Monday's I-485 afternoon rush-hour traffic was light at the Prosperity Ridge Road bridge.

Talk about opening to rave reviews! Traffic began rolling Friday across University City on the last 5.7 miles of the 67-mile-long Charlotte Outer Belt. By Monday, people across University City were reveling in the sudden impact I-485 has made – in commutes, trips to the mall and, well just about everything involving cars. Here’s what several people told us. What’s YOUR story?

• Jamal Jordan (Prosperity Village) – It’s been fantastic. I had to go to Matthews yesterday and it usually takes 45 minutes and I cut 15 minutes off of that! This will really make a difference in stimulating growth in North Charlotte. People want access. They want to know they can get places easily.”
• Keith Joseph (Back Creek area) – I have friends over by Prosperity Church Road and Ridge Road, and it cut the drive time by more than half. I also went to Northlake Mall, which is normally a nightmare driving across Harris Blvd. The trip was quite pleasant. I will now go to the mall more frequently to dine out and shop.
• Pam Isacks (University Place) – There are a couple of businesses in the Prosperity Church Road area I patronize. Instead of fighting Mallard Creek Church Road traffic, I can jump on I-85 (to I-485) and be there in a minute. It’s great!
• Highland Creek area resident (name withheld) – I really am shocked that it has taken that much off of Eastfield (Road). I didn’t know what to expect and didn’t want to get my hopes up. Yay for quicker commutes!
• Joel Gilland (Mountain Island Lake area) – I actually had to be at UNC Charlotte for the Science Olympiad Saturday morning. We used I-485 for the trip to the university and back. It easily cut 10 minutes or more off the trip. At least one car not adding to the congestion on the backroads!
• Ron Crosier (Newell area) – Totally worth the wait. I drive from the University area to Pineville 5 times a week, and this makes life so much easier avoiding I-77 and I-85. Not much traffic and a really easy commute so far, until everyone else discovers it.
• Theresa Rosa-Corey (Highland Creek area) – It’s been great. When I went to uptown on Saturday it took 15 minutes off my commute. Going to the Northlake Target, which is usually a 15-20 minute drive, now takes about 10.
• Marge Clements (Newell area) – I enjoyed the 15 minute ride to Huntersville on Sunday! Since I live in University City & go to church in Huntersville, this is a very welcome change! My only “complaint” is the brightness of the concrete. WHEW!
• Darlene Heater (University City Partners) – I just drove to the intersection of Harris and IBM Drive. There was no traffic cued up on Harris heading toward I-85, at 5:11. How crazy is that?

What’s YOUR story?

We’d love to hear how I-485’s opening has affected you. Email us at info@universitycitypartners.org or post on our Facebook page (photos and videos welcome, too!).