Community Engagement Center for I-77 South Express Lanes Now Open

CHARLOTTE — The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced today that the Community Engagement Center for the I-77 South Express Lanes project reopened at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6.

Located within the project corridor at 1023 W. Morehead St., Suite 150, the Center serves as the primary hub for ongoing dialogue, public feedback and community collaboration as the project advances over the coming years.

“Community engagement is essential to getting this project right,” said NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson. “We’re committed to listening, answering questions and working closely with local partners throughout this process. This center gives us a place to keep those conversations going and turn community priorities into meaningful improvements.” 

The City of Charlotte will be supporting NCDOT’s community engagement efforts, as well supporting the working group as it oversees the development of a final community benefits plan.

“Our priority is ensuring that major infrastructure investments directly benefit the neighborhoods they run through,” said Charlotte Mayor Rob Harrington. “Reopening this center gives our residents, business owners and commuters direct access to project leaders, transparent updates and a seat at the table as we shape multimodal connections and community enhancements.”

The Center provides visitors with project exhibits, technical maps and direct access to project staff. Members of the public can make virtual or in-person appointments online. Drop-in visitors are also welcome during open hours.

Hours of Operation & Appointments

The Center is open during the following hours (subject to state and federal holiday schedules):

*State and federal holidays may impact operating hours.

Project Background & Community Commitments

The I-77 South corridor between the Brookshire Freeway and the South Carolina state line is among the most heavily traveled routes in the region, with an average of five crashes daily, five annual fatalities, and a crash rate 2.8 times higher than the statewide average for urban interstates.

Initiated at the request of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) and programmed in the 2026–2035 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), the project aims to improve safety, ease congestion and deliver reliable travel times.

The project is currently in procurement, with preliminary designs roughly 10% to 15% complete. Initial design maps reflect early planning concepts and remain subject to refinement based on the community benefits plan, public feedback and technical review.

NCDOT and the City of Charlotte are establishing a Joint Working Group as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOA). The Joint Working Group will consist of designated representatives from NCDOT, the City of Charlotte, and community leaders. Applications to serve on the working group are expected to be available online Nov. 10. 

Shaped by the community, the private development partner is required to invest a minimum of $300 million directly into corridor connectivity and community-centered improvements, including:

​Resources and Contact Information