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06/21/2012 07:30 AM

Group unveils updates to I-485 widening project

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CHARLOTTE -- Changes to Interstate 485 could ease congestion in south Charlotte. The changes were unveiled Wednesday night at a meeting of the Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization.

This project has been years in the making and for anyone who lives or works in this area won't come soon enough. Planners are trying to relieve congestion in the area, tying toll roads on I-77 and widening 485 together. MUMPO is in the process of finalizing those plans.

Wednesday night the group made a few changes. Members recommended adding additional high occupancy toll lanes to the original plan to widen the southern portion of I-485 and adding a new general purpose lane and shoulder. The toll lanes would be run by a private company. The group also recommended adding additional HOT lanes to I-77.

Construction is scheduled to begin next summer, and if all goes as planned should be complete sometime in 2015.