Have questions about the upcoming I-77 South Express Lane project? The North Carolina Department of Transportation has opened a community engagement center to gather feedback on the $3.2 billion project, which is expected to connect Uptown to the South Carolina state line and ease congestion along one of Charlotte’s busiest corridors.
The engagement center at 1023 W. Morehead St. serves as a hub for residents to ask questions, review updated plans, and share feedback while the project remains in its early design phase.
NCDOT recently released revised maps showing reduced impacts to neighborhoods like McCrorey Heights, Biddleville, and Lincoln Heights. Previous renderings included elevated express lanes heading into Uptown, as the “least impactful design,” according to NCDOT.
The center is open for walk-ins Monday–Saturday, with appointments available online or by calling at 1‑800‑254‑0498. It’s expected to remain open throughout the project, with construction currently slated to begin after 2030.
What readers are saying
Editor Maria, here. I wanted to know what your thoughts were about the toll lanes:
- 50% agree the lanes are needed to ease traffic.
- 44% believe they’re not necessary.
- 6% are undecided on the project.
As for proposals or lane designs, here’s what you added:
“Instead of widening, build up or down.” — Anonymous
“Make them free. Being able to drive with ease should not be an entitlement.” — Meryle L.
“Add them to I-485 and go around the area.” — Anonymous
“Build with the least neighborhood impact as possible.” — Monica S.
“Build underground for environmental reasons to neighborhoods close by and to protect the integrity of those areas as well.” — Anonymous
