I-77 toll lane project: latest updates on the regional debate

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The future of one of Charlotte’s most controversial highway projects remains unclear after a series of developments this week.

Charlotte city council voted to rescind its support for a proposed toll lane project that would add express lanes from uptown Charlotte to the South Carolina state line. Cornelius officials said Friday that until existing toll lanes through Lake Norman show improvement on I-77, there is no reason to start a similar project.

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Council member Ed Driggs said there are discussions about reversing the vote.

“I think some of us are hopeful that we can do that because for the rescinding motion to stand and for the CRTPO then to vote, it’s a terrible outcome. You lose three and a half billion dollars’ worth of investment,” Driggs said.

Charlotte City Council does not have the authority to stop the project. That power lies with the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, which includes votes from Charlotte and neighboring cities and towns. Their next meeting is Wednesday, but as of now, they do not have plans to vote on the project.

Adding fuel to the debate, a new survey from the Regan Zambri Law Group ranked I-77’s Exit 5 to Tyvola Road the second most stressful off-ramp in North Carolina. The survey, completed by more than 3,000 drivers, found that traffic along I-77 tightens as drivers approach Exit 5, causing cars to pile up.

“It’s just really hectic, a lot of cars, just people trying to get home or get to work,” said Katie Gutierrez, who travels the stretch daily.

Driver Marc Beucus described the congestion.

“Just bumper to bumper. Unless you’re leaving at 10:30, 11:00 in the morning, you’re going to end up having to always leave early,” Beucus said.