West Charlotte drivers are about to face a major detour as another large highway construction project moves forward.
NCDOT has announced that Sam Wilson Road will be closed in both directions beginning Sept. 21, significantly affecting the bridge near the I-85 ramps.
Officials expect the bridge to remain completely closed for about one year while crews complete construction.
The work is part of a $45 million project to widen portions of I-85 and I-485 in west Charlotte. Construction began in late 2025 and should finish by fall 2028.
During the bridge closure, NCDOT recommends two primary detours:
- West detour: Sam Wilson Road → Performance Road → Moores Chapel Road → U.S. 29/74
- East detour: Sam Wilson Road → Moores Chapel Road → I-485 → U.S. 29/74
Meanwhile, another nearby closure should end just before the Sam Wilson Road project begins.
NCDOT has been rebuilding part of the Moores Chapel Loop near Wilkinson Boulevard. That work required drivers to detour using Sam Wilson Road.
Officials expect the Moores Chapel project to finish by Sept. 18, just three days before the new closure begins.
