A death on I-85 south caused a major traffic backup in Gaston County

Part of Interstate 85 south in Gaston County was closed Monday and traffic was backed up while police investigate a death.

The state Highway Patrol is investigating the incident that occurred near Exit 20 to NC 279 around 10:50 a.m., Observer news partner WSOC reported. The road was expected to reopen by 3 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation suggested southbound motorists take Exit 21 to Cox Road, then left on Cox Road, and then a right to US 29/US 74 to I-85 South.

Gaston County Emergency Medical Services confirmed one person is dead, the report said.