CorneliusNews.net

Cornelius Board Votes 3-2 To Back I-77 Toll Lane Project

David Boraks/CorneliusNews.net — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:10:32 +0000

Months of debate among Cornelius commissioners over the NC Department of Transportation’s plan to widen I-77 north of Charlotte by adding toll lanes ended dramatically and quickly Monday night in a 3-2 vote in favor of the concept. With the board still one member short because of a vacancy, it was up to Mayor Lynette Rinker to break a 2-2 tie on the issue.

MUMPO Meetings This Week Seek Comment On I-77 HOT Lanes

David Boraks/Corneliusnews.net — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:14:47 +0000

A formal public comment period is open through April 22 on the N.C. Department of Transportation’s plan to widen I-77 north of Charlotte by adding high-occupancy toll lanes, or HOT lanes. The Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO) plans public meetings Wednesday in Huntersville and Thursday in Charlotte as part of its effort to gather input on the plan.

Expert: HOT Lanes Are About A Reliable Ride, Not Easing Traffic

David Boraks — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:05:33 +0000

Lake Norman area commuters are hoping that toll lanes will be the answer to traffic jams on I-77 north of Charlotte, helping to pay for widening the road earlier than planned. But an expert in so-called “managed lanes” told local officials Wednesday night toll lanes aren’t about that – they’re about guaranteeing a faster ride for those who choose to use the toll lanes.

“This is a game changing proposition for our highway capacity,” said David Ungemah, a toll-lanes expert with consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Officials Back Toll Lanes As The Best Way To Widen I-77 Soon

David Boraks — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:57:20 +0000

Lake Norman area economic development leaders have joined the debate over how to widen I-77 north of Charlotte, saying they support the state DOT’s plan to complete the project using High Occupancy Toll lanes.

The chairman and director of the Lake Norman Regional Economic Development Corp. say it’s critical to widen I-77 as soon as possible. They say HOT lanes, also known as managed lanes, are the best way to get the job done.

Cornelius Commissioners Want State To Reconsider I-77 Tolls

David Boraks/CorneliusNews.net — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:08:48 +0000

Cornelius commissioners on Tuesday added their voices to those questioning the state’s plans to construct toll lanes to help pay for widening I-77 north of Charlotte.

In a 4-0 vote, the board approved a resolution asking the Lake Norman Transportation Commission – a regional lobbying group that includes Cornelius – to study how the jammed interstate might be widened with general purpose lanes instead of tolls.

Police, Homeland Security Arrest 2 On Drug Charges

David Boraks/CorneliusNews.net — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:49:53 +0000

Cornelius police said Wednesday they have arrested two men on drug-related charges after an investigation along with Huntersville police and the federal Department of Homeland Security. The announcement added new details following Tuesday’s investigation in the Blue Stone Harbor neighborhood that also included a high-speed chase on I-77.

Authorities carried out search warrants this week at several locations in Cornelius following a “lengthy and continuing investigation,” Cornelius police said.

Advisory Board Opposes I-77 Toll Lanes, Seeks Alternatives

David Boraks/CorneliusNews.net — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:15:30 +0000

The Cornelius Transportation Advisory Board on Thursday came out against proposed toll lanes for I-77 north of Charlotte and urged local leaders to push for alternatives for widening the congested highway.

In a special meeting at Town Hall, the advisory board of local residents unanimously approved a resolution calling tolls a “financial burden” on Lake Norman area residents. The statement also argued that the state’s toll-financed widening plan won’t improve commuting times on I-77.