I-77

Proposed I-77 Widening

I-77 is an interstate on the NCDOT Functional Classification System and as a freeway-expressway by the 2004 MUMPO (Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization) Thoroughfare Plan. The portion of the I-77 corridor between I-277 in Charlotte, and north to Exit 28 currently experiences congestion, and future traffic forecasts show the congestion worsening if no improvements are implemented. Improvements to the corridor face physical, environmental and financial constraints requiring innovative solutions. NCDOT is proposing improvements to I-77 by constructing High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. Eligible carpoolers, vanpools, motorcycles and transit vehicles will be able to use the HOT lanes for free while other travelers will be given the option to pay to use the HOT lane. These projects, in conjunction with proposed improvements to I-77 between I-277 and Exit 28 (public meetings were held in May 2012 on this portion), will provide continuous HOT lanes along the I-77 corridor from 5th Street in Charlotte to NC 150 in Mooresville. The purpose of the projects is to improve mobility and travel time reliability by managing the traffic flow along these critical portions of I-77. This approach will provide transportation options resulting in more reliable local trips and overall network efficiency.

Public Comment Period

A 30-day public comment period was held from Saturday, March 23 to April 22, 2013 to receive the public’s input on proposed amendments to MUMPO’s 2035 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and 2012-2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) with regard to the proposed widening of I-77.  Public input was also received on the Conformity Determination Report for the amended LRTP and TIP.  Two public meetings were held on April 10 & 11, 2013 to receive input on the proposed project. The following links provide detailed information about the proposed amendments and the associated conformity determination.

• LRTP and TIP Draft Amendment Report
   
• Draft Air Quality Conformity Determination Report
  • Appendices

  (The Draft Air Quality Conformity Determination Report reflects the scenario for improvements to I-77 endorsed by MUMPO’s Technical Coordinating Committee on May 2, 2013. The MPO is scheduled to act on the requested conformity determination on May 22, 2013.)

• Public Involvement Timeline
   
• Public Meeting Presentation (April 2013)
   
• Public Comments Received

Environmental Review

An Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared for the project.  When the EA is complete, there will be an opportunity for public comment.  More information about the I-77 corridor, the proposed project, and managed lanes in general, is provided below.

Resources

The following links provide more information about the proposed I-77 HOT lanes project, and about managed lanes in general. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.