Tagged: HOT lanes

  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.

The DOT has proposed a half-billion-dollar project to improve I-77 between I-227 in Charlotte and Exit 36 in Mooresville, in part by adding toll lanes, or “managed lanes.”

  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.

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.

  The state Department of Transportation’s proposal to adopt toll lanes to help finance a widening of I-77 north of Charlotte continues to draw attention in north Mecklenburg, in public and private settings. A divided Cornelius Town Board again this week declined to take a public position against the idea. And next week, the North Meck Republican Women will host a meeting Tuesday that will feature an outspoken critic of toll lanes.    The Republican Women’s dinner is scheduled Tuesday, Dec.