Nighttime Interstate 85 Lane Closures Begin in High Point

Contractors for the North Carolina Department of Transportation began nighttime closures on Interstate 85 in High Point on Nov. 3 as part of a bridge rehabilitation project. The work will continue through Jan. 29 and will require the closure of the right lane of Interstate 85 South for one mile near Liberty Road, along with the on ramp onto Interstate 85 South from the service road coming from Interstate 74 East. Work is scheduled Monday through Thursday nights from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. All lanes and the on ramp will remain open during the day and on weekends.

The closures concentrate impact during overnight hours to limit disruption to daytime commuters and local businesses, but they will still affect drivers who travel through the corridor at night. Motorists using Interstate 74 East who wish to connect to Interstate 85 South will find detour guidance provided by NCDOT, and travelers are directed to DriveNC.gov for real time travel information and updates. The department says the measures will allow crews to complete needed bridge work safely and efficiently.

For Guilford County residents and businesses the project carries practical consequences. Freight carriers, delivery services and any residents who travel overnight between High Point and neighboring communities should anticipate a tighter lane configuration and follow posted detours. Local employers with evening operations may need to adjust schedules or routing for vehicles to avoid the closed segments. While daytime traffic flows will be restored each morning, people who commute late or start early will want to factor potential delays into their plans.

This rehabilitation is part of routine infrastructure maintenance intended to preserve the safety and reliability of a major regional corridor. Interstate 85 serves as a key artery for passenger travel and freight movement across the region, so maintaining bridge integrity contributes to broader economic connectivity beyond High Point. By staging work at night, NCDOT aims to balance the urgency of repairs with minimizing daytime disruptions for schools, local businesses and rush hour traffic.

Drivers are advised to check DriveNC.gov before traveling in the area and to allow extra travel time during the nighttime work windows. Following posted signs and detours will help crews finish the rehabilitation on schedule and restore full access by daytime and weekend hours.