I-85/I-485 Interchange Improvements, West of Charlotte

Summary

NCDOT is improving the I-85/I-485 interchange west of Charlotte in Mecklenburg County. The $45 million project widens an existing bridge, builds a new collector roadway and Sam Wilson Road bridge, and relocates a Sam Wilson ramp to improve traffic flow, safety, and exits from I-485 to I-85 South. Construction is underway.

Current stage: Under construction.

Current condition: Active.

Key Facts

Project Funding

Funding type: Public · Status: Allocated

Timeline

1. 2026-09-21

   Sam Wilson Road bridge closure begins

   Sam Wilson Road closed over I-85 for the next construction phase. NCDOT and WFAE reported that the first phase is expected to last about six months, followed by construction of the other side of the bridge.

   Stage after event: Under construction
2. 2026-09-09

   Project enters Sam Wilson bridge phase

   NCDOT announced a scheduled year-long closure of Sam Wilson Road beginning September 21 so Reeves Construction Company could build a new bridge over a future collector road carrying I-485 off-ramp traffic to I-85 South.

   Stage after event: Under construction
3. 2025-06-16

   I-6016 delivery procurement is awarded

   NCDOT's alternative-delivery record lists I-6016 as awarded on June 16, 2025 for the west Charlotte I-85/I-485 interchange improvement project.

   Stage after event: Contract awarded
4. 2024-01-19

   NCDOT presents proposed interchange improvements

   NCDOT announced a public meeting for proposed improvements at the I-85/I-485 interchange west of Charlotte, describing congestion reduction and safety as the project purpose.

   Stage after event: Preliminary design or environmental review

Geography

Map

ExactApproximate

Solid geometry is exact. Dotted geometry and dotted-outline markers are approximate. Multiple markers may show independently verified locations; they are not connected and do not establish a route or alignment.