Editing Interstate 485

{{short description|Beltway around Charlotte, NC}}
{{About|the freeway in North Carolina|the decommissioned highway in the US state of Georgia|Interstate 485 (Georgia)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox road
| state = NC
| route = 485
| type = I
| alternate_name = Charlotte Outerbelt
| map={{maplink-road|from=Interstate 485.map}}
| map_custom = yes
| map_notes = I-485 highlighted in red
| length_mi = 66.68
| length_ref = <ref>{{cite web |last=Starks |first=Edward |date=January 27, 2022 |title=Table 2: Auxiliary Routes of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/table02.cfm |access-date=August 29, 2022 |work=FHWA Route Log and Finder List |publisher=[[Federal Highway Administration]]}}</ref>
| beltway_city = [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]]
| established = 1990
| spur_type = I
| spur_of = 85
| junction = {{plainlist|1=
*{{Jct|state=NC|US|29|US|74}} near [[Belmont, North Carolina|Belmont]]
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|85}} near Belmont
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|77}} in [[Huntersville, North Carolina|Huntersville]]
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|85}} near [[Concord, North Carolina|Concord]]
*{{Jct|state=NC|US|29}} near Concord
*{{jct|state=NC|US|74}} in [[Matthews, North Carolina|Matthews]]
*{{jct|state=NC|US|521}} near [[Pineville, North Carolina|Pineville]]
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|77|US|21}} near Pineville
}}
| counties = [[Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|Mecklenburg]]
| previous_type = NC
| previous_route = 481
| next_type = US
| next_route = 501
}}
'''Interstate&nbsp;485''' ('''I-485'''), also known as the '''Charlotte Outerbelt''', is a {{convert|66.68|mi|km|-long|adj=mid}} [[auxiliary Interstate Highway]] encircling [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]. As a complete [[Ring road|loop]], it is primarily signed with "inner" and "outer" designations, though at some major interchanges, supplemental signage reflects the local compass orientation of the road. The entire route lies within [[Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|Mecklenburg County]].

A beltway for the [[Charlotte metropolitan area]] was first proposed in the mid-1970s, with the first section opening in 1990. The beltway was completed in stages over the next several decades, including the completion of the last segment of the highway on June 5, 2015.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11130 |title= NCDOT Announces Opening Date for Final Segment of I-485 |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |date= May 13, 2015 |access-date= May 14, 2015 |archive-date= July 22, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150722140416/https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11130 |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Route description==
All of I-485 is part of the [[National Highway System (United States)|National Highway System]], a network of roads important for the nation's defense, economy, and mobility.<ref>{{cite map|publisher=Federal Highway Administration|url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/nhs_maps/north_carolina/nc_northcarolina.pdf|format=PDF|title=National Highway System: North Carolina|author=[[Federal Highway Administration]]|location=Raleigh|date=March 25, 2015|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=September 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922023709/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/nhs_maps/north_carolina/nc_northcarolina.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=February 26, 2016 |title=What is the National Highway System? |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924215257/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/ |archive-date=September 24, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2016 |work=National Highway System |publisher=[[Federal Highway Administration]]}}</ref> Most of I-485 ranges from four to eight lanes wide, and the speed limit for the entire loop is {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11137 |title=NCDOT Implementing 70 MPH Speed Limit on I-485 Outer Loop |publisher=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=May 14, 2015 |access-date=May 14, 2015 |archive-date=May 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528183708/https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11137 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Western half ===
The mileage begins at [[Interstate 77 in North Carolina|I-77]]/[[U.S. Route 21|US 21]] in southern Charlotte, near the [[South Carolina]] state line. The southwestern segment of I-485 from here to [[Interstate 85 in North Carolina|I-85]] is known as the '''Seddon "Rusty" Goode Jr. Freeway'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=March 7, 1997 |title=Resolution for Seddon "Rusty" Goode Jr. |url=https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTHD/bios/ACT_Resolution_Seddon_Rusty_Goode.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=North Carolina Department of Transportation}}</ref> Proceeding through, I-485 crosses I-77/US 21 on a pair of bridges connecting I-485 to I-77, and vice versa.<ref>{{Cite web |last=University of North Carolina at Charlotte |date=July 21, 1999 |title=I-485 Interchange Analysis |url=https://localdocs.charlotte.edu/Planning/PlanningDocs/I-485_Interchange_Analysis.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization}}</ref> Past the bridges, the terrain of the Interstate transitions from asphalt to concrete. Crossing Coffey Creek, a branch of [[Sugar Creek (North Carolina)|Sugar Creek]], I-485 passes through generally suburban development with trees lining the sides of the road. Shortly after, it meets [[North Carolina Highway 49|NC 49]] (South Tryon Street), one of the primary thoroughfares through Charlotte.<ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=May 13, 2024 |title=NC 49 Improvements |url=https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/pdea/EnvironmentalDocs/Documents/STIP_U-Projects/U-5768_SEA_FONSI_20191121.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=North Carolina Department of Transportation}}</ref> The Interstate gradually makes a slight curve to the north and meets an interchange with Arrowood Road, another one of Charlotte's main streets, with a [[Topgolf]] restaurant seen to the side. I-485 then curves left again and intersects [[North Carolina Highway 160|NC 160]] (Steele Creek Road), providing access to [[Charlotte Premium Outlets]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charlotte Premium Outlets |url=https://designresourcegroup.com/portfolio-item/charlotte-premium-outlets/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Design Resource Group |language=en-US}}</ref> Yet again, I-485 turns entirely north, exiting the suburban areas and entering some rural development. Crossing over the [[Piedmont (train)|Piedmont]] rail line of [[Amtrak]] and a small stream, I-485 intersects with [[U.S. Route 29 in North Carolina|US 29]]/[[U.S. Route 74 in North Carolina|US 74]] (Wilkinson Boulevard), allowing entrance to the main terminal of [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]]. At that same moment, I-485 immediately meets I-85 at a [[stack interchange]]. The lanes from I-485 to southbound I-85 are often congested due to them merging into one.<ref>{{cite web |title=NCDOT: I-85/I-485 Interchange Improvements, West of Charlotte |url=https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-i-485-improvements/Pages/default.aspx |access-date=April 4, 2024 |publisher=North Carolina Department of Transportation |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:I-485 East Outer - Exits 9-10 I-85 US29 US74 (42934820750).jpg|thumb|I-485 outbound at the I-85/US 29/US 74 interchange]]
North of the I-85 interchange, the naming of I-485 changes to the '''Craig Lawing Freeway''', named after [[W. Craig Lawing]], the former senator and politician of North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=February 8, 2001 |title=Resolution for W. Craig Lawing |url=https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTHD/bios/ACT_Resolution_Craig_Lawing.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=North Carolina Department of Transportation}}</ref> I-485 passes through more rural areas and just west of a wildlife refuge and lake. I-485 then intersects a [[roundabout interchange]] with Moores Chapel Road, allowing drivers to reach the [[U.S. National Whitewater Center]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=S2O Design |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Case Study: The U.S. National Whitewater Center |url=https://s2odesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/USNWC-Case-Study-Final.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=S2O Design}}</ref> The Interstate next meets [[North Carolina Highway 27|NC 27]] at a [[partial cloverleaf interchange]] for [[Mount Holly, North Carolina|Mount Holly]], then crosses the Long Creek, a tributary of the [[Catawba River]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=nc_longcr_profile.pdf |url=https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://319monitoring.wordpress.ncsu.edu/files/2016/05/nc_longcr_profile.pdf&hl=en_US |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=docs.google.com}}</ref> I-485 continues through forested land and near a dog park before utilizing another partial cloverleaf interchange with [[North Carolina Highway 16|NC 16]] (Brookshire Boulevard) for [[Newton, North Carolina|Newton]] at milemarker 16. The interchange as of 2018 has been undergoing a feasibility study that would help improve traffic flow to I-485 and widen the northbound lanes on NC 16.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Proposed Project Would Improve I-485/N.C. 16 Interchange in Mecklenburg Co. |url=https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2018/2018-11-06-485-public-meeting.aspx |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=NCDOT |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=University of North Carolina at Charlotte |date=January 28, 2002 |title=Brookshire Boulevard/I-485 Area Plan |url=https://localdocs.charlotte.edu/Planning/PlanningDocs/BrookshireI-485.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission}}</ref> I-485 then makes a gradual turn northeast, meeting another roundabout interchange with Oakdale Road, opened in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2017 |title=Oakdale/I-485 interchange open for drivers ahead of Tuesday commute |url=https://www.wbtv.com/story/34271056/oakdalei-485-interchange-open-for-drivers-ahead-of-tuesday-commute |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=[[WBTV]] |language=en}}</ref> 

Continuing through forest yet again, I-485 turns even further to the east and crosses the Long Creek two more times, then enters suburban areas and meets the western terminus of [[North Carolina Highway 24|NC 24]] (Harris Boulevard) at an interchange with a single cloverleaf, where drivers on NC 24 can access [[Northlake Mall (Charlotte, North Carolina)|Northlake Mall]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=University of North Carolina at Charlotte |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Northlake Plan |url=https://localdocs.charlotte.edu/Planning/PlanningDocs/NorthlakePlan.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department}}</ref> I-485 then turns slightly northeast, entering [[Huntersville, North Carolina|Huntersville]], and crosses another small stream before making another curve back east, intersecting with I-77 again at a large interchange composed of partial cloverleaf and [[turbine interchange]] ramps. The segment of I-485 from here to I-85 is the latest segment of the Interstate, completed in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final segment of Interstate 485 opens around Charlotte |url=https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/state/2015/06/05/final-segment-interstate-485-opens/34323797007/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Gaston Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Exit 23 NB on I-485.jpg|thumb|I-485 inbound approaching exit 23C]]
I-485 also picks up the name '''H. Allen Tate Jr. Highway''', named after [[Allen Tate]], the founder of [[Allen Tate Realtors]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-06-22 |title=Allen Tate, founder of real estate company, dies at age 84 |url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/allen-tate-founder-real-estate-company-dies-age-84/52135941/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=WSOC TV |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=January 8, 2015 |title=Resolution for H. Allen Tate, Jr. |url=https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTHD/bios/ACT_Resolution_H_Allen_Tate_Jr.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=North Carolina Department of Transportation}}</ref> It immediately has a partial cloverleaf for [[North Carolina Highway 115|NC 115]] at exit 23C, which is proposed to undergo widening from I-485 to NC 24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Widening of N.C. 115 (Old Statesville Road) |url=https://www.ncdot.gov/news/public-meetings/Pages/U-5772-2019-02-21.aspx |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=NCDOT |language=en-US}}</ref> The Interstate also passes above US 21 without direct access and then intersects a unique roundabout interchange with Benfield Road, Prosperity Church Road, and Prosperity Ridge Road; these three roads are all accessed via Robert Helms Road going inbound and Craven Thomas Road outbound respectively.<ref name=":0" /> I-485 then turns a bit southeast and reaches a [[diverging diamond interchange]] with Mallard Creek Road, another one of Charlotte's main roads.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=The Charlotte Observer |date=June 1, 2015 |title=Last I-485 segment will be boon to locals |url=https://www.wbtv.com/story/29202257/last-i-485-segment-will-be-boon-to-locals |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=WBTV |language=en}}</ref> It turns even more in a southeast direction and reaches a turbine interchange with I-85 once more.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Jen |date=May 13, 2024 |title=North Carolina Steps Boldly Out of Its Comfort Zone |url=https://highways.dot.gov/public-roads/julyaugust-2013/north-carolina-steps-boldly-out-its-comfort-zone |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Federal Highway Administration}}</ref>

=== Eastern half ===
[[File:Exit 33 on Interstate 485 Outer 05.jpg|thumb|I-485 outbound at exit 33 for NC 49]]
From the I-85 interchange, I-485 becomes the '''Governor James G. Martin Freeway''', named after the [[James G. Martin|former governor]] of North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=December 4, 1992 |title=Resolution for James G. Martin |url=https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTHD/bios/ACT_Resolution_Governor_James_G_Martin.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=North Carolina Department of Transportation}}</ref> The terrain of I-485 becomes a mixture of concrete and asphalt, and the Interstate passes through somewhat suburban areas, intersecting US 29 (North Tryon Street) a second time, providing access to [[Concord Mills]] and [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Charlotte Motor Speedway |date=May 14, 2024 |title=Speedway Map |url=https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/documents/cc600_mastermap_2021.pdf |access-date=May 14, 2024 |website=Charlotte Motor Speedway}}</ref> I-485 then meets NC 49 (University City Boulevard) at a partial cloverleaf interchange also a mile later for the [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte]]. It passes underneath [[Lynx Blue Line]] and crosses the [[Back Creek (Rocky River tributary)|Back Creek]] as it yet again enters rural areas, going over the Reedy Creek and paralleling, later crossing the McKee Creek, both of them being tributaries of the [[Rocky River (North Carolina)|Rocky River]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reedy Creek Below I-485 NR Pine Ridge, NC |url=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/0212430293/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=waterdata.usgs.gov |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenville News |first= |title=I485 over MCKEE CREEK Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Bridge Inspection Report |url=https://data.greenvilleonline.com/bridge/north-carolina/mecklenburg/i485-over-mckee-creek/37-000000001190853/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Greenville News |language=en}}</ref> 

From here, the terrain is entirely asphalt. I-485 then meets NC 24/NC 27 (Albemarle Road) a second time at a partial cloverleaf interchange.<ref>{{Cite web |last=University of North Carolina at Charlotte |date=February 10, 2003 |title=Albemarle Road/I-485 Interchange Study |url=https://localdocs.charlotte.edu/Planning/PlanningDocs/AlbemarleI-485.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission}}</ref> The Interstate intersects with [[North Carolina Highway 51|NC 51]] (Blair Road) a mile later near the town of [[Mint Hill, North Carolina|Mint Hill]]. It turns entirely due south, then intersects [[North Carolina Highway 218|NC 218]] a mile after that by crossing the [[Clear Creek (Rocky River tributary)|Clear Creek]]. Passing Idlewild Road, which underwent construction numerous times,<ref>{{Cite web |title=NCDOT: U.S. 74 Express Lanes: West of Idlewild Road to I-485 - Project History |url=https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-74-express-lanes/Pages/project-history.aspx |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=NCDOT |language=en-US}}</ref> I-485 turns southwest, and utilizes another partial cloverleaf interchange with US 74. The interchange ramps were closed as part of a project to build express lanes along I-485 on August 1, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ramp Closures Continue on I-485 Project |url=https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2023/2023-08-01-i-485-ramps.aspx |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=NCDOT |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:I-485 NB at I-77 exit 67.jpeg|thumb|right|I-485 inbound at the interchange with I-77 south of Charlotte]]

Several miles later, I-485 has a partial cloverleaf interchange with NC 16 (Providence Road) again, just outside the [[Ballantyne (Charlotte neighborhood)|Ballantyne]] neighborhood, where it travels entirely in a westward direction. It then enters suburban areas and receives the northern terminus of [[U.S. Route 521|US 521]] (Johnston Road) at milemarker 61. The express lanes in the future will connect Johnston Road directly to I-485, and vice versa.<ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Proposed Johnston Road Direct Connector |url=https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-485-express-lanes/Documents/johnston-road-connector-typical.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=North Carolina Department of Transportation}}</ref> I-485 then turns a little northwest, crossing McAlpine Creek, another tributary of the Catawba River<ref>{{Cite web |last=University of North Carolina at Charlotte |date=March 28, 2002 |title=McAlpine Creek Watershed |url=https://localdocs.charlotte.edu/LUESA/Watershed_Docs/McAlpineCreek_No_5.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services}}</ref> before turning in a north direction and intersecting NC 51 (Pineville-Matthews Road) at a partial cloverleaf interchange. A mile later, I-485 passes just south of the [[I-485/South Boulevard station|I-485/South Boulevard]] [[park and ride]] located off of South Boulevard at milemarker 65, as well as access to the [[President James K. Polk Historic Site]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=LYNX Stations |url=https://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/Rail/LYNX-Stations-and-Park-and-Rides |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=www.charlottenc.gov |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pineville |date=March 2021 |title=Comprehensive Plan |url=https://www.pinevillenc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/PinevilleCompPlan_CommunityCharacteristics_DRAFT_2021-03-22.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Pineville}}</ref> I-485 then continues northwest, crossing [[Sugar Creek (North Carolina)|Sugar Creek]], before reaching I-77/US 21 at a [[stack interchange]], completing the beltway and resetting the mileage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=University of North Carolina at Charlotte |date=July 21, 1999 |title=I-485 Interchange Analysis |url=https://localdocs.charlotte.edu/Planning/PlanningDocs/I-485_Interchange_Analysis.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Mecklenburg-Union Planning Organization}}</ref>
===Orientation and signage===
[[File:I-485 South Outer Sign (42934831460).jpg|thumb|I-485 outbound near Matthews. Due to traffic traveling on the right side of the road in a counterclockwise direction, it is considered the "outer" portion of the loop.]]
Since I-485 is a beltway, the compass orientation of the freeway is not uniform around the loop. To remedy the uniformity issue, the [[inner–outer orientation]] system was implemented and became the primary method of signing the direction of travel around the loop. Some sections of the loop are signed with additional north–south or east/west labels (depending on the general direction of travel along a particular stretch) to aid drivers familiar with compass directions. Usually when both systems are utilized on signs, the compass directional banner is placed above the number shield and the inner/outer banner is placed below.<ref name="Gribpic1">{{Cite web |title=I-485 Outer / Wilkinson Blvd sign picture |url=http://www.interstate-guide.com/images401/i-485_nc_wj_06.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629225326/http://www.interstate-guide.com/images401/i-485_nc_wj_06.jpg |archive-date=June 29, 2007 |access-date=August 29, 2022 |website=www.interstate-guide.com}}</ref> Officials originally decided to use only "north" and "south" compass directions when signing the route, but, because this would be confusing with multiple "norths" and "souths", "inner" and "outer" designations were included. Although "east" and "west" signs exist, these were phased out in favor of "inner" and "outer" designations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slade |first=Jim |date=March 12, 2024 |title=I-485 Inner And Outer Loop — An Explainer |url=https://country1037fm.com/2024/03/12/i-485-inner-and-outer-loop-an-explainer/ |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Country 103.7}}</ref>

Traffic traveling in a [[clockwise]] direction around the city of Charlotte is on the "Inner" loop and traffic traveling in a [[counterclockwise]] direction is on the "Outer" loop. This system can be confusing, but it is logical; since traffic in the US generally travels on the right side of the road, the clockwise traveling lanes will always be the "Inner" lanes of a loop.<ref name="WSOC">{{cite news |url=http://www.wsoctv.com/news/4260918/detail.html |location= Charlotte, NC |publisher= [[WSOC-TV]] |title= State has new way to identify location on I-485|date=March 7, 2005|access-date=December 1, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061111114703/http://www.wsoctv.com/news/4260918/detail.html |archive-date= November 11, 2006 |url-status= dead }}</ref>

There are three control cities along the route: [[Huntersville, North Carolina|Huntersville]], [[Matthews, North Carolina|Matthews]], and [[Pineville, North Carolina|Pineville]]. Secondary control cities, which include [[Spartanburg, South Carolina|Spartanburg]], [[Statesville, North Carolina|Statesville]], [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]], and [[Columbia, South Carolina|Columbia]], are also listed at various interchanges for travelers that want to bypass Charlotte to other destinations, via I-77 and I-85.

===Dedicated and memorial names===
I-485 in North Carolina is split into four dedicated or memorialized stretches of freeway:

* '''Seddon "Rusty" Goode Freeway:''' The official name of the southwest section, from milemarkers 0 to 10. Seddon Goode served on the transportation board in [[Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|Mecklenburg County]] and helped bring I-485 as a reality. It was approved on March 7, 1997.<ref name="NCMH"/>
* '''Craig Lawing Freeway:''' The official name of the northwest section, named for [[W. Craig Lawing]] from milemarkers&nbsp;10 to 23 that was approved on February 2, 2001.<ref name="NCMH">{{cite web|url=https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Teppl/TEPPL%20All%20Documents%20Library/Sorted%20by%20County.pdf|title=North Carolina Memorial Highways and other Named Facilities|publisher=[[North Carolina Department of Transportation]]|access-date=March 27, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121229090753/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Teppl/TEPPL%20All%20Documents%20Library/Sorted%20by%20County.pdf|archive-date=December 29, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* '''H. Allen Tate Jr. Highway:''' The official name of the northeast section, from milemarkers 23 to 31. It was named after the founder of [[Allen Tate Realtors]] and was dedicated on March 27, 2015.<ref name=AllenTate>{{cite news | url= http://www.twcnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2015/03/27/i-485-nearly-complete--final-section-officially-named-after-h--allen-tate--jr-.html | last= Sorensen | first= Andrew | title= Final Section of I-485 Officially Named After H. Allen Tate, Jr. | location= Charlotte, NC | publisher= [[Time Warner Cable News]] | date= March 27, 2015 | access-date= March 27, 2015 | archive-date= April 2, 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402173255/http://www.twcnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2015/03/27/i-485-nearly-complete--final-section-officially-named-after-h--allen-tate--jr-.html | url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url= https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10936 |title= Final Segment of I-485 Named for Entrepreneur and Longtime Transportation Advocate Allen Tate |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |date= March 27, 2015 |access-date= March 27, 2015 |archive-date= April 2, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130028/https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10936 |url-status= live }}</ref>
** '''Doctor Jay M. Robinson Freeway:''' It was the official name of the northeast section, from 2001 to 2015 and named after a former superintendent of the [[Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools]] system.<ref name="NCMH"/> Approved on January 5, 2001, it was never signed; when this section was finally constructed in 2015, it was redesignated to honor H. Allen Tate Jr.<ref name=AllenTate/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTHD/bios/ACT_Resolution_Dr_Jay_M_Robinson.pdf |title=Resolution for Doctor Jay M. Robinson |date=January 5, 2001 |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |access-date=November 23, 2024 }}</ref>
* '''Governor James G. Martin Freeway:''' The official name of the southeast section, from milemarkers 31 to 67. It was named in honor of Governor [[James G. Martin]] who served North Carolina from 1985 to 1993 and was approved on December 4, 1993.<ref name="NCMH"/>

==History==
[[File:NC24-End-Charlotte.jpg|thumb|right|[[North Carolina Highway 24|NC&nbsp;24]] ends at I-485, in [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]]]]
The first section of what became I-485 was completed around 1967, connecting a newly opened section of [[Interstate 85 in North Carolina|I-85]] with [[U.S. Route 29 in North Carolina|US&nbsp;29]] near the [[Cabarrus County, North Carolina|Cabarrus]]–[[Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|Mecklenburg]] county line.<ref>{{cite news |first= Gary |last= O'Brien |title= Clearing the Way |work= 'The Charlotte Observer |date= August 28, 1996 |page= 2M}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= Steve |last= Lyttle |title= 2 Meck bridges among NC's 'substandard |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= June 1, 2013 |page= 1B}}</ref> This section became a part of I-485 on May 5, 1999, the first section of the highway on the north end of the county.<ref name=Stretch>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= Stretch of Road Part of a Larger Step |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= May 6, 1999 |page= 1C}}</ref>

In 1975, planning began for the Charlotte outerbelt.<ref name=Bypass/>

On July 8, 1988, Governor [[James G. Martin]] and state transportation secretary Seddon Goode attended a [[groundbreaking]] near [[U.S. Route 521 in North Carolina|US&nbsp;521]], marking the start of construction on the first {{convert|1.3|mi|km|adj=on}} section between US&nbsp;521 and [[North Carolina Highway 51]] (NC&nbsp;51). Martin also announced the designation "Interstate&nbsp;485" for what had previously been called the outerbelt.<ref>{{cite news |first= Kathleen |last= Curry |title= Outerbelt Dubbed I-485: Construction on Road Project Officially Under Way |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= July 9, 1988 |page= 1B}}</ref> The section opened November 1, 1990, two months earlier than planned.<ref>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= I-485's Opening Unclogs Traffic at Intersection, Not in Heart of Pineville |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= November 11, 1990 |page= 4 (Mecklenburg Neighbors)}}</ref> 

A $67.2-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|67200000|1994}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) {{Convert|2.6|mi|km|adj=on}} section of I-485 from US&nbsp;521 to I-77 was opened on October 24, 1994. This section included a four-level interchange, the first and only in North Carolina, at its junction with I-77.<ref>{{cite news |first= Allen |last= Norwood |title= Open for Business: Ribbon Cut on Newest I-485 Section |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= October 25, 1994 |page= 1A}}</ref> On December 9, 1994, the section from NC&nbsp;51 to Rea Road was opened.<ref>{{cite news |first= Allen |last= Norwood |title= Bracing As the Outerbelt Advances |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= December 2, 1994 |page= 1B}}</ref>

On July 1, 1997, a $13.9-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|13900000|1997}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) {{Convert|2|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} section of I-485 was opened between I-77 and [[North Carolina Highway 49|NC&nbsp;49]], a section designated the Seddon "Rusty" Goode Jr. Freeway, named for a member of the [[North Carolina Board of Transportation]] who helped decide where I-485 would be built.<ref>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= Charlotte's Outerbelt Adds Link to NC 49 |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= July 2, 1997 |page= 2C}}</ref>

On August 15, 1997, {{convert|2.3|mi|km}} of I-485 were opened between Rea Road and [[North Carolina Highway 16|NC&nbsp;16]] (Providence Road).<ref>{{cite news |first1= Jack |last1= Horan |first2= Joie |last2= LaPolla |name-list-style= amp |title= A Welcome Link: New Section of Outerbelt a Big Deal for Union County |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= August 15, 1997 |page= 1C}}</ref> An $8.6-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|8600000|1997}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) {{convert|1.4|mi|km|adj=on}} section from NC&nbsp;49 to Brown-Grier Road in the Steele Creek community was opened in two stages in August 26 and 27; the name of Brown-Grier Road was changed to Arrowood Road when that road was extended.<ref>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= 1.4-Mile Stretch of I-485 Opens from NC 49 to Steele Creek |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= August 28, 1998 |page= 1C}}</ref> {{Convert|7|mi|km|more|adj=pre|spell=In}} were opened on September 15, connecting NC&nbsp;16 to [[U.S. Route 74 in North Carolina|US&nbsp;74]].<ref>{{cite news |first1= Norman |last1= Gomlak |first2= Joie |last2= LaPolla |title= New I-485 Link: Life in the Faster Lane |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= September 14, 1997 |page= 4U}}</ref>

In May 1999, the original segment between I-85 and US&nbsp;29 (North Tryon Street) was widened and rebuilt to [[Interstate standards]], officially becoming part of I-485; a few months later, on August 13, the segment was extended to NC&nbsp;49 (University City Boulevard).<ref>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= I-485 Leg Opens Today, But Will Traffic Come? |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= August 13, 1999 |page= 5C}}</ref><ref name=Stretch/><ref>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= Filling in the Belt's Gaps |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= December 16, 1999 |page= 1C}}</ref> In December 1999, the main section of I-485 continued its extension north from US&nbsp;74 to Idlewild Road, adding {{convert|2.3|mi|km}}. In June 2000, another {{convert|3|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} extension was completed, between Idlewild Road and Lawyers Road in [[Mint Hill, North Carolina|Mint Hill]], at a cost of $10.2&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|10200000|2000}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= I-485 Reaches Mint Hill |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= June 7, 2000 |page= 1A}}</ref>

In 2003, the last {{convert|12.5|mi|km}} needed to link main I-485 to its northern stub were completed, at a cost of $55.4&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|55400000|2003}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}). Opening in two phases, the first {{convert|7.5|mi|km|adj=on}} segment was opened on September 3, 2003, between University City Boulevard and [[North Carolina Highway 27|NC&nbsp;27]] (Albemarle Road). Two months later, the second {{convert|5|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} segment was opened on November 19, between Albemarle Road and Lawyers Road.<ref>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= Opening Today Adds 7.5 Miles to Eastern I-485 |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= September 3, 2003 |page= 1B}}</ref><ref name=Bypass>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= I-485 Arc Takes Shape to Bypass Charlotte |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= November 20, 2003 |page= 1A}}</ref>

On October 19, 2004, I-485 was widened, from four to six lanes between I-77/US&nbsp;21 and Arrowood Road, and extended between Arrowood Road and I-85 (near Belmont). Completion of the $100-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|100000000|2004}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) {{convert|7|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} segment was noted that it would relieve traffic along the [[Billy Graham Parkway]] and provide an alternative route to [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |first= Dianne |last= Whitacre |title= Outerbelt Section Opens to Cheers, Parade of Cars |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= October 20, 2004 |page= 2B}}</ref> On December 15, 2006, a {{convert|2.3|mi|km|adj=on}} segment between I-85 (near Belmont) and NC&nbsp;27 (Mount Holly Road) was opened. Signed as Future I-485, it was also dedicated as the Craig Lawing Freeway.<ref>{{cite news |first= Richard |last= Rubin |title= Outerbelt Giveth, and Taketh Away |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= December 16, 2006 |page= 1B}}</ref> Six months later, on May 9, 2007, another {{convert|1.5|mi|km|adj=on}} segment, between Mount Holly Road and NC&nbsp;16 (Brookshire Boulevard) was opened.<ref>{{cite news |first= Jenny |last= Song |title= Next Exit: Even More Growth along I-485 |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= May 10, 2007 }}{{page needed |date= November 2013}}</ref> On December 4, 2008, a {{convert|5.5|mi|km|adj=on}} segment between Brookshire Boulevard and [[North Carolina Highway 115|NC&nbsp;115]] (Old Statesville Road) was opened; all future signage was removed from the previous segments, with new signage showing connection between I-77, toward Statesville, and I-85, toward Spartanburg.<ref>{{cite news |first= Steve |last= Harrison |title= Newest I-485 Section to Open |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= December 3, 2008 |page= 1B}}</ref> In 2011, the West Boulevard interchange (exit&nbsp;6) was opened to traffic, existing previously as a graded future interchange since 2004.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://apps.ncdot.gov/NewsReleases/details.aspx?r=4057 |title= $1.2 Million Contract Awarded to Complete I-485 Interchange in Mecklenburg County |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |date= September 22, 2010 |access-date= March 26, 2017 |archive-date= March 27, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170327080133/https://apps.ncdot.gov/NewsReleases/details.aspx?r=4057 |url-status= live }}</ref>

The final segment, from I-77 to I-85 near the [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte|UNC Charlotte]], had begun the [[Right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]] acquisition phase with contracts awarded in June 2010. The segment was opened to traffic on June 5, 2015, finally completing the loop and providing a direct connection from I-77 near Huntersville to I-85 near Concord Mills.<ref name="outerloop">{{cite web |url= http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/charlotteouterloop/ |title= I-485 Charlotte Outer Loop |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |access-date= September 19, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160621073437/http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/CharlotteOuterLoop/ |archive-date= June 21, 2016 |df= mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/NC-gov-to-unveil-contract-award-for-Charlotte-loop-95501449.html |title= Charlotte company awarded contract for I-485 completion |publisher= [[WCNC-TV]] |location= Charlotte, NC |date= June 3, 2010 |access-date= September 19, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120323221012/http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/NC-gov-to-unveil-contract-award-for-Charlotte-loop-95501449.html |archive-date= March 23, 2012 |url-status= dead }}</ref>

Since 2003, the [[North Carolina Department of Transportation]] (NCDOT) has made sure that future segments of I-485 were designed with a minimum of six travel lanes. While the first segments of I-485 were already choked by traffic due to Charlotte's rapid growth, NCDOT could not immediately deal with the issue thanks to a 2000 policy that prevented the state using trust fund money, a major source of funding for new projects, to widen existing roads.<ref name="Whitacre2003">{{cite news |last=Whitacre |first=Dianne |date=May 13, 2003 |title=Rules Delay Widening Busiest I-485 Stretch |work=The Charlotte Observer |page=1A}}</ref> Eventually, NCDOT was able to allocate new funds for a widening project, between US&nbsp;521 (Johnston Road) and I-77/US&nbsp;21, which was slated for construction in 2012.<ref name="Project R-4902">{{cite web |url= http://www.ncdot.org/projects/search/details.html#id=1759 |title= Project R-4902 |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |access-date= October 31, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120109055241/http://www.ncdot.org/projects/search/details.html#id=1759 |archive-date= January 9, 2012 |url-status= dead }}</ref> On November 18, 2011, NCDOT changed the plans with an extension of the widening project to Rea Road and additional space allocated for a future toll lane, between Johnston Road and I-77/US&nbsp;21.<ref name="The Charlotte Observer">{{cite news |url= http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/18/2785708/toll-lane-for-southern-outerbelt.html |title= NC considers adding toll lane to I-485 |work= The Charlotte Observer |access-date= November 18, 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Construction on the modified widening project began in 2013. At a cost of $83.3&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|83300000|2015}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}), the {{convert|9.2|mi|km|adj=on}} widening project was completed in December 2015.<ref>{{cite news |first= Brittany |last= Penland |title= Ballantyne widening of I-485 starts in new year |work= The Charlotte Observer |date= December 2, 2012 |page= 4B}}</ref>

On January 15, 2017, the Oakdale Road interchange (exit&nbsp;18) was opened to traffic, existing previously as a graded future interchange since 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.wbtv.com/story/34271056/oakdalei-485-interchange-open-for-drivers-ahead-of-tuesday-commute |title= Oakdale/I-485 interchange open for drivers ahead of Tuesday commute |publisher= [[WBTV]] |location= Charlotte, NC |date= January 18, 2017 |access-date= March 26, 2017 |archive-date= March 27, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170327081012/http://www.wbtv.com/story/34271056/oakdalei-485-interchange-open-for-drivers-ahead-of-tuesday-commute |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Future==
Since November 18, 2011, NCDOT has made plans for future toll lanes along I-485. Modifying an already planned widening project between US&nbsp;521 (Johnston Road) and I-77/US&nbsp;21, it called on a future toll lane to be constructed as well as extending the widening project towards Rea Road. The future toll lanes, when completed would be between US&nbsp;74 (Independence Boulevard) and I-77/US&nbsp;21;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Charlotte Region Fast Lanes Study |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Phase III Results Summary |url=https://www.crtpo.org/PDFs/FastLanes/PDFs/FastLanesPh_III_Results_Summary.pdf |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=CRTPO}}</ref> in April 2014, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) adopted the 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), which included establishing toll lanes along I-485.<ref name="I-485 Express Lanes">{{cite web |url= https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/I-5507/ |title= NCDOT: I-485 Express Lanes |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |access-date= November 21, 2017 |archive-date= June 23, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220623105904/https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-485-express-lanes/Pages/default.aspx |url-status= live }}</ref> The first segment of the new toll lanes, between Johnston Road and I-77/US&nbsp;21, were completed in December 2015 but were not opened.<ref name="Project R-4902"/><ref name="The Charlotte Observer"/> The new unopen lanes along I-485 became controversial and discussions were made about making it a [[high-occupancy vehicle lane]] (HOV lane), or at least temporally; however, local and state officials said that could not be done and would cost more for just temporary use of the lanes.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/peter-st-onge/article9270914.html |title= An open mind on closed I-485 lane |newspaper= The Charlotte Observer |last= St. Onge |first= Peter |date= January 23, 2015 |access-date= November 21, 2017 |archive-date= December 1, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044515/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/peter-st-onge/article9270914.html |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article52931200.html |title= Vote signals Charlotte City Council support for toll lanes |newspaper= The Charlotte Observer |last= Harrison |first= Steve |date= January 5, 2016 |access-date= November 21, 2017 |archive-date= December 1, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044517/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article52931200.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

At a cost of $202.9&nbsp;million, the {{convert|16.6|mi|km|adj=on}} I-485 Express Lanes project will establish new toll lanes along its entire planned route. It will also include the following improvements: adding additional general purpose lanes between Providence Road and Rea Road, extending auxiliary lanes between Independence Boulevard and East John Street, establishing dedicated connectors from the Express Lanes to Johnston Road (eastbound only) and Westinghouse Boulevard (westbound only), and incorporating the existing planned project of adding a new interchange at Weddington Road. Tolls would be collected using an [[electronic toll collection]] (ETC) system; drivers will need to have the [[NC Quick Pass]], or other interoperable transponder, or will be billed by mail with a higher rate. Construction was slated to begin "tentatively" in mid-2018, but started in Summer 2019, and is currently still going on as of 2024; its completion date is set for Spring/Summer 2025.<ref name="I-485 Express Lanes"/><ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/STIResults/H128073.pdf |title= SPOT ID: H128073 |date= May 29, 2014 |access-date= November 21, 2017 |archive-date= December 28, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161228091942/https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/STIResults/H128073.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/STIResults/H128073.pdf |title= I-5507 / R-0211EC / U-4714AB Project Synopsis |access-date= November 21, 2017 |archive-date= December 28, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161228091942/https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/STIResults/H128073.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Exit list==
Milemarker numbering along the loop freeway goes in a [[clockwise]] direction, beginning and ending at the interchange with [[Interstate 77 in North Carolina|I-77]]/[[U.S. Route 21 in North Carolina|US&nbsp;21]] in southern Charlotte.

{{jcttop|exit|state=NC|county=Mecklenburg|length_ref=<ref name=google-west>{{google maps |url=https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Interstate+485+Inner&daddr=Unknown+road&hl=en&ll=35.265244,-80.768051&spn=0.469252,0.891953&sll=35.362211,-80.830793&sspn=0.029293,0.055747&geocode=FWfyFwIdslot-w%3BFd-hGwIds68u-w&mra=dme&mrsp=1&sz=15&t=p&z=11 |title=Overview map of I-485 (Western Half) |access-date=July 20, 2012 |link=no }}</ref>}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Charlotte
|lspan=3
|mile=1.6
|exit=1
|road={{jct|state=NC|NC|49|name1=South [[Tryon Street]]}}
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=3.0
|exit=3
|road=Arrowood Road
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=4.4
|exit=4
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|160|name1=Steele Creek Road|location1=[[Fort Mill, South Carolina|Fort Mill]]}}
|notes=[[Partial cloverleaf interchange]]
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=none
|mile=6.0
|exit=6
|road=West Boulevard
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=none
|mile=9.4
|exit=9
|road={{Jct|state=NC|US|29|US|74|name2=Wilkinson Boulevard|location1=[[Charlotte Douglas International Airport|CLT Airport]]|extra=airport}}
|notes=Exit is part of exit 10 southbound
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=none
|mile=10.0
|exit=10
|road={{Jct|state=NC|I|85|city1=Greensboro|location2=[[Spartanburg, South Carolina|Spartanburg]]}}
|notes=Signed as exits 10A (north) and 10B (south) on exit collector lanes; [[stack interchange]]
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Charlotte
|lspan=5
|mile=11.8
|exit=12
|road=Moores Chapel Road
|notes=[[Diamond interchange|Double roundabout interchange]]
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=13.0
|exit=14
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|27|name1=Mount Holly Road}}
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=15.4
|exit=16
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|16|name1=Brookshire Boulevard|city1=Newton}}
|notes=Partial cloverleaf interchange
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=17.2
|exit=18
|road=Oakdale Road
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=20.3
|exit=21
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|24|dir1=east|name1=Harris Boulevard}}
|notes=Partial cloverleaf interchange; to [[Northlake Mall (Charlotte)|Northlake Mall]]
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Huntersville
|lspan=2
|mile=22.0
|exit=23
|road={{Jct|state=NC|I|77|city1=Charlotte|city2=Statesville}}
|notes=Signed as exits 23A (south) and 23B (north) outbound
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=23.0
|exit=23C
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|115|name1=Old Statesville Road}}
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Charlotte
|lspan=5
|mile=25.4
|exit=26
|road=Prosperity Ridge Road / Prosperity Church Road / Benfield Road
|notes=Double roundabout interchange
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=27.5
|exit=28
|road=Mallard Creek Road
|notes=[[Diverging diamond interchange]]
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=28.4
|exit=30
|road={{Jct|state=NC|I|85|location1=[[Spartanburg, South Carolina|Spartanburg]]|city2=Greensboro}}
|notes=[[Interchange (road)#Turbine interchange|Turbine interchange]]
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=30.6
|exit=32
|road={{Jct|state=NC|US|29|name1=North [[Tryon Street]]|city1=Charlotte|city2=Concord}}
|notes=Partial cloverleaf interchange; to [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]]
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=32.2
|exit=33
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|49|name1=University City Boulevard|city1=Harrisburg}}
|notes=To [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte|UNC Charlotte]]
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=none
|mile=34.7
|exit=36
|road=Rocky River Road
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=none
|mile=37.5
|exit=39
|road=Harrisburg Road
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Mint Hill
|lspan=4
|mile=38.4
|exit=41
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|24|NC|27|name2=Albemarle Road|city1=Albemarle}}
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=40.4
|exit=43
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|51|name1=Blair Road|city1=Mint Hill}}
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=42.2
|exit=44
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|218|name1=Fairview Road|city1=Mint Hill}}
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=44.1
|exit=47
|road=Lawyers Road
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Matthews
|lspan=5
|mile=46.3
|exit=49
|road=Idlewild Road
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=47.1
|mspan=2
|exit=51
|road={{Jct|state=NC|US|74|city1=Charlotte|city2=Monroe|name1=Independence Boulevard}}
|notes=Signed as exits 51A (west) and 51B (east)
}}
{{NCint|exit
|type=unbuilt<!-- etc -->
|mile=none
|exit=—
|road={{jct|state=NC|I|485|dir1=inner|name1=Express Lanes|nolink1=y}}
|notes=Future terminus of I-485 Express lanes
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=50.4
|exit=52
|road={{jct|state=NC|road|East John Street|city1=Matthews|city2=Stallings|city3=Indian Trail}}
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=
|type=unbuilt
|exit=54
|road=Weddington Road
|notes=Future interchange (funded, scheduled to begin construction in 2020)<ref name=Oakdale>{{cite news |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/dr-traffic-blog/article41962230.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212152442/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/dr-traffic-blog/article41962230.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 12, 2015 |title=Oakdale Road interchange takes shape on I-485 |work=The Charlotte Observer |last=Sullivan |first=Karen |access-date=November 1, 2015 }}</ref>
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Charlotte
|lspan=4
|mile=54.1
|exit=57
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|16|name1=Providence Road|city1=Weddington}}
|notes=Partial cloverleaf interchange
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=56.2
|exit=59
|road=Rea Road
|notes=Partial cloverleaf interchange
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=59.4
|mspan=2
|exit=61
|road={{Jct|state=NC|US|521|dir1=South|name1=Johnston Road}}
|rspan=2
|notes=Signed as exits 61A (north) and 61B (south) inbound; to [[Ballantyne (Charlotte neighborhood)|Ballantyne]]; northern terminus of US&nbsp;521
}}
{{NCint|exit
|type=unbuilt<!-- etc -->
|mile=none
|exit=—
|road=none
|notes=Future interchange; outbound exit and inbound entrance, express lanes only
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Pineville
|lspan=2
|mile=61.4
|exit=64
|road={{Jct|state=NC|NC|51|name1=Pineville-Matthews Road|city1=Pineville|city2=Matthews}}
|notes=Signed as exits 64A (north) and 64B (south); partial cloverleaf interchange; to [[Carolina Place Mall]]
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=64.2
|exit=65
|road={{jct|state=NC|road|South Boulevard / North Polk Street|city1=Pineville}}
|notes=Signed as exits 65A (south) and 65B (north) southbound; partial cloverleaf interchange; former [[U.S. Route 521 in North Carolina|US&nbsp;521]] north
}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Charlotte
|lspan=3
|type=unbuilt<!-- etc -->
|mile=
|exit=—
|road=Westinghouse Boulevard
|notes=Future interchange; express lanes only
}}
{{NCint|exit
|type=unbuilt<!-- etc -->
|mile=67.6
|mspan=2
|exit=—
|road={{jct|state=NC|I|485|dir1=outer|name1=Express Lanes|nolink1=y}}
|notes=Future terminus of I-485 Express lanes
}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=none
|exit=67
|road={{Jct|state=NC|I|77|US|21|to3=to|I|85|dir3=north|city1=Charlotte|location2=[[Columbia, South Carolina|Columbia]]}}
|notes=[[Stack interchange]]; I-85 signed inbound 
}}
{{Jctbtm|col=6|keys=unbuilt}}

==See also==
{{Portal|U.S. Roads}}
*[[Carowinds]]
*[[I-485 / South Boulevard (LYNX station)]]
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{AttachedKML|display=title,inline}}
* {{commons category-inline}}
* [http://www.vahighways.com/ncannex/route-log/ih485.html NCRoads.com: I-485]

{{3di|85}}

[[Category:Transportation in Charlotte, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Interstate Highways in North Carolina|85-4]]
[[Category:Auxiliary Interstate Highways|85-4]]
[[Category:Beltways in the United States|485]]
[[Category:Interstate 85|4]]
[[Category:Transportation in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina]]