HENDERSON, N.C. — NCDOT says crews are finishing up much of their work on Interstate 85 between Henderson and the Virginia state line.

• Since 2015, drivers had to travel a single lane for 21 miles while crews put down new concrete.
• Work will continue on a 5.5 mile stretch near the U.S. Highway 1 interchange until November.
• NCDOT officials say there will be a few lane closures over the next few weeks.

Since 2015, drivers had to travel a single lane for 21 miles while crews put down new concrete. The $137 million project was set to end in 2020, but NCDOT officials say crews are way ahead of schedule.

“It's a big headache because you don't know when it's going to be backed up. It might appear to be clear and then you get further down and then it's backed up,” said resident Phyllis Taylor.

“It's a pain. Sometimes you get caught up if 85 gets shut down due to a wreck or situation,” said Tonya Pendergrass, another resident.

Traffic will return to normal but construction work isn't completely in the rear view mirror. Work will continue on a 5.5 mile stretch near the U.S. Highway 1 interchange until November.

NCDOT officials say they offered financial incentives to the construction company to finish work as quickly as possible.
    
“Feels great. Makes traffic flow a whole lot better,” said driver Michael McClees.

NCDOT officials say there will be a few lane closures over the next few weeks as workers make their final inspections.