CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization approved funding last night to convert outside shoulders to travel lanes along the I-77 corridor during peak travel hours.
“At my direction and with significant input from local leaders and communities, the Department of Transportation is pushing to ultimately have state operation of the I-77 project. This is another step toward that goal,” said Governor Cooper.
The approved changes are part of the Department of Transportation’s “Improve, Expand, Protect” action plan, that was presented to the local advisory group on Aug. 15, 2018. The presentation and a video from the livestreamed meeting is publicly available here.
The hardened shoulders are anticipated to enhance traffic conditions during peak hours on I-77 until additional improvements are viable. While working to fulfill the eventual objective of operating this facility, NCDOT will continue to implement the action plan.
“NCDOT will continue working closely with the local and regional partners to respond to the concerns expressed by the people of northern Mecklenburg and southern Iredell counties,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon.
The shoulder lane construction timeline has not been finalized at this time.
General Project Update
- The northern section of the I-77 express lanes, from Hambright Road in Huntersville to Exit 36 in Mooresville, opened June 1.
- The contract deadline to complete the rest of the project is Oct. 31.