CHARLOTTE – State agencies will immediately tow abandoned or disabled vehicles parked along the shoulder of Charlotte area interstates during next month’s Democratic National Convention.

This is to ensure safe, efficient travel for commuters, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.

The ordinance takes effect from 12:01 a.m. Sept. 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 on the following roads:

• I-85 from the Cleveland/Gaston county line to the Cabarrus/Rowan county line;

• I-77 from the South Carolina line to the I-40 interchange in Iredell County;

• I-485 in Mecklenburg County;

• I-277 in Mecklenburg County;

• U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard) in Mecklenburg County, from I-277 to Albemarle Road; and

• N.C. 16 (Brookshire Freeway) in Mecklenburg County, from I-77 to I-85.

Beginning at 6 a.m. Aug 27, NCDOT will also prohibit lane closures on interstates, as well as N.C. and U.S. routes, in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston and Union counties.

The restriction will be lifted at 8 p.m. Sept. 7.

NCDOT will use overhead and portable signs to alert motorists of problem areas and alternate routes.

The department advises motorists to check for real-time traffic information by calling 511, signing up for NCDOT updates on Twitter, or using NCDOT Mobile at m.ncdot.gov.