Interchanges near or on new I-485 segment: From left: I-77, Old Statesville Road, Prosperity Village (Prosperity Hucks area), Mallard Creek Road, I-85, North Tryon Street, University City Boulevard

North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to open I-485 this Friday afternoon, June 5.  The new interstate around Charlotte should significantly improve travel and commutes for University City and northeastern Charlotte residents, employers, workers and students.

State officials expect the opening to change traffic flows on several roads as two interchanges open for the first time and several others experience greater volumes of vehicles getting on and off this new link between I-85 and I-77.

The map shows seven ways to access this final leg of I-485 from University City, including two brand-new interchanges with special features at Mallard Creek Road and at the Prosperity Village exit (Prosperity Hucks area on map).

We encourage you to take time to get familiar with the new roads and connections using this map.  Although vehicles cannot drive on I-485 until Friday afternoon, the new Mallard Creek Road “diverging diamond” lane changes and the Prosperity Village frontage roads are already open open and accessible. This will be a good time to become familiar with these roadways, since there will be no additional traffic from I-485.

Split-diamond intersection at Prosperity Village exits

Helpful video simulations

• How to drive diverging diamond intersections similar to Mallard Creek Road VIEW VIDEO SIMULATION
• How to drive two-lane roundabouts similar to Prosperity Village VIEW VIDEO SIMULATIONS

Though we expect I-485 to change traffic patterns and provide relief to other arterial roads, travel may be slower than anticipated the first few days.  Don’t be discouraged, as drivers become familiar with new roads and access ramps, travel will quickly normalize.