Historic status could alter I-77 plans
Two west Charlotte neighborhoods are seeking historic designation, which would require a federal review of the I-77 express lanes expansion project
The following article appeared in the Jan. 16, 2026, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
National historic status in west Charlotte neighborhoods could trigger a new review of proposed I-77 express lanes project
by Ashley Fahey
Two historically Black west Charlotte neighborhoods could soon be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If they are, that would trigger another layer of review in a $3.2B proposal by the N.C. Department of Transportation to update and add controversial express lanes on Interstate 77.
McCrorey Heights and Oaklawn Park — already locally recognized historic districts — are seeking the designation and are expected to be affected by the I-77 plan under its current iteration, which remains preliminary. However, the effort by the neighborhoods to get listed on the National Register of Historic Places predates NCDOT’s plans.