I-85 Widening from Main Street to NC 273
The I-85 Widening project will improve approximately 4 miles of Interstate 85 from the N.C. 7 (Main Street) interchange (Exit 23) in McAdenville to East of the N.C. 273 interchange (Exit 27) in Belmont.
Overview
The I-85 Widening project will enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion along a four-mile stretch of Interstate 85, between N.C. 7 (Exit 23) in McAdenville and N.C. 273 (Exit 27) near the western approach to the Catawba River in Belmont. This is the first of three planned projects aimed at expanding capacity and improving infrastructure along the corridor.
Construction is set to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2030.
Technical Highlights
- Widening of 4.1 miles of I-85
- One lane will be added in each direction, widening the interstate from 6 to 8 lanes
- Replacement or widening of 6 bridge sites, including the structure over the South Fork Catawba River
- Reconstruction of 2 interchanges
- Roadway improvements to local roads connecting to I-85
- Intersection upgrades at Belmont Mount Holly Road and US 29/74 (Wilkinson Boulevard)
- Reconstruction of approximately 4,000 linear feet of Piedmont and Northern Railway, which crosses over I-85
BENEFITS/POSITIVE ASPECTS TO COMMUNITY
- A safer, more efficient route for local commuters and commercial drivers
- Enhanced connectivity across the region
- Noise walls
- Proposed Multi-Use Path (MUP) for pedestrians through portions of the project