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Final section of I-485 named for Allen Tate Cos. founder, but exactly when it will open is unclear

Final section of I-485 named for Allen Tate Cos. founder, but exactly when it will open is unclear

April 1. The final section of I-485 in northeast Mecklenburg County has been officially named the H. Allen Tate, Jr. Highway in honor of the founder and CEO of Allen Tate Companies and regional transportation advocate, Allen Tate. Gov. Pat McCrory attended the ceremony that marked the virtual completion of the 67-mile loop around Charlotte.

Precisely when the final segment connecting I-85 to I-77 opens is unclear, but it looks like sometime between May and early August.

“This is an honor beyond description, but it comes along the way. This is not the end of figuring out ways to fill the transportation infrastructure. The trip is not finished – just this project,” said Tate.

Tate founded Allen Tate Companies in 1957. He has served as chair of the Charlotte Chamber’s Regional Roads Committee, as well as serving on the Toll Roads Solutions Committee and most recently, as a member of the Committee of 21. In 2008, Tate led the charge for I-485 to be completed ahead of schedule as well as the widening of I-85 in Cabarrus County and I-485 south of Charlotte.

“Our region has benefited immensely because of Allen’s tireless commitment to making it better,” said Ned Curran, N.C. Board of Transportation chairman. “Being an advocate for better regional transportation systems is just one example of the many contributions Allen Tate has provided in his decades of public service.”

Exactly when the $140 million segment will open  came up at the March meeting of the Lake Norman Transportation Commission.

Warren Cooksey of the DOT said the contract with Blthye Construction calls for completion by mid August, but he’s hoping it will be sooner. “I’ve urged that we try and get it done by race week,” Cooksey said. Race week this year is the week of May 18, and completion of the I-485 loop would expedite traffic flow in and around Charlotte Motor Speedway.Cold weather has been the major enemy of a more rapid completion, according to Cooksey. “The concrete has to be a certain warmth so the lane markings can adhere.” A concrete plant has been set up in the middle of the unfinished section to hasten the paving process. “When you see the concrete plant removed, you’ll know we’re just about done.”Originally  the state and Blythe hoped to complete the final leg in northeast Mecklenburg County by the end of last December.

“I am proud of the many people who have worked so hard on this for so many years,” said Tate. “What have we learned from this journey? Do a lot of listening.”

Ned Curran, N.C. Board of Transportation chairman, said our region has “benefited immensely” because of Tate’s tireless advocacy. “Being an advocate for better regional transportation systems is just one example of the many contributions Allen Tate has provided in his decades of public service,” Curran said.

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