NCDOT given green light by judge to move forward with I-77 project

A state Superior Court judge in Alamance County has ruled the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) can proceed with its Interstate 77 Express Lanes project.

The project is expected to bring needed relief to one of the most congested roadways in the state by offering drivers travel choices.

“We want to thank Judge Osmond Smith III for his sound decision that will allow this important project to move forward," NCDOT Board of Transportation Chairman Ned Curran said. “Congestion relief through the I-77 Express Lanes project is critical for the growth of the Iredell/Mecklenburg regional economy and enhanced connectivity for our citizens. Without this public-private-partnership project, funds would not be available for more than a decade to begin solving this major issue."

A lawsuit was initially filed by an advocacy group that moved to stop the project.

I-77 Mobility Partners will construct the lanes along a 26-mile stretch of I-77 from Brookshire Freeway (Exit 11) in Charlotte to N.C. 150 (Exit 36) in Iredell County. The state will pay a fraction of the overall cost.

NCDOT will next submit a final loan application, including information previously reviewed.

Pending legal issues will continue to be worked on until resolved by NCDOT.