How to avoid long Interstate 77 backups in Charlotte after truck fire near uptown

Interstate 77 drivers can choose several alternate routes to avoid the long backups reported after a tractor-trailer fire shut down the highway on the northbound side on Tuesday morning.

State highway officials reported 6-mile backups on I-77 northbound after the fire closed the Freedom Drive exit near uptown Charlotte and the collector lanes to John Belk Freeway/Wilkinson Boulevard.

The northbound backup started near the Clanton Road exit.

At 10:45 a.m., the northbound backup started near the Clanton Road exit, and the right northbound lane and collector ramp were still closed at Exit 9 (John Belk Freeway). To avoid delays, drivers should use the I-485 loop to re-access I-77, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Drivers northbound from South Carolina can take either of these routes to avoid the mess:

▪ I-77 to Interstate 485 West to Interstate 5 North.

▪ I-77 to I-485 East to Providence Road. Take Providence Road northwest to Interstate 277 north, then to I-77 North.

From north of Charlotte, consider taking:

▪ I-77 South to I-485 South or I-85 West and go around the city.

▪ Take I-77 South to I-277 South to South Boulevard. Head southwest on South Boulevard then right on Remount Road or Clanton Road to I-77.