Charlotte, January 9, 2026
Traffic on Interstate 485 in Charlotte faced temporary delays due to controlled blasting operations near the N.C. 49 interchange. Conducted by East Coast Drilling & Blasting, these operations are part of the ongoing I-485 Express Lanes project, aimed at improving traffic flow in southern Mecklenburg County. The delays lasted approximately 10 minutes as highway patrols implemented rolling roadblocks to ensure safety. Drivers were warned to expect noise and delays during the procedure.
Charlotte
Blasting operations briefly affected traffic on Interstate 485 in Charlotte on Friday, January 9, 2026, causing temporary delays in the northeast section of the highway. State highway officials had advised drivers of the planned interruptions, which are part of ongoing infrastructure improvements in the area.
The controlled blasting events occurred between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. near the Interstate 485 and N.C. 49 interchange. To ensure public safety during the operation, North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers implemented a rolling roadblock. This temporary measure affected both the Inner and Outer loops of I-485, specifically between Rocky River Road at Exit 36 and N.C. 49 at Exit 33, for approximately 10 minutes until the area was deemed clear and safe for motorists. Motorists were also advised to expect noise and traffic delays during these operations.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) oversaw the blasting, carried out by East Coast Drilling & Blasting. These activities are a crucial component of the larger I-485 Express Lanes project, designed to enhance travel reliability and alleviate congestion in this vital transportation corridor.
I-485 Express Lanes Project Overview
The I-485 Express Lanes project is a substantial undertaking aimed at improving traffic flow across southern Mecklenburg County. The comprehensive $346 million initiative involves adding one express lane in each direction of I-485, spanning from Interstate 77 to Independence Boulevard (U.S. 74). Additionally, the project includes the construction of one general-purpose lane in each direction between Rea Road and Providence Road. This expansion is intended to provide drivers with more dependable travel times by creating a network of express lanes.
Construction for the I-485 Express Lanes project began in August 2019. While originally projected for completion by 2022, the project experienced several delays. Factors contributing to these delays included issues such as contract workforce shortages and material procurement challenges following the pandemic, as well as additional work at interchanges and slower paving operations due to cold weather. Officials had anticipated a “substantial completion” by spring or summer 2025, and more recently, the overall project was slated to open in late February 2026. Some minor construction efforts, however, are expected to continue into the spring.
Recent Milestones and Driver Information
In related developments, a new Weddington Road interchange in Matthews was scheduled to open to traffic on Friday morning, January 9, 2026. This interchange is another key element of the broader I-485 toll lane project. Crews were expected to remove barricades and traffic control measures around 10 a.m., with the process potentially taking up to an hour. Drivers utilizing the new interchange should note that some minor work will persist nearby, including the installation of a traffic signal at Fincher Farm Road.
For the most current information regarding traffic conditions and ongoing construction on Interstate 485 and other state roads, motorists are encouraged to visit the NCDOT’s real-time travel information website, DriveNC.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What caused traffic delays on Interstate 485 in Charlotte on Friday, January 9, 2026?
- Traffic delays on Interstate 485 in Charlotte on Friday, January 9, 2026, were caused by blasting operations.
- Where did the blasting operations on I-485 take place?
- The blasting operations occurred near the I-485 and N.C. 49 interchange in northeast Charlotte.
- What time were the blasting operations scheduled for?
- The blasting operations were scheduled between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- How did the blasting affect traffic on I-485?
- The blasting led to brief travel delays and a rolling roadblock for about 10 minutes on I-485 Inner and Outer loops, specifically between Rocky River Road exit 36 and N.C. 49 exit 33.
- What is the purpose of the ongoing I-485 Express Lanes project?
- The I-485 Express Lanes project aims to add one express lane in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard), and one general-purpose lane in each direction between Rea Road and Providence Road, to improve traffic flow and provide travel time reliability.
- When is the I-485 Express Lanes project expected to be completed?
- The I-485 Express Lanes project is expected to open to traffic in late February 2026, with some minor work continuing into spring.
- What new interchange recently opened as part of the I-485 project?
- A new Weddington Road interchange in Matthews was scheduled to open beginning Friday morning, January 9, 2026, as part of the I-485 project.
- Where can drivers find real-time traffic information for North Carolina?
- Drivers can find real-time travel information by visiting DriveNC.gov.
Key Features of the I-485 Express Lanes Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $346 million |
| Express Lanes Added | One in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard) |
| General-Purpose Lanes Added | One in each direction along I-485 between Rea Road and Providence Road |
| Project Start Date | August 2019 |
| Anticipated Opening for Express Lanes | Late February 2026 |
| Associated Improvements | New Weddington Road interchange, John Street interchange improvements, Ballantyne Commons Parkway bridge widening |
| Purpose | Improve traffic flow and provide travel time reliability in southern Mecklenburg County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Interstate 485 Reopens After Major Tractor-Trailer Crash
Traffic Disruptions Expected Due to Blasting Operations in Charlotte
Multi-Vehicle Crash Causes Injuries on I-485 in South Charlotte
Regulatory Delays Hinder New Hospital Construction in North Carolina
Traffic Disruption in Charlotte Due to Multi-Vehicle Collision
I-85 South Lanes Closure Planned for Bridge Repairs in Belmont, NC
Lane Closure on U.S. 521 Ramp for I-485 Paving Work
I-85 North Reopens After Police Situation in Gastonia, NC
Multiple Injuries in I-485 Crash Near Pineville-Matthews Road Exit
Traffic Disruption in Mint Hill Following I-485 Collision
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
