Breakdown: The "New" I-485 Plan

With the backdrop of Department of Transportation earthmovers sitting on an unfinished section of I-485 near I-77, Governor Bev Perdue announced ground breaking news to applause from local transportation leaders, "485 is going to be completed five years sooner than was scheduled on the old plan. That's pretty cool."

In her plan, the work on the last leg of 485 (from 115 to I-85) will start sometime in 2010, built simultaneously with 2 other projects, widening I-85 and the I-85 interchange. Perdue says all three projects will be financed in an innovative way used already in 2 states, Texas and Florida. The money will come from the Highway Trust Fund, Garvey Bonds in which federal money is borrowed against future projects, and, public private partnerships. "It was pretty clear you just had to find a different way to skin the cat," said the first term Governor who has promised to overhaul the state's transportation system.

But, what's reality? Even with a plan in place, can the last leg break ground by the end of next year?

First, right of way property still needs to be purchased. Transportation Secretary Gene Conti says it's already begun. But, homeowner Eddie Garrison, whose house sits right in the middle of the soon-to-be construction, says no it hasn't, "after checking with landowners this afternoon, that has not happened yet," said Garrison. But, he's optimistic, "I'm having a good feeling about it now."

Second, bids for contractors have to go out. Conti says that will happen next week. All projects are on the Fast Track. First contract should let in May. But, all that depends on the air quality, which could be a major road block says June Blotnick from Clean Air Carolina. "We are in major trouble with the EPA. The state is counting on cars getting cleaner and they think we'll meet ozone attainment just by that. And that's not going to happen. We have not met the ozone standard in over 20 years and the Obama Administration is supposed tighten standards soon."

But, still Governor Perdue is promising it will get done. "I said simply I want it done, and the people of north carolina want it done," said Perdue.