NCDOT pushes back timeline on I-77 South widening
Delays work with developers to gather feedback from residents
The following ONLINE EXTRA was published March 3, 2026, in The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Lawsuit filed, council members have questions
The N.C. Department of Transportation on Monday afternoon said it was delaying by about 90 days the first draft of its Request for Proposals for a controversial project that would add toll lanes to an 11-mile stretch of Interstate 77.
This decision came hours before a Charlotte City Council meeting where council members were expected to call for a pause on the plans amid fierce opposition from westside neighborhood leaders, who say they would be negatively affected by the highway plans. NCDOT says the $3.2B project is necessary because of the interstate’s high crash rate and congestion.
Here’s the latest on the proposal, which would widen I-77 South from Brookshire Freeway to the South Carolina line:
The new timeline: The RFP draft is now expected to be late June, per NCDOT. The full design is expected to be finalized in late 2027, and construction would begin in the early 2030s.
NCDOT is establishing a “community engagement center” somewhere in the affected corridor, where residents can meet with the project team in person or online. A schedule for appointments and virtual office hours will be published in April.
NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson has scheduled small-group meetings this week with homeowners and neighborhood groups in Charlotte, according to Mayor Vi Lyles. Potential developers for the project are also expected to meet with residents. The current design — which calls for an elevated highway around uptown, in the area near westside communities — is 10% to 15% done, according to NCDOT.
The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and several residents of McCrorey Heights, one of the west Charlotte neighborhoods that would be impacted by the project, on Monday filed for a temporary restraining order against NCDOT. And several council members seemed cautious about the delay during Monday’s council meeting.
Some pointed out that other municipalities are doing away with elevated highways instead of adding them. Others said they wanted to know why the elevated highway option was the only one being pursued.
“Instead of just saying, no, we can’t go underground, my question has continued to be why not? What’s the cost? We have to be upfront with our community about the why,” said council member Joi Mayo, who represents some of the west Charlotte neighborhoods expected to be affected by the project.
Council member JD Mazuera Arias said he didn’t think toll lanes were the answer, saying “every possible option” should be exhausted.
Still, several council members — who were at a retreat at The Ballantyne on Monday and Tuesday — talked about how long it took them to get from their homes to south Charlotte. Many took I-77 South and were not able to drive faster than 18 mph in a 55-mph speed zone during morning rush hour.
What’s next: Charlotte City Council’s transportation and planning committee is expected to discuss the project further at its meeting on Thursday.
What’s still unknown: Just how much might actually change about the project with the pause. NCDOT has been firm about the elevated highway being the preferred design for the project, an option that isn’t popular with the west side. Much reference was also made during Monday’s council meeting to “community benefits” that could be negotiated through the project with NCDOT, but it’s not clear what those might be. Finally, a full picture of the total impact of the project on the west side and other parts of Charlotte isn’t clear. NCDOT claims that all homes north of the John Belk Freeway will be preserved (the original plan would have required homes to be demolished in McCrorey Heights and other neighborhoods).
—Ashley Fahey
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 6 of our local newsletters:
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
◼️ About The Ledger • Our Team • Website
◼️ Newsletters • Podcast • Newcomer Guide • A Better You email series
◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Events Board • Merch Store • Manage Your Account
◼️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn