Let the countdown begin!

Interstate 485 through University City should open to traffic by July 20, state transportation department staff recently told The Charlotte Observer. When it does, Charlotte’s 67-mile outer belt will finally be finished. Construction started 25 years ago.

• Read the full news article. GO

Tour I-485 now via CGI

The state transportation department has a website devoted to I-485 that includes two fascinating animations of the University City leg of I-485. We’ve watched them several times and always enjoy the “trip.” Here are the links.

• Watch I-485 emerge in under two minutes: This video lets you “fly” above the future path of the outerbelt and watch as fields and forests morph into the highway. WATCH
• Tour the Turbine Interchange: This video lets you drive and fly through the “turbine” style interchange at I-85 and I-485. A brief description of the turbine interchange says that it features smaller, single-span bridges with smaller columns and flatter roadway profiles. This innovative design circles all left-turning traffic around a central bridge in a counterclockwise direction, improving sight distances for motorists and allowing a safer transition between the two interstates at highway speeds. WATCH