What is left of U.S. 521 travels just 3.9 miles between the South Carolina state line and the partial-cloverleaf interchange with Interstate 485. The highway saw truncation in 2004 from its end at Interstate 85 near Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Exit 61 of the beltway. Before that shortening, the route was relocated from Pineville onto a shared alignment with Interstate 485.
05/30/05 photos taken by Alex Nitzman.
U.S. Highway 521 North
Entering North Carolina and Mecklenburg County along U.S. 521 northbound. The northbound arterial gains heavy development as it approaches Interstate 485 and Charlotte. Photo taken 05/30/05.
Northbound U.S. 521 reassurance shield posted on the four-lane highway after the state line. Photo taken 05/30/05.
U.S. 521 expands to a six-lane arterial as it travels through the Ballantyne Corporate Park from John J. Delaney Drive northward. The eastbound on-ramp to Interstate 485 departs at the Ballantyne Corporate Place overpass. Photo taken 05/30/05.
A ramp stub was built in anticipation of an eventual flyover ramp from U.S. 521 north to Interstate 485 west. Interstate 485 east continues to Matthews and Mint Hill over the next 15 miles. Photo taken 05/30/05.
U.S. 521 travelers pass over the Charlotte beltway ahead of the left-hand turn onto Interstate 485 west. A stub also exists on the westbound on-ramp. Photo taken 05/30/05.
When the flyover for Interstate 485 west opens, the left-hand turn will be eliminated from U.S. 521 north at its end. Interstate 485 bends northwest toward Pineville and junction Interstate 77 south of central Charlotte over the next six miles. Photo taken 05/30/05.
U.S. Highway 521 South
Departing Interstate 485 via Exit 61 and turning southward onto the beginning of U.S. 521. This off-ramp once represented the brief split between the two highways. Before truncation, U.S. 521 shared pavement with Interstate 485 shortly after the road opened between Johnston Drive and South Boulevard. Photo taken 05/30/05.
The first southbound shield posted for U.S. 521 as drivers leave Interstate 485. Ballantyne Corporate Place passes over the six-lane arterial on the bridge above. Photo taken 05/30/05.
John J. Delaney Drive provides access to the sprawling campus of Ballantyne Corporate Park that surrounded the forthcoming crossroads of U.S. 521 and Ballantyne Commons Parkway. Photo taken 05/30/05.
Scenes pertaining to U.S. Highway 521
Heading south along Johnston Road toward the partial-cloverleaf interchange with Interstate 485. U.S. 521 begins at the junction. Photo taken 05/30/05.
Johnston Road south at the westbound on-ramp to Interstate 485 for Pineville. Photo taken 05/30/05.
A loop ramp carries drivers onto Interstate 485 east for Matthews and Mint Hill. U.S. 521 continues south from the intersection toward Lancaster, South Carolina. Photo taken 05/30/05.
