MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Just as work on the I-77 toll lanes begins to wrap up, another toll lane project is gearing up.

  • Monday, NCDOT will close the entrance ramp from John Street in Matthews to the inner part of the loop
  • On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, they'll close the entrance ramp from Johnston Road to the inner loop
  • NCDOT will have some informational sessions with the public before construction starts

The construction will kick off with some ramp closures you need to know about. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is making it clear that these closures are not a signal that construction is starting. That will happen later this summer.          

Basically, next week they'll be doing some survey work to learn more about condition of the pavement on I-485. Monday, they'll close the entrance ramp from John Street in Matthews to the inner part of the loop. That will be from midnight to 5 a.m.

On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, they'll close the entrance ramp from Johnston Road to the inner loop.

Jenn Thompson, a spokesperson for the department, says they plan to have some informational sessions with the public before construction starts. She says they are still designing the road.

“It's a design build project, so typically that means as you go along, as you build. you're still working out the plans. This is a $346 million project, and this is a project that is still going to take several years to build. We're looking at opening in late 2022, that's our current schedule. We will be proactive about notifying the public about any lane closures, ramp closures, and traffic shifts,” she said.

When completed, NCDOT will be:

  • Adding an express lane in each direction for 16 miles
  • Adding a general purpose lane between Rea Road and Providence Road
  • Improving Ballantyne Commons Parkway Bridge
  • Improving John Street Interchange
  • Building a bridge at Weddington Road

Get the latest news, sports and weather delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to sign up for email and text alerts.