Transportation Secretary: I-77 Toll Lanes Will Not Be Delayed
[gtxvideo vid=”sqvjIVwh” playlist=”” pid=”Bbt3TRDe” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/sqvjIVwh.jpg” vtitle=”toll no delayβ]
Β CHARLOTTE, NC — Toll lanes on I-77 will not be delayed. Β That’s the word from North Carolina’s Transportation Secretary.
Several local towns have passed resolutions asking the DOT to put the brakes on the project. Β They worry the $655 million deal could cost taxpayers more money in the long run.
A clause in the contract says the state can’t add free lanes on I-77 over the next 50 years without paying the private developer. Β DOT Secretary Tony Tata says construction will begin later this year.
He sent a letter to local leaders Thursday, saying, “The I-77 express lanes project was unanimously approved and requested by the local transportation planning organization.” Β The letter goes on to say, “NCDOT is delivering the project local planners developed and recommended.”
Mecklenburg County Commissioners will consider a resolution on Tuesday, also asking the DOT to delay closing on the contract.
