Charlotte: The cost of widening I-77 south of uptown Charlotte keeps rising

Charlotte: The cost of widening I-77 south of uptown Charlotte keeps rising

By HERE News

The cost of widening I-77 south of uptown Charlotte keeps rising

A massive project to rebuild and widen Interstate 77 between uptown and South Carolina is becoming even more expensive — perhaps making it more likely the state will turn to a private developer to build and manage it.

Challenges in Widening I-77

The N.C. Department of Transportation has long planned to add two state-operated express toll lanes in each direction from uptown to the state line. However, due to the highway running through the heart of the state’s largest city, widening it from six lanes to 10 will be costly.

Every bridge over I-77 would likely have to be torn down and rebuilt, with the topography being challenging. The uneven terrain with steep drop-offs next to much of the highway means adjusting the elevation of the adjacent land will be necessary, resulting in almost the entire 12 miles of the highway needing to be redone.

Escalating Costs

A 2020 cost estimate for the project was $1.1 billion, which has since increased over the years. The latest estimate now suggests that the project will likely cost more than $3 billion for the 12-mile stretch, making it the state’s most expensive per-mile road project ever.

Delays in the project timeline along with inflation have contributed to the rising costs, with construction not slated to begin until the 2030s or later. The state is facing funding challenges, with the corridor cap limiting how much can be spent on the project over a five-year period.

Toll Lanes Proposal

The city of Charlotte and regional transportation planners decided over 15 years ago on widening I-77 with express lanes. These lanes would operate as toll lanes, with pricing varying based on traffic congestion levels. The aim is to provide motorists with a guaranteed travel time, even if the toll costs increase during peak traffic hours.

Consideration of Public-Private Partnership

The N.C. DOT is considering whether to proceed with a traditional project or opt for a public-private partnership (P3) similar to the I-77 North project. The state is assessing various options for building and managing the toll lanes, with the possibility of involving a private company like Cintra.

While privately operated express lanes can result in higher toll fees, they have shown effectiveness in managing congestion. The I-77 North project, managed by Cintra, has seen improvements in traffic flow and congestion relief since its completion.

Public Interest and Government Response

Despite the significance of widening I-77 for Charlotte’s infrastructure and transportation network, there has been limited engagement from local elected officials in advocating for the project’s advancement. Attention has predominantly been on other transportation initiatives, such as rail transit.

Residents and transportation advocates have expressed concerns over the delays in the project and the need for swift action to address the city’s traffic challenges. Proposals for expediting the project through innovative funding mechanisms have been suggested, including potential collaboration between the city and state.

Conclusion

As the cost of widening I-77 continues to increase, discussions around the project’s funding, timeline, and management approach are crucial for addressing Charlotte’s transportation needs. The decision on whether to pursue a public-private partnership or traditional funding model will have implications for the project’s completion and impact on the city’s traffic flow.