New toll lanes are being proposed for I-40 on the stretch between Clyde and Asheville. The work will widen the highway to boost capacity and is expected to cost $846 million. The proposal has been put forward by the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Meanwhile, part of the $346 million I-485 toll lanes project is now open to traffic. The Weddington Road interchange has been opened to traffic, although the installation of traffic lights and other works still remain to be completed.
According to NCDOT, the I-485 Express Lanes project will add one express lane in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and US 74 (Independence Boulevard) in Charlotte. In addition, the project will add a general-purpose lane in each direction along I-485 between Rea Road and Providence Road. In coordination with other projects in southern Mecklenburg County, this project will serve as part of a larger network of express lanes.
The I-485 widening project commenced in 2019 and was originally planned to open by 2022. The work was delayed and the entire I-485 toll lanes project is due for completion in February 2026.
