Northeast Loop Photos

The Northeast section of the I-485 Outerbelt runs from I-85 (Exit 31) near Concord to US 74 (Exit 51) in Matthews.  This twenty mile segment would be opened in five parts from December of 1999 to October 2003.  The first segment was two miles of highway from US 74 to Idlewild Road (Exit 49) on December 21, 1999.  In July 2000, 2.5 miles of the highway opened from I-85 (Exit 31) to NC 49 (Exit 33).  This new segment included an upgrade to the former Upper I-85/US 29 (I-485 Exit 32) Connector.  The Interstate saw two more miles of freeway opened from Idlewild Road to Lawyers Road (Exit 47) in June 2001. (1)

The final 14 miles of the Northeast corner would be opened in two parts in 2003.  The first, an eight mile segment from NC 49 to Albemarle Road (Exit 41) would open in September 2003.  The final missing gap of six miles to Lawyers Road would open two months later on November 19. (1)


Construction Photos:

(Chris Curley, June 2003)
A near-ready I-485 crosses under Plaza Road Extension.  This bridge sits between the Harrisburg Road and Rocky River Road Interchanges.


(Stan Schwartz, June 2003)

A sign that was once on I-77 is mounted for testing on what will be an overhead sign for Rocky River Road.


(Bob Malme, June 2003)

A ground level view of the then unopened highway.

September 3, 2003 Opening - NC 49 to NC 24/27 (Albemarle Road)


(Brent White, September 2003)

After weeks of delays, the first new segment of I-485 in two years was opened in September 2003.  The stretch runs from NC 49 to NC 24/27 which left a small segment from the point shown above to Lawyers Road as the last link to connect South Charlotte to University and Concord.


(Brent White; September 2003)

An I-485 North shield just after the NC 24/27 (Albemarle Road) Interchange.

November 19, 2003 Opening - NC 24/27 to Lawyers Road

The final piece of I-485 in Eastern Mecklenberg County opened to traffic on November 19, 2003 after weeks of delay and anticipation.  Many motorists had been using narrow rural road through Mint Hill that were clogged with 'cut-through' traffic.  Some motorists went a step further, driving on the unopened highway only to receive many trespassing citations.


(Brent White; November 2003)

Exit 44 for NC 218 is one of the new exits in Mint Hill.  Exit 43 for NC 51 is the other.


(Brent White; November 2003)

Other Photos:


(Chris Curley; July 2000)

I-485 South at the end of the Northeastern segment (US 74 - Exits 51A-B).

Site Navigation:
  • I-485 Outerbelt Northern Arc
  • I-485 Outerbelt Southeastern Loop - US 521 Ghost Ramps
  • I-485 Outerbelt Photos Index

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    Sources & Links:

  • (1) Ogelsby, Scott. "Interstate 485." 3 digit interstates @ Kurumi.com. (October 11, 2006)

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    Page Created: October 11, 2006
    Last Updated: October 11, 2006

    © 2006 William Lawson