Concord and its surrounding area are bracing for a surge in traffic as motorsports fans gear up for a weekend of high-octane action at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the NASCAR events scheduled from October 3 through October 5, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation. Residents and visitors alike should expect crowded roads, particularly near the speedway, with increased traffic projected on major thoroughfares including I-85, U.S. 29, N.C. 49, and Bruton Smith Boulevard.
As race enthusiasts converge on the area, the NCDOT has announced it will use both overhead and portable message signs to keep drivers informed about congestion and incidents, directing attendees to the best routes; they're also advising everyone to stay updated in real time via DriveNC.gov, by calling 511 or following their social media pages. Bruton Smith Boulevard is likely to be chock-full, with mobile direction services and GPS devices defaulting to this popular path, thus NCDOT suggests the use of U.S. 29 as a less congested option to get to the racetrack.
Specific routes have been encouraged for better flow of traffic: those coming from South Carolina should take I-77 North to I-485 outer to U.S. 29 North or N.C. 49 North, visitors from Virginia can take I-77 South to I-485 Inner to U.S. 29 North or N.C. 49 North, travelers from the west can opt for I-85 North to I-485 Inner to U.S. 29 North or an alternate through Poplar Tent Road to U.S. 29 South, easterners are guided towards the I-485 outer to U.S. 29 North or N.C. 49 North, and northbound visitors can take George W. Liles Parkway to U.S. 29 South.
Regular I-85 commuters through this busy nexus are urged to adjust their travel schedules or find alternate paths during the race weekend meanwhile, if you're planning a trip to Concord Mills Mall, the recommended detour is I-485 to Mallard Creek Road then north with a right on Carolina Lily Lane or Concord Mills Boulevard to help alleviate the norm congestion, especially at those mall entrances off I-85.
