The N.C. Department of Transportation is conducting detailed field studies for the proposed I-77 South Express Lanes to identify potential impacts to human and natural environments, including a traffic noise analysis.
NCDOT is currently evaluating multiple options for improving the project corridor as well as the existing interchanges in the project area. Coordination with federal and state agency partners is ongoing as well as meetings with local stakeholders to evaluate options and improvements. The project team is currently preparing preliminary design plans for further evaluation.
The project team is also coordinating with local stakeholders about nearby transportation and development projects as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations through interchanges.
In October 2024, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, or CRTPO, board voted for NCDOT to continue with a public-private partnership (P3) delivery process. A working group made up of CRTPO board members and NCDOT staff was created to discuss project objectives and identify potential key terms prior to a future Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that NCDOT would advertise in the summer of 2025 for private companies to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the project.
Work group meetings started in November 2024 and will continue to mid-2025.