I-77 plans would cut into westside parks, greenways

Mecklenburg County staff say the proposed project could also have ripple effects on stormwater and air quality

The following article appeared in the March 11, 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.

---

11 parks, multiple greenways would be affected by I-77 toll lane plans

County commissioners (left to right at blue table) Leigh Altman, Elaine Powell, Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, Laura Meier and Arthur Griffin spoke out against the potential impact of the proposed Interstate 77 toll-lane project on parks and green spaces in west Charlotte. The red and orange dots show the county’s impacted sites based on current project plans. (Photo by Lindsey Banks/The Charlotte Ledger; Map from committee presentation)

by Lindsey Banks

The proposed Interstate 77 express lanes project could cut back on public space and amenities at 11 parks and greenways — including Frazier and Wilmore parks — on Charlotte’s west side. Meanwhile, county commissioners said during a committee meeting on Tuesday that they weren’t aware of the project’s expected environmental toll until yesterday.

Mecklenburg County staff walked the environmental stewardship committee through the potential impacts of the project, which would update about 11 miles of I-77 from the South Carolina line to I-277/U.S. 16.