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CHARLOTTE, NC – How much would you pay to avoid traffic and get home faster?
On Monday night, Charlotte City Council heard updates from the North Carolina Department of Transportation about managed lanes that would operate on I-77 from Charlotte at I-277 to Mooresville at Exit 28.
According to NCDOT, traffic on I-77 between I-85 and Iredell County has jumped more than 20 percent in the past five years, which has created a congested commute for drivers during rush hour.
The $655 million dollar project would cover a 26-mile stretch where drivers could enter or exit to avoid congestion. There will be two managed lanes on I-77 in each direction.
Council members questioned the high costs drivers would have to pay to use the lanes.
Experts say it could cost $20 dollars or more round-trip from Charlotte to Mooresville.
“Let’s figure out something that’s not going to cost the tax payers that much money up front,” said Cheyhene Miller, a Harrisburg resident.
Advocates say North Carolina needs the toll money, but opponents argue the cost is unrealistic.
According to NCDOT, drivers would have to pay to continue on each two to six mile segment.
The toll cost could go up or down depending on the time of day, amount of traffic and even the type of car you drive.
Some city council members say they’re concerned the lanes would price people out of using them.
NCDOT says the toll lanes buy time and give the option for drivers to get where they need to go, faster.
“It’s going to be complicated, it’s going to require a lot of citizen participation and education. I don’t think anybody knows how difficult it’s going to be to have that road constructed,” said Vi Lyles, at-large council member.
According to NCDOT, there are already 24 operating or planned toll lanes like this across the nation. A spokesperson says not a single one has failed.
