News Summary
Construction has commenced in Mooresville as the N.C. 150 expansion project kicks off. This $249 million initiative will enhance traffic flow by widening N.C. 150 from four to six lanes over six miles. Overnight ramp closures to I-77 South will be in effect, prompting drivers to seek alternate routes. Local residents can expect long-awaited relief from traffic congestion, as improvements also include upcoming road resurfacing projects on I-77. The expansion work is set to continue through the week, with plans for further enhancements in the future.
Overnight Ramp Closure Begins as N.C. 150 Expansion Project Kicks Off in Mooresville
Mooresville is buzzing with excitement as construction begins on a significant project that promises to ease some of the nagging traffic jams in the area. Starting just after midnight on Tuesday, an entrance ramp onto Interstate 77 South will temporarily close as part of a major expansion effort for N.C. 150. This project is a whopping $249 million, designed to stretch six miles and expand N.C. 150 from four to six lanes between Greenwood Road in Terrell and U.S. 21 in Mooresville.
Long-Awaited Relief for Residents
For years, local residents have shared their frustrations about traffic congestion along this busy stretch of road. It appears that the state is finally taking action to address these long-standing concerns, as this expansion project unfolds. The construction aims to improve the flow of traffic, making life a little easier for commuters and residents alike in the Mooresville area.
What’s Happening Right Now
Crews from the Charlotte-based contractor, Blythe Development, are gearing up to start their work by first clearing out the trees at I-77 exit 36 at N.C. 150. To minimize disruption, lane closures are permitted to take place overnight between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., which means daytime travel remains relatively unaffected. This closure won’t just be a one-time deal; it’ll be in effect from midnight until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, and then again each night through Friday morning, weather permitting.
Alternate Routes for Drivers
With the ramp closure, drivers will need to consider alternate routes. If you’re heading eastbound on N.C. 150, you’ll want to direct your travel toward Williamson Road or Brawley School Road and I-77 exit 35. Westbound travelers, on the other hand, can take Talbert Road to reach the same exit—it’s a small detour to keep things flowing smoothly around the construction zone.
More Road Improvements on the Horizon
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s an upcoming resurfacing project too! Starting soon, the North Carolina Department of Transportation will be resurfacing 12 miles of I-77 between Exit 36 and just south of Exit 49. They’ve approved a $21.4 million contract with Maymead Inc., a contractor based out of Tennessee, for this work. Expect to see overnight lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, over the next several months. This project will feature significant improvements, including road patching, adding two inches of asphalt, and installing over 130,000 feet of rumble strips—plus more than 335,000 linear feet of pavement markings!
Looking to the Future
These enhancements arrive just in time as the N.C. Department of Transportation plans to widen N.C. 150 further, stretching from east of I-77 all the way to Denver. Construction for this phase is projected to kick off in 2025. It’s all shaping up to be an exciting time for Mooresville commuters!
Traffic Troubles Around I-77
In the immediate past, traffic woes emerged on I-77 Tuesday morning, starting around 4:45 a.m. Reports indicate that several crashes were causing delays between Highway 150 and Cornelius Road, with the mess finally cleared by 11 a.m. In a separate incident, a rollover accident involving a West Iredell firetruck left one firefighter injured. Additionally, there was a vehicle fire that caused a shutdown of the southbound lanes between Brawley School Road and U.S. 21/Wiliamson Road on Monday morning, significantly delaying traffic until the lanes reopened just after 9 a.m.
With all this construction and improvement on the horizon, Mooresville residents can expect a brighter future as the roads get the attention they truly deserve. Stay tuned for more updates as the expansion of N.C. 150 unfolds!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
PCB Testing Intensifies in UNC System After Poe Hall Closure
New Retail Center Planned in Lake Norman Amidst Concerns
Additional Resources
- WCNC: I-77 Resurfacing Project in Iredell County
- WBTV: Crash on I-77 Causing Major Traffic Issues
- QC News: Crash Shuts Down I-77 North Near Mooresville
- WSOC TV: Truck Fire Shuts Down I-77 Southbound
- Charlotte Observer: Local News Article
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- Google Search: Traffic News Iredell County
- Google Scholar: Traffic Improvement Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Management
- Google News: Mooresville Traffic Updates
