Public shows strong support for completing I-485 outer belt

8.28.2009

When polled, readers of the Business Journal said completion of I-485 “should be the top priority.”
A recent Biz J on-line survey asked readers to rank four road projects: widening I-77 south of uptown Charlotte, improving Independence Blvd., widening the southern leg of I-485 or completing the I-485. 49% of the 1,202 who opted into the survey said completing the missing part of I-485 should be Charlotte’s highest road priority.
While the paper always reminds readers this is not scientific survey, many who commented reinforced the importance they placed on the project. One said, “For roads, I’d say complete I-485, but I think the Lynx extension up to University City should be the highest priority. Having connectivity all the way to the S.C. border would make light rail an even bigger asset.“
Meanwhile, I-485’s completion has been hit by a double whammy – budget shortfalls and stiff competition from other projects.
Gov. Beverly Perdue raised hopes last spring when she said that the state would begin the last leg of the outer belt several years early. However, transportation staff members on a technical team placed completing I-485 after Independence Blvd. and the Monroe Bypass.
That opinion in turn led the Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Transportation Organization (MUMPO), the group that ranks road projects, to choose not to move up I-485's ranking during last week’s meeting.
The project has two major components: an eight-lane freeway and a massive interchange at I-85 capable of handling more 300,000 vehicles per day.
The delays have come at a steep price. A 2005 estimate placed the total cost at $165 million if completed by 2012. Current plans put the figure nearly 50 percent higher, at $248 million.
There is a bit of good news. NCDOT will begin land acquisition this fall, and they are still trying to find creative ways to expedite I-485’s completion. Stay tuned.

HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT ROAD PRIORITIES

MUMPO has completed its ranking of over 300 candidate road projects in Union and Mecklenburg counties for inclusion in the state's 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan. Visit the website (www.mumpo.org) to learn more about MUMPO's work and to view the plan. There is also a meeting schedule and contact information for adding your opinion on the project rankings.

WANTED - I-485 ADVOCATES

If you have an interest in speeding up the completion of I-485, University City Partners could use your help. Executive Director Mary Hopper seeks volunteers to work on a grassroots effort to promote speedier completion of the outer belt road. Contact Hopper weekdays at 704-688-2483 or e-mail her at mhopper@universitycitypartners.org


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