Transportation Secretary: I-77 Toll Lanes Will Not Be Delayed

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 CHARLOTTE, NC — Toll lanes on I-77 will not be delayed.  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.  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.  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.”  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.