News Summary
A serious crash on Interstate 85 near Concord Mills Mall this past Saturday caused major traffic disruptions, leading to the closure of three lanes during peak hours. Emergency services reported two injuries, including one with life-threatening conditions. Authorities worked quickly to reopen the lanes ahead of schedule, providing relief to frustrated drivers. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing as the community hopes for a swift recovery for those affected.
Serious Crash on Interstate 85 Causes Major Traffic Disruption Near Concord Mills Mall
This past Saturday, the City of Concord faced quite an unsettling afternoon when a serious car crash occurred on Interstate 85, right near the popular Concord Mills Mall and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The incident took place shortly after 1:30 p.m. on March 8, 2025, causing quite a stir on the busy highway.
Traffic Impact
The crash led to the closure of the right three lanes of Interstate 85 at Exit 49, which connects to Bruton Smith Boulevard and Concord Mills Boulevard. With the situation unfolding during peak traffic hours, the N.C. Department of Transportation issued traffic alerts warning of a “High” impact. Anyone planning to travel through this area was in for a lengthy ride!
As cars lined up and patience ran thin, the affected lanes remained shut down for hours. Thankfully, by around 3:30 p.m., those lanes were finally reopened, giving beleaguered drivers a much-needed reprieve.
Injuries Reported
In the midst of this hectic situation, two individuals were reported injured as a result of the crash, according to emergency services known as Medic. One of these individuals faced life-threatening injuries, while the other sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Both were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention, ensuring they received the necessary care following such a distressing event.
The crash reportedly occurred just before 4:30 p.m. on the northbound side of I-85, specifically just past Exit 48 for Interstate 485. Such a significant incident, occurring during the bustling weekend, surely added to the existing traffic woes!
Highway Status Updates
In an interesting twist, the right three lanes after Exit 48 were originally expected to remain closed until as late as 8 p.m. However, local authorities worked efficiently to clear the scene, and the situation was resolved much sooner than anticipated, with lanes reopened just before 6 p.m. This was a relief to the many drivers who faced significant delays due to the incident.
During the time of the shutdown, all northbound lanes near the Bruton Smith Boulevard exit were temporarily closed, leading to an overwhelming buildup of traffic in that region. As frustrating as traffic jams can be, the safety of those involved in the crash was the top priority for first responders and authorities on the scene.
Investigation Underway
As it stands, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this serious crash. Unfortunately, at this time, no details have been disclosed regarding the cause of the incident, nor has it been determined if weather conditions played a role. With more information expected to emerge, it’s clear that the community is hoping for a swift recovery for the individuals involved while looking to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the evening rolled in and traffic resumed its normal pace, residents and travelers alike breathed a sigh of relief. Let’s hope for safer travels ahead on our highways!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Traffic Incident in Gaston County Causes Mecklenbug Crash
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Serious Crash on I-85
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WCNC: I-85 Crash Near 485
- Google Search: I-85 traffic accident
- QC News: I-85 Northbound Closed
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety
- WSOC TV: Police Presence in Concord
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car Accident
- WBTV: Wreck on I-85
- Google News: I-85 accident
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.
