CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After several delays, the final stretch of the Interstate 485 outer loop in North Charlotte has opened Friday, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
In a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Gov. Pat McCrory marked the official opening of the final leg Friday afternoon.
"We've had to get through some barriers for 25 years to make this happen but now we're no longer the largest city without an outer beltway," McCrory said.
Drivers started riding on the final leg around 3 p.m.
The official deadline was July 20, or the contractor would face hefty fines.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: I-485 to open 40 years after planning began
Former and current elected officials who took part in the decades-long project echoed the governor's excitement during the opening ceremony. They said it’s a great day for Charlotte and North Carolina.
Officials stressed transportation and infrastructure must follow suit.
Drivers, looking forward to time and money saved with a shorter commute, lined the on-ramps to 485.
They were anxiously waiting the opportunity to drive on the 7 mile stretch of interstate.
Past articles:
- Final leg of I-485 set to be finished in December
- NCDOT delays completion of I-485 final leg due to cold temps
- NCDOT to set 70 mph speed limit for I-485 loop
- Completion of final leg of I-485 delayed again, contractor could face fines
I-485 completion bodes well for area's development
The Interstate 485 opening is about more than just making easing gridlock for commuters.
It's also a major development opportunity. Officials said now that the highway is open, it's just the beginning.
Theresa Rosa has been helping to lead the community charge concerning development along I-485 especially where the proposed Prosperity Hucks Village is concerned.
It overlooks the interstate bordered by Bridges at Benfield, Prosperity Ridge and Prosperity Church, and a series of roundabouts. Two of the roundabouts serve as new exits onto I-485.
"I feel like when people look back on this place in three years, it's going to be completely different," Rosa said.
A Publix is already in the works. Other retail, residential, green space and even a library are part of preliminary plans. Rosa and developers are hovering.
"They are waiting for the area plan to be officially approved so they can start marketing to retailers and restaurants and all the things that want to come in here," Rosa said.
"We don't want a lot of helter-skelter development," said Charlotte City Councilman Greg Phipps, who represents the district.
He said it feels good to see the area on the verge of major development that's been in the planning stage since the early 1990s.
"In as much as the community had their input to the plan, they're going to have to help us as council members and staff to maintain the integrity of the plan," Phipps said
The next step for the Prosperity Village area plan is for the public to comment on it in front of Charlotte City Council. That will happen June 22.
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