An expansion project to build express lanes along I-77 South could cost up to $3.7 billion. | Photo via WCNC
With Charlotte’s population showing no signs of shrinking, infrastructure is racing to keep pace.
City Editor Jack here. Public policy discussions have begun over reconstructing I-77 South from Center City along Brookshire Freeway to the South Carolina state line, and here’s what I learned from attending the recent discussion.
NCDOT and RS&H Charlotte recently unveiled preliminary project details at a public policy meeting.
Photo by CLTtoday
The proposed improvements include adding express lanes or general purpose lanes, requiring most drivers to pay a toll when crossing, offering a more streamlined traffic option in and out of the Queen City. According to NCDOT, the expansion is needed to combat increasing traffic, population growth, and congestion in the Charlotte region.
Jenny Noonkester, Regional Leader for RS&H, noted that commuters spend roughly 40 hours each year stuck in traffic, costing them around $700 in lost time and fuel.
It’s believed Charlotteans spend the equivalent of a work week sitting in traffic every year.
Photo via WCNC
“It’s the largest and most expensive project the state’s ever considered,” said Brett D. Canipe of NCDOT.
The project is estimated to cost more than $3 billion. That’s why efforts are being taken in pursuing a public-private partnership (P3) model to fight funding constraints with construction potentially beginning around 2030.
Charlotte Founders Circle March Party | 6-9 p.m. | Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts | $39+ | Expand your “circle” connecting and networking with fellow entrepreneurs.
Jolie-Laide Winemaker Dinner | 6 p.m. | L’Ostrica | $165 | Spice up your Tuesday night with six delicious courses each paired with a Jolie-Laide wine.
Corporate Volunteer Summit 2025 | 8:30 a.m. | 8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd. | $37+ | Connect with corporate and nonprofit partners to learn how to have an impactful and engaging employee-volunteer experience.
Business Building at The BOWL | 3-4:30 p.m. | The Ballantyne | $15 | Take advantage of face-to-face networking with fellow professionals aiming to help your business learn and grow.
Lake Norman WINS: Women in Networking | 9-10:30 a.m. | Magnolia Woods Weddings & Events, Huntersville | Free | Make meaningful connections with fellow women professionals over coffee and refreshments.
March Paint & Brew | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Primal Brewing Belmont, Belmont | $30 | Create a St. Patrick’s Day-themed masterpiece with watercolors while sipping local craft brews.
✈️ Here’s how to score a $196 flight deal to San Diego (or Key West, or Las Vegas)
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$196. That’s the average deal Going finds for its members to fly round-trip to San Diego. | Photo by Griffin Wooldridge via Pixabay
Psst — the secret to feeling amazing when you book this year’s vacation? Signing up for free flight tracking, so you’ll be notified when flights you have your eye on are seriously discounted.
Severe weather could potentially impact tomorrow’s commute. The WCNC Weather Impact Team is monitoringheavy rain and gusty winds expected to arrive in the Charlotte area tomorrow morning, bringing the risk of road flooding and power outages. (WCNC)
Open
Giddy up. High-end bootmaker Lucchese held its soft opening in Plaza Midwood under the Rowe Apartments at 1711 Commonwealth Ave. Shoppers can find a new wardrobe with high-end boots, hats, accessories, and western apparel. An official grand opening is slated to happen in May.
Plan Ahead
Step into spring. The Bowl at Ballantyne announced an upcoming floral market event, “The Bowl In Bloom” for Saturday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The chance to shop for a floral oasis will coincide with a new monthly outdoor Bowl Street Pop-Up Market running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cause
Firefighters across multiple agencies in York County are helping first responders battle ongoing Carolina Forest wildfires near Myrtle Beach, SC. Firefighters from York County Fire, Bethesda, and Hickory Grove are responding to what the governor has declared a state of emergency. (WCNC)
Small Biz
Calling all small biz owners. We’re gearing up for Small Business Week, a celebration of local enterprises from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. If you own a local small business, let us highlight you by filling out this form by Sunday, March 16.
Community
Speaking of the weather... Duke Energy is providing $500,000 to help North Carolina towns and cities prepare for potentially severe weather, from floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Eligible groups can apply for grants up to $25,000 each and have until April 25, 2025 to submit their applications. (WCNC)
Travel
Charlotte-based American Airlines is testing free in-flight Wi-Fi for flights between Raleigh, Miami, Chicago, and Jacksonville, Florida. AA flight passes for Internet can often cost more than $20. It’s TBD if potential free service could expand to other flights. (WCNC)
Listen
A new bi-weekly podcast series “The Forgotten: After Helene” is now available, sharing stories from survivors of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina and their ongoing recovery efforts. The series is narrated and produced by Charlotte reporter Sarah Blake Morgan on the Queen City Podcast Network.
Sports
Should the Panthers consider drafting a CB with the 8th pick? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Biz
Small business owners, employers, and hiring managers — if you’re struggling to find the right candidates, it’s time to try CLTtoday Job Board. Post your first job listing for free + get connected with top-quality local talent.
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring over at our newest market. We are looking for a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at the NOVAtoday and lead the charge in crafting daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festival celebration taking place before Lent. | Photo via WCNC
The energy of Bourbon Street is coming to Charlotte to celebrate Mardi Gras. Have your masks and beaded necklaces ready, and let CLTtoday be your guide on how to enjoy a Big Easy party on Fat Tuesday with some Queen City flare.
Mardi Gras celebrations
Angry Ale’s Meets Bourbon Street | 11 a.m. | Angry Ale’s | Cost of purchase | This day-long party is serving Cajun flare including house-made gumbo, shrimp po’boys, and $8 Hurricanes, plus music, free King Cake and Mardi Gras beads while they last.
Mardi Gras Celebration at Papa Doc’s | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Papa Doc’s Shore Club | Cost of purchase | Trade the banks of the Mississippi for the shores of Lake Wylie celebrating with Cajun-inspired food and drink specials.
Old Armor 5 Year Anniversary: Mardi Gras Style | 3 p.m. | Old Armor Beer Company, Kannapolis | Cost of purchase | Let the good times roll with drink specials and live music, with proceeds supporting veterans and first responders through the brewery’s Pay It Forward Board.
A cast-iron smash burger press. Made from high-quality cast iron, this grill press uses pressure to improve flavor and texture, get restaurant-quality sear marks, and speed up cooking time of fish, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Happy Mardi Gras, everyone! I hope everyone who observes Fat Tuesday has a wonderful and meaningful day. You may catch me checking out the festivities happening today around the Queen City, especially along Park Road at Angry Ale’s. And yes, I’ll be on the hunt for some King Cake.
