I-85 Lane Closures and Independence Boulevard Busway Repairs Headline Thursday Commute

Morning Commute Overview for Thursday, March 5

Charlotte commuters are greeted with spring-like conditions this Thursday morning, with temperatures expected to climb to a high of 77°F. While the weather is cooperative, several significant roadworks projects and transit adjustments are impacting travel times across the Queen City. Drivers should particularly note the recent opening of the I-485 express lanes and ongoing lane restrictions on major interstates.

Major Arteries and Roadworks

Significant maintenance and construction activities are concentrated on the following routes today:

• I-85 Southbound: Expect congestion near Graham Street (Exit 40), where the two left lanes are currently closed. Additionally, maintenance crews have closed the shoulder between Mile Markers 46.6 and 46.2.
• I-485 Outer Loop: While the new express lanes between I-77 and Highway 74 are now operational, maintenance continues with shoulder closures reported between Mile Markers 50.4 and 50.6. Nightly ramp closures at the I-85 interchange concluded at 6:00 AM, but drivers should remain alert for lingering work crews.
• West Arrowood Road: Maintenance work on SR-1138 (W Arrowood Road) has resulted in a shoulder closure heading east. This project is expected to continue through tomorrow afternoon.
• Uptown Delays: Brooklyn Village Avenue remains closed today as crews continue the dismantling and removal of a large tower crane. Commuters heading into the city center should utilize 4th Street or Morehead Street as alternatives.

Public Transport and CATS Alerts

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has issued several alerts for riders today, primarily centered around the Independence Boulevard corridor:

• Independence Boulevard Busway: The busway is currently closed for urgent manhole repairs. This closure impacts several express routes, including the 40x, 46x, 52x, 64x, and 74x. These buses are being detoured onto the main lanes of Independence Boulevard, which may cause slight delays during peak travel times.
• Public Travel Training: For those new to the transit system or looking to navigate more efficiently, CATS is hosting a Public Travel Training session today from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Independence Library.
• Blue Line Update: While the Blue Line is operating on a normal schedule today, riders should prepare for single-tracking operations beginning early next week for gate mechanism repairs.

Safety Reminder

With sunrise occurring during the peak of the morning rush, drivers are urged to be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially near the Brooklyn Village Avenue construction zone and bus detour routes. Increased congestion is expected on surface streets surrounding the Independence Boulevard busway repairs.