Has widening Interstate 485 in Southern Mecklenburg County been conveniently forgotten?

Remember how over the past decade how much noise residents near and commuters through Interstate 485 in Southern Mecklenburg County made in the bottleneck that they face on the four lane freeway every day?

Well, if those wanting to see the freeway widened to six lanes from I-77 to Johnston Road want the project done - they may have to scream a bit louder.

Not only has the project been continuously pushed back because of lack of funds at the NCDOT, MUMPO (Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization) , in their Draft 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan Ranking List, has dropped it significantly in their long range priorities.

The project which ranked 54th in the 2030 LRTP, now ranks 114th. The Monroe Bypass is listed first, followed by two stages of Independence Blvd. upgrades. Four parts of the Independence Blvd upgrade are listed in the top 10. The completion of Interstate 485 ranks slightly better at 93rd.

There are over 300 various transportation projects listed in the plan.

Story w/video: Fix to I-485 bottleneck falls from priorities --WCNC-TV

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