$45M Interstate Project Kicks Off Near Charlotte Airport To Cut Down Traffic Backups

Construction started Monday on a $45 million upgrade at the I-85 and I-485 interchange near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. State officials aim to fix one of the worst traffic spots in the Carolinas.

Workers will expand the I-485 off-ramp bridge to I-85 South. They'll add a fresh road section along I-85 South for cars coming from I-485. Sam Wilson Road will get a new bridge too. Reeves Construction Co., based in Duncan, South Carolina, leads the work.

"This project is one of the most important ones for the region," said NCDOT Communications Officer Jen Goodwin, according to Queen City News. "What we're going to do is widen that bridge from 485 to 85 South."

The numbers tell the story. Each day, 151,400 cars pass through I-85 South here. Another 32,800 use the I-485 ramp to I-85 South. State experts call this spot "a choke point for commercial traffic, possibly one of the most overcrowded" in both states.

Night work kicked off Monday at 9 p.m. Through November, crews will install signs and paint new lane lines. During work times, up to three lanes might shut down.

Changes are coming to Sam Wilson Road's ramp to I-85. The Sam Wilson Bridge will close in early 2026 for updates. This might affect how quickly the West Meck Volunteer Fire Department can reach emergencies.

"I know that's going to be part of our traffic management plan to make sure all of those things are going to be taken into consideration, safety being top of mind, always," Goodwin said, per Queen City News. 

Expect lane shutdowns on weeknights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Weekend work runs from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Officials will share news about extra closures as needed.

To make space for wider roads, traffic will shift toward the middle. A temporary wall will go up between Sam Wilson and Moores Chapel roads, blocking the shoulder there.

Drivers should see all work wrapped up by Fall 2028.