final pattern. Drivers are seeing portions of old lane markings from the previous traffic pattern which may be causing confusion."
NCDOT added, "The old markings are typically removed or covered, however, there are cases where the lines remain more visible than others due to traffic wear and other factors. The striping subcontractor will address this area as soon as possible."
While not attributed to the lane changes, NCDOT data shows there were 51 crashes on the I-485 Inner loop between Providence Road and Johnston Road in March and April.
These crashes represent a small percentage of the more than 2.6 million cars estimated to have driven the road during that same timeframe, the department said.
Still, the crashes cost drivers more than $321,000, according to NCDOT, after most drivers sideswiped another car.
"Not surprised at all," Reyes said about the number of crashes in the area.
After multiple delays due, in part, to staffing and supply chain shortages, NCDOT said the majority of the project should be completed by the summer of 2025.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.