NCDOT: I-77 South Express Lanes - Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs about Express Lanes

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What is the I-77 South Express Lanes Project?
The I-77 South Express Lanes Project will improve safety, manage congestion and provide travel reliability along I-77 from the Brookshire Freeway (I-277) to the South Carolina state line. The corridor carries about 160,000 vehicles a day and experiences roughly five to six crashes daily. Charlotte commuters lose about 41 hours a year to traffic. Improving this corridor has also been a regional priority for nearly two decades since the 2007 Fast Lanes Study.

The project will include two express lanes in each direction, reconstructing interchange and non-interchange bridges, and adding access points and direct connectors to the express lanes.

Independent analysis estimates the project will support over 34,000 jobs and generate more than $8 billion in economic activity for the region.

Final design of the project is expected to be complete by the end of 2027, with construction anticipated to begin in the early 2030s.
What are express lanes?
Express lanes are toll lanes built within an existing highway that offer drivers a more reliable travel-time option during periods of heavy congestion by providing additional capacity to accommodate more traffic and offer drivers the option of a safer, more predictable commute.
Unlike traditional toll roads, drivers can choose to pay the toll and use the express lanes or continue to drive in the existing non-tolled general-purpose lanes. Drivers using the express lanes will reach their destinations at more reliable, predictable times.
Why express lanes?
Per state law, toll projects must be requested and approved by the local planning organization. The concept for express lanes on I-77 began in 2007 with the Fast Lanes Study. In growing urban areas, additional non-tolled general-purpose lanes only temporarily reduce traffic congestion, especially during peak periods.
As growth continues, traffic congestion worsens. Express lanes provide drivers with an optional, more reliable travel time. Additionally, every vehicle in the express lanes is one less vehicle in the general-purpose lanes.
How much will I pay to use the express lanes?
It is too early in the project development process to determine toll rates. Because the express lanes use dynamic pricing, rates increase during peak travel periods when demand is highest and decrease during off-peak times.
When the express lanes begin to fill up, the price rises to help manage demand and maintain reliable travel speeds. Once a driver enters the express lanes, the toll for that trip is locked in for that segment and will not change while they are in the lane.
Who can use the I-77 South Express Lanes for free?
Emergency vehicles, Charlotte Area Transit System, or CATS/MPTA, registered CATS carpool and HOV +3 (Carpooling) can use the express lanes toll-free. A discount program for low-income residents will also be established.
Are tolls just another tax?
Unlike taxation, only drivers who use the express lanes will be charged. Drivers are given the option to pay to use the express lanes if they want more reliable travel times. Drivers may choose to pay the toll and use the express lanes for part or all of their trip or use the general-purpose lanes at no charge.
How do I pay tolls?
The express lanes feature all-electronic tolling meaning tolls are captured electronically at highway speeds, so you never have to stop to pay a toll. Drivers have several options to pay:
- Sign up for an NC Quick Pass account. Customers with an NC Quick Pass account save 50% on tolls in North Carolina and can pay tolls in 19 states.
- Receive a toll invoice in the mail. Overhead toll equipment captures a picture of the vehicle’s license plate, and an invoice will be mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner’s address on file with the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. After the first mailed invoice, customers can opt-in to receive future invoices by email.

Project Overview

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What is the current status of the I-77 South Express Lanes Project?
The project is very early in the design process (currently 10-15% complete). A final design is expected by the end of 2027. Construction is expected to begin in the early 2030s.

The I-77 South corridor was identified in the 2007 Fast Lanes Study as one of the corridors that would benefit most from express lanes, and the project has been reaffirmed multiple times as a regional priority by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO). The project was originally submitted for consideration in the State Improvement Program or STIP in 2014 by CRTPO.

NCDOT is expanding the initial community engagement period for the I-77 South Express Lanes project and will issue the first draft Request for Proposals in late June 2026. The extended timeline reflects the department's commitment to listening to residents and elected officials, addressing concerns, and ensuring community input shapes the project's development.

NCDOT is also establishing a Community Engagement Center in the project corridor where residents can meet with the project team in person or online. The center will serve as an ongoing resource for surrounding communities, providing project information, offering one-on-one meetings with NCDOT staff, and creating opportunities to discuss potential community enhancements and beneficial programs. A schedule for appointments and virtual office hours will be published in April.

NCDOT is currently engaged in the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, process, and as part of the environmental work, initial small group meetings in local communities are taking place.
Presented at more than 30 outreach meetings with more than 2,000 people
Two formal public meetings took place in the fall of 2025
NCDOT will continue community engagement as the department continues to minimize design impacts based on feedback. Additionally, the project design will continue to evolve through the project's procurement process as NCDOT will ask private companies to propose additional ideas to further eliminate impacts where possible. NCDOT will continue to collaborate with our partners at the Federal Highway Administration, the City of Charlotte, and communities throughout the project development process.
What is the rationale behind adding toll lanes as opposed to conventional lanes?
The I-77 South corridor was identified in the 2007 Fast Lanes Study as one of the corridors that would benefit most from express lanes, and the project has been reaffirmed multiple times as a regional priority by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO). The project was originally submitted for consideration in the State Improvement Program or STIP in 2014 by CRTPO. The project currently has $600 million allocated in the State Transportation Improvement Program.

Express lanes provide a reliable travel-time option that traditional widening alone cannot guarantee during peak congestion.

For background on the project, visit the I-77 South Express Lanes Project History webpage.
How will the I-77 South improvements help Charlotte's transportation infrastructure?
This section of corridor was last widened in the 1990s, from four to six lanes. Since then, traffic demand on I-77 South has and will continue to increase for residents, drivers, and businesses.

Here’s why this project matters for drivers and communities along the corridor:

Challenges:
Charlotte commuters lose about 41 hours each year to traffic congestion, costing drivers an estimated $711 annually in lost time and fuel.
More than 160,000 vehicles travel through this section of I-77 South every day. Traffic is expected to grow over time, reaching an estimated 200,000 vehicles per day along this portion of I-77 by 2050.
This segment of I-77 experiences roughly five to six crashes daily, more than 2.5 times higher than the statewide average for urban interstates.
Crash rates are directly linked to traffic congestion.
Solutions:
- Reliable travel times for all express lane users
- Transit, emergency vehicles and HOV3+ (carpool) will travel in the express lanes for free
- Low-income toll discount program
- Improved congestion management for both express and general-purpose lanes
- Modernized pedestrian friendly bridge and overpass designs
- Sidewalks, bike pathways and shared-use paths
- Toll rate caps to ensure fair pricing
- Continued collaboration to identify additional community benefits that reconnect neighborhoods rather than divide them
- The project will also implement express lanes recommended in the Fast Lanes Study and Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
The project will implement express lanes recommended in the Fast Lanes Study and Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan

These express lanes on the I-77 South corridor will also be part of a network of express lanes in the Charlotte region, connecting to the I-77 North Express lanes and I-485 Express lanes.
Why is NCDOT recommending an elevated design instead of traditional widening?
Public feedback showed strong preference for a design with the fewest impacts possible. The elevated design north of John Belk Freeway preserves 41 homes that would have been impacted under a traditional at-grade widening approach.
The current draft design (North of Belk) constructs express lanes over or to the side of the existing interstate for 1.5 miles and will preserve all homes north of John Belk Freeway in Wesley Heights, McCrorey Heights, Biddleville, Genesis Park, and other neighborhoods. It also avoids significant impacts to historic neighborhoods, cemeteries and Irwin Creek.
We’ve heard the community concerns and are committed to continuing to listen and refine the design. As the project's design evolves through the procurement phase, we will be challenging the developers to propose innovative solutions that further reduce or eliminate impacts wherever possible.

Design Alternatives

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Why can’t this money go to rail or transit projects instead?
Per state law, the funding made available for this project cannot be redirected to trains or other transit-related projects. However, the express lanes will improve transit reliability along the corridor. The $100 million in bonus allocation funds unlocked by this project can be directed to other transportation projects in Mecklenburg County through the regional planning process.
Because the express lanes provide reliable travel times, they can essentially function as a bus rapid transit route, and CATS/MPTA and emergency vehicles can use them toll-free.
Why not build a tunnel instead?
NCDOT has heard community feedback requesting that portions of I‑77 South be capped or relocated underground. In response, the department is committed to a more in‑depth analysis of the feasibility of capping or placing part of I‑77 South underground.
As part of a previous evaluation, NCDOT previously reviewed and compared other major tunnel projects such as the Big Dig (Boston) and Alaskan Way (Seattle).
Based on those comparisons, relocating I-77 underground would cost billions of dollars per mile (10-20x NCDOT’s annual capital budget). Additionally, maintenance costs would be more than $50 million a year (nearly all of NCDOT Division 10’s annual maintenance fund for bridge and roadway maintenance, potholes, etc.). With the scope and scale of this project, an underground option could be even more impactful, depending on the construction methods that would be required to complete the work.
To determine possible annual maintenance cost for a tunnel, NCDOT considered these items:
- Power for continuous lighting and ventilation
- Ventilation fan operations and maintenance
- 24/7 staffing, monitoring, and control centers
- Fire and life/safety systems • Intelligent transportation systems, controls, and communications
- Drainage systems, pumps, inspections, and emergency response
Ultimately, a tunnel would not be financially viable for the I-77 South project.
The complexity of tunneling projects typically extends construction timelines to 5-10 years or more. This extended duration is largely due to the intricate processes.
Based on community feedback, NCDOT has started an additional in-depth analysis to further explore tunnel options near the uptown area.

Project Oversight

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Will the N.C. Department of Transportation maintain ownership of the I-77 South Express Lanes?
Yes, NCDOT will maintain ownership of the lanes. The private partner will be responsible for managing the design, construction, finance and operation of the project, as well as the maintenance of the express lanes.
What is the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization and what is its role in the I-77 South Express Lanes Project?
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, or CRTPO, is the federally designated entity responsible for transportation planning for the Charlotte Urban Area including Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Union counties. CRTPO is responsible for coordinating with the communities in its planning area to identify, prioritize, and recommend projects for funding. Per state law, NCGS §136-89 (a)(2), toll projects in North Carolina must be requested/approved by the local planning organization.
What is NEPA?
The National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, is a federally established policy that provides a framework for integrating environmental considerations into federal decision-making. The Federal Highway Administration, or FHWA, is required to examine, avoid and minimize potential impacts to the social and natural environment when considering approval of proposed transportation projects. More information regarding the NEPA process can be found here.

Community Engagement

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What is the Community Engagement Center, and how will it work?
The Community Engagement Center will be a dedicated space along the project corridor where residents can meet with the project team in person or virtually. It will provide project information, host one-on-one conversations with NCDOT staff and offer opportunities to discuss potential community enhancements. Appointment schedules and virtual office hours will be published on the project website in April 2026.
Comments and questions regarding the project can also be submitted through the project email i-77south@ncdot.gov or by calling the project hotline at 1-800-254-0498. For Spanish, 1-800-481-6494.
Why is NCDOT extending the community engagement period?
Community engagement is ongoing through the project development process and into construction (early 2030’s), and feedback from these conversations is actively shaping updates to the project’s planning and design.
NCDOT is expanding the engagement period leading up to the first draft RFP, which will be issued in late June 2026. Once the draft RFP is published, NCDOT will continue refining it based on additional feedback, technical analysis, and environmental review.
What benefits will the community see from this project?
- The project unlocks up to $100 million in bonus allocation funds that must stay in Mecklenburg County for other local transportation priorities.
- Analysis by NC State’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education projects 34,250 jobs will be supported, $3.19 billion in labor income, and $8.13 billion in total economic output from project construction alone.
- That includes $140 million in state tax revenue and $90 million in local tax revenue.
- And this analysis does not even include the operational benefits—travel time savings, safety improvements, and transit reliability—once the lanes are open.
- Transit, emergency vehicles and HOV3+ (carpool) will travel in the express lanes for free
- Low-income toll discount program
- Improved congestion management for both express and general-purpose lanes
- Modernized pedestrian friendly bridge and overpass designs
- Sidewalks, bike pathways and shared-use paths
- Toll rate caps to ensure fair pricing
- Continued collaboration to identify additional community benefits that reconnect neighborhoods rather than divide them
How long has NCDOT been engaging with the community on the I-77 South Express Lanes project?
Key community engagement milestones in the planning and coordination of the I-77 South Express Lanes project include:
- 2007: Charlotte, NCDOT, SCDOT, CRTPO, and regional partners initiate the Fast Lanes Study, marking the beginning of formal collaboration on managed-lane concepts for I-77 South.
- 2014: CRTPO approves the project list for scoring in the FY 2016–2025 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), including the proposal to widen I-77 South from I-485 to I-277 with express lanes. The project has remained in subsequent- prioritization cycles for the past decade.
- February 2023: CRTPO board votes to have NCDOT conduct a comparative analysis of a potential P3 (public-private-partnership) delivery.
- October 2024: CRTPO votes in favor of NCDOT moving forward with the P3 comparative analysis.
- Fall 2024 – Spring 2025: A dedicated I-77 South Express Lanes Working Group, made up of CRTPO board members and NCDOT staff, is formed to discuss project objectives and identify potential key terms ahead of a future Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
- May 2025: After seven months of meetings, the Working Group approves the low and high financial key terms. All meeting materials are available in the Project Documents section of this site.
Since January 2025, NCDOT has also been gathering input from local residents through public meetings and community meetings. To date, NCDOT has held more than 30 small group meetings and two formal public meetings, reaching more than 2,000 people. Community engagement is ongoing, and feedback from these conversations is actively shaping updates to the project’s planning and design.
The new Community Engagement Center will also provide an ongoing permanent resource for information and dialogue.
How will noise be managed during construction?
Being a good neighbor during construction is one of the N.C. Turnpike Authority’s top priorities. That includes actively monitoring noise from construction and reducing disruptions when possible. Neighbors will be notified by the project team prior to noisy activities, night work or heavy equipment used during construction.
How will traffic noise be managed for people living near the express lanes once they are open to traffic?
The N.C. Department of Transportation is committed to minimizing traffic noise for nearby communities. Before construction begins, the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, requires agencies to assess potential impacts to nearby communities, including noise. A preliminary noise analysis will be performed to estimate how traffic noise from the future express lanes may affect surrounding properties. Based on those findings, potential noise abatement measures, including noise walls, can be considered. Additionally, a design noise report will be developed during final design for the project to guide mitigation efforts.

Right of Way

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How does the elevated design option affect impacts to nearby neighborhoods?
The draft elevated design preserves homes in the McCrorey Heights, Wesley Heights and Biddleville neighborhoods (41 homes would be impacted with traditional widening). It also reduces impacts to Frazier Park and Pinewood Cemetery.
How will I know if my property, neighborhood or business will be impacted by construction?
The project team is in the process of developing the preliminary design for this project, which will determine the anticipated right of way needed for the project. Property owners impacted by the final design will be contacted as early as possible by the project team.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my property or business regarding right of way?
NCDOT understands that questions about your home or business are personal and can cause real concern. Protecting neighborhoods and minimizing property impacts has been a priority throughout the design process.

The designs shown on the on the project website are preliminary and our project team is actively looking at options to avoid and minimize impacts on properties wherever possible. We anticipate revised design plans will be presented at public hearings this summer and will be updated on the project website at that time.

Please note that NCDOT is pursuing advanced acquisition of some non-residential properties. If a property is identified as potentially affected during final design, the property owner will be contacted directly by a Right-of-Way Agent before any acquisition process begins.

If relocation becomes necessary, NCDOT follows strict federal and state guidelines to ensure fairness and comprehensive communications.

If you are impacted, a Right-of-Way Agent will meet with you personally to explain the project plans, your rights under state and federal law, and the steps involved in the acquisition process. No one is asked to move without advanced formal notice, an explanation of their rights, and the opportunity to ask questions. This process applies to property owners and renters/tenants alike. Additional property owner resources are available online.

NCDOT is also establishing a Community Engagement Center in the project corridor where residents can meet with the project team in person or online. The center will serve as an ongoing resource for surrounding communities, providing project information, offering one-on-one meetings with NCDOT staff, and creating opportunities to discuss potential community enhancements and beneficial programs. A schedule for appointments and virtual office hours will be published in April.

Project Cost & Funding

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How much will the project cost?
The current capital cost estimate is $3.2 billion (August 2024). The North Carolina Department of Transportation has up to $600 million available to use for this project. Because this is a toll project, per state law, CRTPO is eligible to receive $100 million in Bonus Allocation funding to be used for projects in Mecklenburg County. The remaining cost will be privately financed.
Why is the I-77 South Express Lanes Project so expensive?
The scale of this project goes far beyond adding express lane to I-77 from Uptown Charlotte to the South Carolina state line. These additional lanes will require reconstruction and replacement of most of the interchanges and bridges along the corridor. The project also includes consideration of sidewalks and shared-use paths at each interchange to improve pedestrian and bike access. Additionally, new access points and direct connections between the express lanes and surrounding cross streets are being considered to make I-77 more efficient and accessible for drivers. These upgrades are designed to support long-term mobility, safety and regional connectivity by creating infrastructure that includes 3 proposed locations that directly connect the I-77 South Express Lanes with a cross street.

Highway widening in an urban corridor like I-77 South with tightly spaced interchanges adds to the complexity and cost of the project. Some of the unique challenges presented by this project include:
- Constraints resulting from the physical location of I-77 South.
- Competing resources along the corridor.
- Rising costs of material industry wide.
- Limited availability of transportation funding.
- Potential for additional right of way needs.
- Challenges associated with existing utility coordination and relocation.
How will the I-77 South Express Lanes Project be funded?
Through a public-private partnership, or P3, and funding from NCDOT’s State Improvement Plan, or STIP. The P3 funding mechanism allows private companies to cover most of the costs, including construction and maintenance.

The current cost estimate for the project is $3.2 billion (August 2024). A total of $600 million in state funds is programmed in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for this project; CRTPO is eligible to receive $100 million in Bonus Allocation funding; the remaining project funding will come from the private developer selected to construct the project.

P3 funding also allows the project to move forward sooner and with less public funding, allowing state funding to be used for other critical projects.
What is a public-private partnership or P3?
A public-private partnership or P3, is a team effort between the government and private companies to build and manage important infrastructure, like roads. Instead of relying solely on traditional funding, private companies help fund, build and maintain the roads, while the state keeps ownership and oversight. You can find more information about the P3 delivery process here.

As part of the process, developers will compete to provide designs with innovative ideas that further minimize impacts and find opportunities to reconnect communities.
What happens to the project funding if the I-77 South Express Lanes project does not move forward?
The N.C. Department of Transportation has up to $600 million available for the I-77 South Express Lanes project, but state law prohibits using these funds for a standalone transit project. Because this is a toll project, CRTPO is also eligible for $100 million in Bonus Allocation funding for Mecklenburg County—funding that would not otherwise be available.

If the project does not move forward, the $600 million in state funds would return to NCDOT’s statewide pool and be redistributed across North Carolina, with no guarantee that the Charlotte region would receive comparable funding.

Timeline & Next Steps

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Are the design plans for the I-77 South Express Lanes project final?
No. The project is still early in design. Design is about 10 to 15 percent complete, with final design not expected until at least 2027. The concept the public has seen so far establishes the footprint for environmental review, not the final design.
This project will also be delivered through a public-private partnership, which means multiple developer teams will compete to propose design solutions. Those teams will be evaluated in part on how effectively they reduce impacts and respond to community priorities.
The preliminary project design maps are available on the Project Maps page on the project website. The maps are not final, and public feedback is a critical component of the design process. Engagement will continue throughout the design and procurement process. A public hearing will be held in the summer of 2026, which will be another opportunity for public engagement.
How is the N.C. Department of Transportation ensuring a competitive and innovative procurement process for the I-77 South Express Lanes project?
A top priority identified by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s (CRTPO) I-77 South Working Group was ensuring competition on this project. NCDOT has shortlisted four strong teams as part of a competitive bid process, which began in August 2025. The department is charging the teams to prioritize innovative solutions to reduce and eliminate impacts to the community wherever possible.
What is the project schedule as of March 2026?
The I-77 South Express Lanes project is currently in the planning and design phase. As part of the early outreach efforts, small group neighborhood meetings began in early 2025 to help engage the community and gather input.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is expanding the initial community engagement period and will issue the first draft Request for Proposals in June 2026.

The final environmental document is expected to be completed in early 2027. A developer will likely be selected by summer 2027. Once selected, the developer will work on securing financing and finalizing design plans.

3/20/2026 10:37 AM

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs about Express Lanes

Project Overview

Challenges:

Solutions:

Design Alternatives

Project Oversight

Community Engagement

Right of Way

Project Cost & Funding

Timeline & Next Steps