Lane Construction Drives Major I-85 Upgrade in North Carolina
The wheels of progress are turning swiftly in Gaston County, North Carolina, where Lane Construction, a key player in the Webuild Group, has secured a USD 337 million contract to breathe new life into a major stretch of Interstate 85 (I-85). This isn’t just a resurfacing job or a routine patch-up. It’s a sweeping transformation of approximately 4.1 miles (around 6.6 km) of one of the busiest highway corridors feeding the Charlotte metropolitan area.
Financed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the project spans from Exit 23 at NC 7 to just east of Exit 27 at NC 273. The aim? To future-proof I-85 for growing traffic volumes, enhance road safety, and keep the economic engine of the region humming. Scheduled for completion in 2029, the construction will be carried out while keeping traffic flowing, minimising disruption for the thousands of daily commuters.
What the Project Entails
At the heart of the project is the widening of the I-85 corridor from six lanes to eight, a significant capacity boost aimed at unclogging one of North Carolina’s most travelled routes. But there’s much more than meets the eye:
- Six bridges will either be replaced or expanded to meet modern structural and traffic standards.
- Two major interchanges will be reconstructed to improve access, safety, and flow.
- A critical intersection at Belmont Mount Holly Road and US 29/74 will receive substantial improvements.
The infrastructure upgrade isn’t merely a regional benefit. I-85 is a strategic corridor that supports freight, logistics, and long-haul connections stretching from Alabama to Virginia. This upgrade will strengthen regional resilience and capacity, ensuring the road keeps up with rising commercial and residential demands.
Traffic Flow with Minimal Fuss
Executing a major infrastructure upgrade without halting traffic is no small feat. Lane Construction has a strong track record when it comes to executing projects with surgical precision. For this I-85 revamp, the company will adopt a phased construction strategy to keep lanes open during peak hours and limit the impact on daily commuters.
According to NCDOT officials: “This section of I-85 is essential to the economic wellbeing and daily mobility of the Charlotte metro area. Minimising disruptions while achieving a safer, more efficient roadway is the priority.”
This approach aligns with Lane’s broader reputation in the U.S. market. The company is known for its emphasis on sustainability, safety-first execution, and innovative engineering solutions tailored to complex environments.
A Strategic Investment in Regional Mobility
The investment couldn’t have come at a better time. The Charlotte region has experienced significant population and economic growth over the last decade. I-85 is increasingly strained, especially during rush hours and holiday weekends. Congestion, ageing infrastructure, and safety concerns have all been mounting.
The reconstruction project is expected to:
- Reduce travel times for both personal and commercial vehicles
- Improve safety by redesigning outdated interchanges
- Support regional economic development and job creation
According to a spokesperson from Lane Construction: “We’re proud to be part of this essential project that will boost North Carolina’s infrastructure and serve millions of road users for decades to come.”
Part of a Broader US Footprint
This latest win for Lane Construction adds to its already impressive portfolio in the United States. With projects ranging from highways and bridges to rail and tunnelling systems, Lane is no stranger to large-scale, high-stakes infrastructure delivery. The firm has long served as Webuild Group’s arm in North America, with a focus on sustainable, future-proof construction.
Webuild, an Italian-based multinational, has made significant strides in expanding its U.S. footprint in recent years. Their combined expertise in design, project management, and execution is being deployed to tackle some of America’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.
Engineering Excellence Meets Community Impact
Beyond construction, Lane is placing emphasis on creating positive community outcomes. Noise barriers, safer pedestrian crossings, and access improvements are all being considered as part of the wider project scope. Additionally, sourcing materials locally and hiring regionally will support the Gaston County economy.
Environmental impact mitigation will also play a role. Lane is expected to integrate stormwater management systems, preserve natural habitats where feasible, and ensure compliance with all state and federal environmental standards.
America’s Ageing Highways
The I-85 upgrade isn’t an isolated case. It’s part of a broader wave of infrastructure modernisation fuelled by federal and state funding. With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in place, states like North Carolina are seizing the opportunity to rejuvenate crumbling assets and prepare for a more connected, climate-resilient future.
Highways like I-85 aren’t just commuter routes. They’re vital lifelines for industries, trade, and emergency services. The improvements to Gaston County’s section of I-85 will ripple outwards, supporting not just local residents but a network of businesses and travellers across the eastern seaboard.
Looking Down the Road
Once the final cone is lifted and the ribbon is cut, the real legacy of this project will begin. For Lane Construction and the Webuild Group, it marks another milestone in their growing influence across the U.S. For North Carolina, it’s a timely and strategic move to ease pressure on a vital stretch of interstate. And for the everyday drivers? It means safer, faster, and more comfortable journeys.
As one NCDOT project lead summed it up: “This project is about building a corridor that works for today and tomorrow.”
