** Official Charlotte Area Chat Thread **
#7481
Whats up with RDX owners?
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#7482
Instructor
#7483
Instructor
#7484
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Friday, Apr. 20, 2012
Modified Tuesday, Apr. 24, 2012
I-485 widening to start next summer
Toll lane to relieve congestion will play out in the next decade
By Caroline McMillan
The thousands of people who drive – and inevitably sit – on Interstate 485 during rush hours will see widening efforts finished by late 2015 or early 2016, N.C. Department of Transportation officials said last week at a public forum in Pineville.
Plans for the much-buzzed-about optional toll lane will play out in the widening project in the next decade.
The stretch of highway from I-77 to the Johnston Road exit of I-485 is one of the most congested in the state, carrying 120,000 cars a day on only four lanes.
The master plan, long in the making, has been for I-485 to be four lanes in each direction, from I-77 to U.S. 74.
Slated to start next summer, the first leg of construction will add a third general-purpose lane in each direction, from I-77 to the I-485 exit for Rea Road.
This third lane will be created from the existing median, and will be funded by a traditional mix of federal and state dollars.
“The corridor needs a lot of work, and it needs it quickly,” said Rodger Rochelle, director of NCDOT transportation programs.
The second leg of construction – to be finished before 2026 – would add a fourth lane in each direction, from Rea Road to U.S. 74.
To speed up the process and find funds for this fourth lane, the state is looking to a public-private partnership model.
Private companies bid for the rights to the project, agreeing to undertake the expenses. In return, the fourth lane in each direction will be an optional “express toll lane,” and the private company will get the revenue.
This takes the burden of paying for all of the road construction off taxpayers, Rochelle said.
Unlike some toll-roads, drivers wouldn’t be forced to pay for the service. Drivers would pay only if they use the lane.
The three companies bidding for the project are Lane Construction, Blythe Construction and Austin Bridge and Road Construction.
All have worked on road projects in the greater Charlotte area.
State officials will host another public meeting this summer to present the revised design plans and get feedback.
South Charlotte residents Christine Dupuis and Brett Schaefer, both 31, attended the NCDOT meeting at the Pineville Hut April 18 because the I-485 improvements are a factor as they look to buy a home. Right now, the engaged couple live in an apartment off Ballantyne Commons, and avoid driving during peak hours on I-485.
Unfortunately, they say, the house they’ve fallen in love with is within earshot of the interstate, and with more lanes comes more noise.
“I agree (the expansion) is probably necessary for those who travel the highway,” said Dupuis. “But the potential for additional noise and a decrease in the value of a home,” matters.
Another public-private roads partnership in south Charlotte is under way, and for antsy, traffic-weary south Charlotte residents, here’s some good news: relief work along Johnston Road could start as soon as next month.
In September 2011, Charlotte City Council members voted to rezone 520 acres off Ballantyne Commons Parkway for an expansion of the Ballantyne Corporate Park, which allowed Bissell Companies to move forward with plans to add one million square feet of office space to the area.
Bissell then agreed to fund $11 million in road improvements for Ballantyne, if a portion of new city property tax revenue from the project would be used to reimburse Bissell.
The expanding corporate park could make Ballantyne one of the state’s most congested areas, CEO Ned Curran said late last year at a Ballantyne Chamber of Commerce meeting, so infrastructure changes will be important moving forward.
Bissell will oversee the following road projects:
• Dual right-turn lanes onto Johnston Road (U.S. 521), heading north from Ballantyne Commons Parkway.
• A reconfigured intersection at John D. Delaney Drive and Brixham Hall – one of Charlotte’s top areas for traffic accidents – that will allow drivers to go through the intersection without stopping.
• Dual left lanes with signals at the three corners of the intersection at Ballantyne Commons Parkway and North Community House Road.
• An additional lane in both directions will make North Community House Road a four-lane road. Stoplights will be added at key intersections (locations pending).
• A bridge over I-485 linking Community House Road to Endhaven Lane and featuring $1 million worth of 8-foot bike lanes and 6-foot sidewalks.
The plan is for the bridge project to be bundled with NCDOT’s first I-485 expansion, from I-77 to Rea Road. The state will build a flyover interchange so northbound traffic on Johnston Road can access the inner loop of the outer belt without stopping at a traffic light.
“That would improve the traffic capacity at the interchange quite a bit,” said Rochelle.
Most of the Bissell-funded road work is slated to be completed by early 2014, but the start times are staggered and could change.
....
Modified Tuesday, Apr. 24, 2012
I-485 widening to start next summer
Toll lane to relieve congestion will play out in the next decade
By Caroline McMillan
The thousands of people who drive – and inevitably sit – on Interstate 485 during rush hours will see widening efforts finished by late 2015 or early 2016, N.C. Department of Transportation officials said last week at a public forum in Pineville.
Plans for the much-buzzed-about optional toll lane will play out in the widening project in the next decade.
The stretch of highway from I-77 to the Johnston Road exit of I-485 is one of the most congested in the state, carrying 120,000 cars a day on only four lanes.
The master plan, long in the making, has been for I-485 to be four lanes in each direction, from I-77 to U.S. 74.
Slated to start next summer, the first leg of construction will add a third general-purpose lane in each direction, from I-77 to the I-485 exit for Rea Road.
This third lane will be created from the existing median, and will be funded by a traditional mix of federal and state dollars.
“The corridor needs a lot of work, and it needs it quickly,” said Rodger Rochelle, director of NCDOT transportation programs.
The second leg of construction – to be finished before 2026 – would add a fourth lane in each direction, from Rea Road to U.S. 74.
To speed up the process and find funds for this fourth lane, the state is looking to a public-private partnership model.
Private companies bid for the rights to the project, agreeing to undertake the expenses. In return, the fourth lane in each direction will be an optional “express toll lane,” and the private company will get the revenue.
This takes the burden of paying for all of the road construction off taxpayers, Rochelle said.
Unlike some toll-roads, drivers wouldn’t be forced to pay for the service. Drivers would pay only if they use the lane.
The three companies bidding for the project are Lane Construction, Blythe Construction and Austin Bridge and Road Construction.
All have worked on road projects in the greater Charlotte area.
State officials will host another public meeting this summer to present the revised design plans and get feedback.
South Charlotte residents Christine Dupuis and Brett Schaefer, both 31, attended the NCDOT meeting at the Pineville Hut April 18 because the I-485 improvements are a factor as they look to buy a home. Right now, the engaged couple live in an apartment off Ballantyne Commons, and avoid driving during peak hours on I-485.
Unfortunately, they say, the house they’ve fallen in love with is within earshot of the interstate, and with more lanes comes more noise.
“I agree (the expansion) is probably necessary for those who travel the highway,” said Dupuis. “But the potential for additional noise and a decrease in the value of a home,” matters.
Another public-private roads partnership in south Charlotte is under way, and for antsy, traffic-weary south Charlotte residents, here’s some good news: relief work along Johnston Road could start as soon as next month.
In September 2011, Charlotte City Council members voted to rezone 520 acres off Ballantyne Commons Parkway for an expansion of the Ballantyne Corporate Park, which allowed Bissell Companies to move forward with plans to add one million square feet of office space to the area.
Bissell then agreed to fund $11 million in road improvements for Ballantyne, if a portion of new city property tax revenue from the project would be used to reimburse Bissell.
The expanding corporate park could make Ballantyne one of the state’s most congested areas, CEO Ned Curran said late last year at a Ballantyne Chamber of Commerce meeting, so infrastructure changes will be important moving forward.
Bissell will oversee the following road projects:
• Dual right-turn lanes onto Johnston Road (U.S. 521), heading north from Ballantyne Commons Parkway.
• A reconfigured intersection at John D. Delaney Drive and Brixham Hall – one of Charlotte’s top areas for traffic accidents – that will allow drivers to go through the intersection without stopping.
• Dual left lanes with signals at the three corners of the intersection at Ballantyne Commons Parkway and North Community House Road.
• An additional lane in both directions will make North Community House Road a four-lane road. Stoplights will be added at key intersections (locations pending).
• A bridge over I-485 linking Community House Road to Endhaven Lane and featuring $1 million worth of 8-foot bike lanes and 6-foot sidewalks.
The plan is for the bridge project to be bundled with NCDOT’s first I-485 expansion, from I-77 to Rea Road. The state will build a flyover interchange so northbound traffic on Johnston Road can access the inner loop of the outer belt without stopping at a traffic light.
“That would improve the traffic capacity at the interchange quite a bit,” said Rochelle.
Most of the Bissell-funded road work is slated to be completed by early 2014, but the start times are staggered and could change.
....
#7485
Instructor
reading ownz me ! I even read it before and still managed not to pay attention !
well either way Im down to go ! I'll be in Indian Trail area most of the day, dropping my car off at Speed Stylez to have the windows tinted .... I need my privacy !
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civicdrivr (05-20-2012)
#7486
tehLEGOman
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I am really excited about this new bridge they're going to install, mostly because it means more opportunities for veetak engagement.
Went and took a photo of the ramp before they start construction, and then I made a quick rendering of what i think it will look like.
Went and took a photo of the ramp before they start construction, and then I made a quick rendering of what i think it will look like.
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Bearcat94 (05-21-2012)
#7487
Instructor
Damn , if it actually turns out like that , it be pretty nice !
But traffic will suck even more while they are building that bridge ! I hate coming thru their at 4pm ! Traffic thru their will be like traffic on 85 at concord mills ! HORRIBLE ! But it will be nice once its all done.
But traffic will suck even more while they are building that bridge ! I hate coming thru their at 4pm ! Traffic thru their will be like traffic on 85 at concord mills ! HORRIBLE ! But it will be nice once its all done.
#7488
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2-lanes on the fly-over please (I hope).
See that Beemer SUV headed to the outer? I'm approaching VTEC in 3rd by that point. I love that ramp (but it's starting to get a little bumpy).
See that Beemer SUV headed to the outer? I'm approaching VTEC in 3rd by that point. I love that ramp (but it's starting to get a little bumpy).
#7489
tehLEGOman
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If the new flyover bridge ends up being two lanes then I should be able to get some good rolling shots of cars with the Ballantyne village in the background.
#7490
Whats up with RDX owners?
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Nice pics!
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ACCURATEin (05-20-2012)
#7491
tehLEGOman
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haha Jim rolls out! I see your TL a lot on Johnston.
Damn , if it actually turns out like that , it be pretty nice !
But traffic will suck even more while they are building that bridge ! I hate coming thru their at 4pm ! Traffic thru their will be like traffic on 85 at concord mills ! HORRIBLE ! But it will be nice once its all done.
But traffic will suck even more while they are building that bridge ! I hate coming thru their at 4pm ! Traffic thru their will be like traffic on 85 at concord mills ! HORRIBLE ! But it will be nice once its all done.
Thanks buddy. I post moar in the 3rd gen gallery.
#7492
Whats up with RDX owners?
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#7493
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Cool pics.
You see my wife driving back-and-forth to work. She's back near the CMPD precinct off Johnston, just south of 51.
Got it cleaned up a bit today, so it shouldn't be as grungy as it had been the past couple weeks.
You see my wife driving back-and-forth to work. She's back near the CMPD precinct off Johnston, just south of 51.
Got it cleaned up a bit today, so it shouldn't be as grungy as it had been the past couple weeks.
#7494
tehLEGOman
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I remember you telling me she worked over there somewhere. Clean TLs ftw.
#7495
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Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
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#7496
tehLEGOman
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#7497
tehLEGOman
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What's the status on the tsx rebuild? Your original intentions were to have it done by April 22. It's May 21. What's good?
#7498
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What is wrong with that?
She is my gal and she is beautiful. Spending the holiday weekend on the lake means seeing her in a bikini pretty much all day long. Maybe you are different but I personal love seeing my gal in a bikini. Seems like a win win in my opinion.
She is my gal and she is beautiful. Spending the holiday weekend on the lake means seeing her in a bikini pretty much all day long. Maybe you are different but I personal love seeing my gal in a bikini. Seems like a win win in my opinion.
#7499
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The first ever intended date was for May 11th completion but due to many misunderstandings with the body shop that was not possible. It also was a very overly optimistic date. I also posted that the second date if that one was not met was for completion by June 29th which we are currently on target for at this point.
Also I keep this thread here updated so if you are looking for updates I would start here since I had posted on this morning already.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=798504&page=6
#7500
tehLEGOman
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What is wrong with that?
She is my gal and she is beautiful. Spending the holiday weekend on the lake means seeing her in a bikini pretty much all day long. Maybe you are different but I personal love seeing my gal in a bikini. Seems like a win win in my opinion.
She is my gal and she is beautiful. Spending the holiday weekend on the lake means seeing her in a bikini pretty much all day long. Maybe you are different but I personal love seeing my gal in a bikini. Seems like a win win in my opinion.
I have no idea where you originally came up with that date and where you heard that from or why you keep posting it cause it was never the intended date of completion. Heck the car was barely even out of the body shop by that date.
The first ever intended date was for May 11th completion but due to many misunderstandings with the body shop that was not possible. It also was a very overly optimistic date. I also posted that the second date if that one was not met was for completion by June 29th which we are currently on target for at this point.
Also I keep this thread here updated so if you are looking for updates I would start here since I had posted on this morning already.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=798504&page=6
The first ever intended date was for May 11th completion but due to many misunderstandings with the body shop that was not possible. It also was a very overly optimistic date. I also posted that the second date if that one was not met was for completion by June 29th which we are currently on target for at this point.
Also I keep this thread here updated so if you are looking for updates I would start here since I had posted on this morning already.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=798504&page=6
#7501
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Seeing how it didn't make it to the body shop till like mid March that wasn't very probable and most likely me giving a sarcastic date. First somewhat realistic date I had was the March 12 one. It is hard to keep a car build moving when you are 7 hours away. And no I won't move the build here cause I trust the places I have experience with at home.
#7504
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Here's the flyover we need; just like the one at 77 South to 485.
This is a fun ride too when somewhat in excess of the speed limit too. hehehe.
This is a fun ride too when somewhat in excess of the speed limit too. hehehe.
#7505
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#7506
tehLEGOman
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lol Dorthy always braces whenever i am approaching that flyover. hahahaha. I love that one. It's my favorite one in the county so far.
I'm trying to think of a single lane flyover and i'm having trouble thinking of one. In my opinion, it wouldn't be safe to have just one lane. What if there were an accident on it, or if an ambulance needed to get around and there is bumper to bumper traffic on the flyover. It just makes sense to have two lanes. Plus it's just more badass to have two lanes lol.
I can't wait until construction begins.
I'm trying to think of a single lane flyover and i'm having trouble thinking of one. In my opinion, it wouldn't be safe to have just one lane. What if there were an accident on it, or if an ambulance needed to get around and there is bumper to bumper traffic on the flyover. It just makes sense to have two lanes. Plus it's just more badass to have two lanes lol.
I can't wait until construction begins.
#7508
tehLEGOman
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/erockon...in/photostream
^video clip of Scott driving my TL. He was surprised when he got back.
^video clip of Scott driving my TL. He was surprised when he got back.
#7509
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#7510
tehLEGOman
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#7512
Intermediate
Did ya see the tag? There was one in my neighborhood later week that had a paper tag. Haven't seen it since. I was envious as hell LOL. Couple of guys doing a intercooler on a Mazda speed 3 but that's about it
#7513
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Coming from Greensboro (85S) to 485 heading home? Yes.
I'm getting excited about having this Ballanyne fly-over now.
I almost NEVER go that way; don't really know that one.
#7514
Instructor
Nope , sure didnt. I was heading towards university area while that.ack tl was heading towards pineville.
#7515
tehLEGOman
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#7516
tehLEGOman
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They're calling it a turbine design, and that's precisely what will be going on under my hood when i start using that turbine interchange. My supercharger turbines will be doing work under those mild tunnels on ramp H lol.
I can't wait for all these road projects to be completed.
I can't wait for all these road projects to be completed.
#7517
Instructor
They're calling it a turbine design, and that's precisely what will be going on under my hood when i start using that turbine interchange. My supercharger turbines will be doing work under those mild tunnels on ramp H lol.
I can't wait for all these road projects to be completed.
I can't wait for all these road projects to be completed.
#7518
You can tell Greenville is growing just by driving down 85. There is a corridor of brand new buildings right along the interstate. Those buildings look very neat.
I also just looked up the ballantyne road expansions outlook and Bissell Development is going to spend 11M of their own money to help fund the projects. They're going to build a flyover bridge for the northbound traffic on 521 to connect to the inner belt 485. (which will be amazing) There will be a 4 lane bridge connecting community house drive to Johnston Rd, with bike lanes and 6 foot sidewalks.
485's master plan has 4 lanes each way from 77 to 74. One of the lanes will probably be a toll lane for motorists that want to 'get shit done'. (people like me) lol.
These projects are going to start very soon, and i am more than excited about all three of them.
I also just looked up the ballantyne road expansions outlook and Bissell Development is going to spend 11M of their own money to help fund the projects. They're going to build a flyover bridge for the northbound traffic on 521 to connect to the inner belt 485. (which will be amazing) There will be a 4 lane bridge connecting community house drive to Johnston Rd, with bike lanes and 6 foot sidewalks.
485's master plan has 4 lanes each way from 77 to 74. One of the lanes will probably be a toll lane for motorists that want to 'get shit done'. (people like me) lol.
These projects are going to start very soon, and i am more than excited about all three of them.
snap diggity! mind if I ask for your source though? (Since 485 is over 20 years in the making)
#7520
tehLEGOman
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So i just got back from walmart and home depot. I did two more mods to the TL today. I'm pretty happy with how both of them turned out.