Rendering of the proposed I-77 expansion from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
North Carolina’s controversial plans to add optional toll lanes to 26 miles of I-77 through Charlotte cleared hurdles this month.
Though trucks will not be allowed in any of the new lanes, the highway expansion could reduce congestion in the two lanes in which trucks are currently — and will continue to be — allowed to operate.
On Jan. 20, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization voted 14-7 to reaffirm the I-77 Express Lanes Project. Last month, Gov. Pat McCrory asked the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for Charlotte to confirm support. Charlotte City Council had also endorsed the plan Jan. 11 with a 9-2 vote.
Earlier this month, project opponent Widen I-77 lost a state court challenge against the plan.
The $647 million public-private partnership began last summer after the Spanish company Cintra signed a 50-year contract with NCDOT. A Cintra company, I-77 Mobility Partners, will design, build, operate and maintain the project.
Tolls will be based on congestion pricing, with drivers paying the most during the busiest periods. The Federal Highway Administration says economists generally agree congestion or value pricing is the most viable and sustainable way to reduce traffic.
Currently, I-77 has one high-occupancy-vehicle lane in each direction, which will be converted to express lanes. Crews will also build a second express lane alongside the converted HOV lane on I-77 North and South.
The result will be two express lanes for each direction, except between Exits 28 and 36, where one express lane will be built in each direction.
Existing general-purpose lanes will remain free. Passenger vehicles with three or more occupants, motorcycles and buses may also express lanes free.
NCDOT says it would take 20 years to complete the project without the partnership funding. The PPP allows lanes to be added by leveraging new funds through Cintra’s investment. The public will continue to own the road and agency oversight will ensure Cintra satisfies its contract, NCDOT said.
The state’s trucking association has not taken a position on the project.
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