Lane closures to begin next week for construction of University City I-85 bridge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – There will be a series of months-long closures on Interstate 85 in the University area related to the construction of a new bridge. 

The city-funded I-85 North Bridge Project will connect Research Drive to the west of the interstate and J.W. Clay Boulevard to the east. The project will provide an alternative route to both the W.T. Harris Boulevard and Mallard Creek Church Road interchanges with I-85.   

N.C. Department of Transportation reports that lane closures are expected to last until Sept. 11. They are needed on I-85 so contract crews can install protective concrete barriers. This will also allow crews to work around the clock to build an interior bridge bent within 60 days. 

Here is the closure schedule: 

Monday, July 14 

Left lane closure on I-85 South between Mallard Creek Church Road and W.T. Harris from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. 

Tuesday, July 15 

Left lane closure on I-85 North between W.T. Harris and Mallard Creek Church Road from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. 

Wednesday, July 16 

Protective concrete barriers will be installed; lane closures between W.T. Harris and Mallard Creek Church Road from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. 

Contract crews will restore traffic over three nights on or before Sept. 11, after the interior bridge bent has been built. 

The bridge will cost $50 million to build, which is being performed by Dane Construction.

Drivers should remain alert and use caution as construction traffic will be entering and leaving the median during this phase of construction.