Indra Group Celebrates Opening of I-485 Express Lanes in North Carolina

New all-overhead tolling system integrates cutting-edge perception and communication technologies.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Indra Group, a global leader in mobility technologies and air traffic management, celebrated the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the I-485 Express Lanes project in North Carolina. The event marks the formal opening of the lanes to motorists and the full-scale launch of Indra's advanced all-overhead Open Road Tolling system, which is supplemented by an industry-first combined C-V2X Toll & Safety subsystem.

Why it matters

The I-485 Express Lanes project represents a pioneering shift in American transportation infrastructure, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the driver's experience and safety. The all-overhead tolling system eliminates the need for intrusive in-pavement sensors, while the integrated 3D LiDAR and C-V2X technologies provide real-time traffic and safety alerts to both the operator and connected vehicles.

The details

The I-485 Express Lanes system features several innovative components, including all-overhead Open Road Tolling, dual-use 3D LiDAR for vehicle detection and traffic management, a dynamic pricing back office, and integrated C-V2X technology for real-time tolling notifications and safety alerts. These advancements offer significant benefits for both the North Carolina Turnpike Authority and drivers, such as streamlined payments, enhanced safety, and a national benchmark for operational V2X tolling.

  • The I-485 Express Lanes project was officially opened on February 27, 2026.
  • Indra's industry-first combined C-V2X Toll & Safety subsystem was delivered in December 2025.

The players

Indra Group

A global leader in mobility technologies and air traffic management, Indra Group led the development and implementation of the I-485 Express Lanes project.

North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA)

The state agency that collaborated with Indra Group on the I-485 Express Lanes project, which showcases cutting-edge technology to prioritize the driver's experience and safety.

J.J. Eden

The executive director of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, who praised the I-485 Express Lanes as a milestone for North Carolina and the tolling industry.

Raúl Ripio

The Senior Vice President of Mobility Business at Indra Group, who stated that the official launch of the I-485 Express Lanes is a proud moment for the company as it demonstrates the future of connected mobility.

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What they’re saying

“This is a milestone moment for North Carolina and the tolling industry. The I-485 Express Lanes showcase what is possible when we leverage cutting-edge technology to put the driver's experience and safety first.”

— J.J. Eden, Executive Director, North Carolina Turnpike Authority (bakercityherald.com)

“The official launch of the I-485 Express Lanes is a proud moment for us. By integrating all-overhead tolling, 3D LiDAR perception, back-office intelligence and C-V2X for tolling and safety, we are showing what the future of connected mobility looks like today.”

— Raúl Ripio, Senior Vice President of Mobility Business, Indra Group (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

The North Carolina Turnpike Authority will continue to monitor the performance of the I-485 Express Lanes and explore opportunities to expand the use of similar cutting-edge technologies in other transportation projects across the state.

The takeaway

The I-485 Express Lanes project in North Carolina represents a significant milestone in the integration of advanced mobility technologies, showcasing how innovative solutions can enhance the driver experience, improve safety, and set new benchmarks for the future of connected transportation infrastructure.