On May 20, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) voted to rescind support for the Interstate 77 managed lanes project south of Uptown. This came just nine days after the Charlotte City Council voted to rescind its support of the project in a contentious 6-5 vote.
These actions killed one of the most significant transportation infrastructure projects in North Carolina’s history.
The project, which dates back to 2007, had been reviewed and approved by the City of Charlotte and CRTPO. As the process continued into 2025 and 2026, opponents began criticizing environmental maps and NCDOT’s communications with the community.
The following opportunities are lost with the termination of the project:
- $600 million in NCDOT investment in the infrastructure of the project
- $100 million in State investment in community benefits surrounding the corridor
- $3 billion-plus in private investment to accelerate completion of the project
- Enhanced transit connectivity with express lane bus service in the managed lanes linking Iredell County to Ballantyne, and over to Independence Boulevard
It’s uncertain what is next for the I-77 corridor in south Charlotte. CRTPO’s decision to change course and end support for the project is unprecedented for a project of this magnitude.
The need to fix congestion, safety concerns, and accessibility still exists. But an obvious, viable solution in the corridor is no longer available.
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance will continue to work with willing partners to advance visionary projects needed for the entire community.
CEO Robert McCutcheon issued the following statement in response to the news:
“Last night’s vote by CRTPO to rescind support for the I-77 South expansion is deeply disappointing – and shortsighted – as the full consequences of the decision are not understood. Coming on the heels of Charlotte City Council’s narrow 6-5 vote earlier this month, two regional bodies have turned their backs on a project that they have been planning for two decades, backed by data, and critical to the economic future of this region.
“What is at stake is significant. CRTPO’s withdrawal sends a damaging signal to NCDOT that regional consensus has collapsed. While NCDOT retains the authority to move this project forward, political opposition of this magnitude puts the June RFP release, and with it, $700 million in state investment, in real jeopardy. If that RFP does not go out, this project does not get built. And if this project does not get built, the consequences for commuters, employers, freight movement, and regional competitiveness will be felt for generations.
“The CLT Alliance continues to support this project, which was still receiving public input to solve community concerns in the corridor. NCDOT has been listening and had a genuine desire to continue to work on improving the project, which was only 15% designed, to meet our community’s needs.
“I-77 South is critical to Charlotte, the region, and the entire state as a key economic corridor. The CLT Alliance supports visionary ideas that move this region forward. All residents and businesses have a shared stake in the success of our region, and we must keep working collaboratively on solutions.”
