RALEIGH -The new Exit 35 on Interstate 77 onto Brawley
School Road in Mooresville is scheduled to open today around 10 a.m. after a
final inspection of the interchange. This will signal the completion of the
widening project from I-77 to Lake Norman that began in 2008.
The inspection included making sure the final striping lines for the
bridge, as well as making sure all additional signage and lighting were in
place and working.
"Motorists should be
aware of traffic changes and new signage along Brawley School Road and I-77,"
said NCDOT Statesville Resident Engineer John Cook. "This project will help
traffic flow, as well as create more access to businesses in Mooresville and
recreational opportunities on Lake Norman."
The Brawley School Road widening consisted of two sections,
as well installing sidewalks on both sides of the road and the creation of a
new I-77 exit. The first section (3.8 miles) -from south of Southfork Road to
east of Williamson Road -- began in November 2008 and was completed in the summer
of 2011. The second section -- from Williamson Road to Talbert Road -- began in
December of 2009.
The new interchange and
exit lanes were constructed between exits 33 (U.S. 21) and 36 (N.C. 150) in
Mooresville. New lights along I-77 in the area were installed in locations that
will not have to be moved if the interstate is widened in the area.
The project was necessary because of congestion along the former
two-lane Brawley School Road ranges
from 7,800 to 31,900 daily. Those counts are expected to increase between 9,200
to 44,700 by 2030.