NCDOT creates timeline for construction of I-77 toll lanes through south Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The N.C. Department of Transportation says construction for the Interstate 77 express lanes through south Charlotte could start by 2030. 

The managed toll lanes, which will be partially funded by a private developer, are slated to be built between uptown and the South Carolina border, and would put them in place on I-77 though all of Mecklenburg County.

NCDOT officials told Queen City News that construction for the $3.2 billion project could start in the “late 2020s or early 2030s.” A more defined schedule will be created in the future.

“The current project schedule shows a bid will be awarded in summer 2027,” NCDOT officials said. “From there, a developer will secure financing and complete design work, which will take another year or so.” 

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization approved the funding model last fall. The CRTPO initially submitted it to state prioritization in 2014. 

The project is in two parts, one from the state line to I-277/John Belk freeway, which has state funding for preliminary engineering, then from John Belk to Brookshire Freeway. 

The northern, 26-mile section of the I-77 managed lanes opened in 2019, and is operated by I77 Mobility Partners. It uses dynamic pricing to determine rates based on demand.

Toll lanes are also under construction for the southern section of I-485 that are slated for a winter 2025 opening.