Update, 12:40 p.m.
Superior Court judge W. Osmond Smith III today rejected Widen I-77's attempt to halt the I-77 toll lane project.
The Widen I-77 citizens group had argued the NCDOT's contract with I-77 Mobility Partners was unconstitutional.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
10:30 a.m.
A judge this morning denied a request by I-77 toll lane opponents to delay their lawsuit seeking to halt the project. Judge W. Osmond Smith III agreed with arguments by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and its contractor, I-77 Mobility Partners, that the case should proceed. The judge now is hearing arguments by both sides on their requests for an immediate judgment on whether the state's contract is valid.