Project Overview
Planning and development are underway on a proposed project in Gaston County that would improve approximately 10 miles of Interstate 85 from the U.S. 321 interchange (Exit 17) in Gastonia to the N.C. 273 interchange (Exit 27) in Mount Holly.
Work would involve widening I-85 in the project area from six to eight lanes, upgrading interchanges, and relocating/replacing roadway and railroad bridges.
I-85 is a critical stretch of highway that connects Gastonia to other cities and towns in Gaston County and serves as a vital corridor for commuters within the Charlotte metropolitan area. The proposed improvements would help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow along this vital corridor.
Due to its proximity, construction schedule and association with I-85, proposed work also includes an additional project to improve the intersection of U.S. 29/74 and N.C. 7.
Project Funding
This project is listed as two projects (I-5719 and U-5800) in the N.C. Department of Transportation's State Transportation Improvement Program and is funded for $634.8 million.
Property acquisition
| $110,500,000
| $2,400,000 |
Utility relocation
| $71,100,000 | $3,600,000 |
| Construction costs | $442,800,000 | $4,400,000 |
|
Total cost |
$624,400,000 | $10,400,000 |
*Estimated costs subject to change