Drivers, Commissioners Want Toll Lane Delayed
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CHARLOTTE, NC — Mecklenburg County Commissioners added to the list of towns asking the NC DOT to delay adding a toll lane to Interstate 77 between Uptown and Mooresville.
The biggest issue Commissioners have with the $655 million dollar project is with a clause in the contract that says the state cannot add free lanes without paying the Spain-based private developer, Cigna.
“I have a problem with a private company being guaranteed to make a profit off the taxpayer’s back,” said Commissioner Jim Puckett.
Gov. Pat McCroy said Tuesday, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization voted to approve the polls.
“To re-pivot with about a week or two to go is, I think, throws a curve ball that’s very unreasonable,” said Gov. McCroy.
The Department of Transportation says delaying the project now could cost the state nearly $100 million.
However, commissioners and drivers at Tuesday’s meeting say the contract needs a closer look.
