Brining Operations Begin Tonight as Charlotte Braces for Potential Weekend Storm
Brining Operations Begin Tonight for Potential Winter Weather
Commuters in Charlotte should prepare for changing road conditions as we head toward the weekend. While the Thursday morning drive remained largely clear of major accidents, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced significant preparation efforts starting this evening, January 22, 2026. Crews are scheduled to begin applying brine solution to major arteries and interstates immediately following the evening rush hour. This pretreatment is in response to a winter storm forecast to bring a mix of rain, sleet, and ice to the region this weekend.
Public Transit and CATS Service Alerts
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has reported temporary service adjustments that may affect your commute today. A water main repair that began on Wednesday, January 21, continues to necessitate detours for several bus routes in the affected area. Riders should anticipate minor delays and are encouraged to verify their specific route status before heading to their stops.
Regarding rail service, the LYNX Blue Line is currently operating on its standard schedule. However, CATS has officially postponed the planned installation of the Mecklenburg County Pedestrian Skybridge, which was originally set for this coming Sunday. The work, located between the Sugar Creek and Old Concord stations, has been pushed back due to the anticipated inclement weather, meaning light rail commuters will no longer face the service interruption previously scheduled for January 25.
Major Roadworks and Highway Projects
Long-term construction projects continue to influence traffic flow across the Queen City. In South Charlotte, the I-485 Express Lanes project continues its widening work between I-77 and US 74 (Independence Boulevard). Commuters in this corridor should stay alert for narrow lanes and shifted traffic patterns. Additionally, in the northeast corridor, construction of the North Bridge over I-85 remains active. This project, which aims to connect University City and the University Research Park, involves ongoing deck construction and may cause periodic congestion near the W.T. Harris Boulevard interchanges.
Commuter Safety Tips
As NCDOT begins its pretreatment operations after 6:00 PM tonight, motorists are advised to maintain a safe following distance from brining trucks. These vehicles travel at slower speeds to ensure the salt solution is applied effectively to the pavement. With subfreezing temperatures expected to settle in over the next few days, today is an ideal time for commuters to ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, checking tire pressure and anti-freeze levels before conditions potentially deteriorate on Saturday.