Transportation
Gilroy may have votes to call ‘time out’ on I-77 toll plan
May 1. NC Rep. John Bradford, the former town commissioner who called a “time out” prior to the initial I-77 agreements with Cintra last year, says he wants to meet with NCDOT officials to discuss what appears to be a changed playing field around the toll plan. “We actually tried to meet this week,” he said. […]
Internal memo reveals ‘nobody has a clear understanding’ of part of the I-77 contract
May 1. Internal communications at Cornelius Town Hall say “it appears nobody has a clear understanding” of a key component in the 50-year contract with a Spanish company. Local leaders on a state level are expressing concerns about the $655 million plan but it is unclear if they will affect the “financial close” with Cintra in […]
Widen I-77 statement on protest Friday at Exit 28; police plan hands-off approach
April 28. The region-wide debate over tolling I-77 continues to heat up. A loose confederation of toll opponents plans to stage a protest complete with signs starting at4:30 pm Friday. Widen I-77 issued this statement: “Widen I77.org supports the efforts of all citizens and groups fighting the plan to build toll lanes in the Lake Norman […]
More developments around I-77 Public-private finance plan.
Letter from Vince Winegardner: As you may know, The TIFIA Credit Council recommended approval for Federal taxpayer backing for $189 million. It is probable Cintra/I77 Mobility Partners will gain bond market approval for this key bond and the NC DOT will sign the FC before the May 17th deadline. This final step had been delayed for […]
Protests planned for Exit 28 bridge. Gilroy expects ‘public outcry and revolt’
April 27. It looks like a group of anti-toll activists will converge near the Exit 28 bridgeFriday evening to protest plans for tolls as a way to widen I-77 between Lake Norman and Charlotte. It is apparently being organized by people not directly associated with Widen I-77, but leaders of the well-known anti-toll group will participate. […]
Construction ahead, for the next 8 weeks or so
Traffic was backing up on the four-lane, 2-mile stretch of Jetton Road that is being rebuilt by Blythe Brothers Asphalt Co. of Charlotte. Town officials say the messy fix will be worth the trouble residents will face during the $1.5 million project. Although a bike study is under way, there are no plans to accommodate […]
Does W. Catawba Phase Two widening mean more ridiculousness?
By Dave Vieser. Just when it seemed like things couldn’t get any worse, it looks like it did last night. When West Catawba Avenue and Sam Furr Road are widened in the future, motorists will not be allowed to turn left onto Sam Furr Road from Catawba Avenue to reach Birkdale and I-77. Instead, they will […]
Town Board to discuss West Catawba widening options Monday
Cornelius commissioners will discuss the various options around widening West Catawba Avenue from Jetton Road to Sam Furr Road at their meeting Monday, April 20. The NCDOT has suggested that the two-lane highway be made into a four lane “super-street” with very limited access. For example, under the DOT plan, most left-turns from side roads would be […]
Transportation planning vote could mean $230M for roads
The recommended highway projects in the Lake Norman region by community Cornelius US 21 and Catawba Avenue Roundabout: $6.7 mil. US 21 widening Northcross Center Court to Westmoreland Road: $23 mil. NC 115 and Potts Street-intersection improvements: $6 mil. Northcross Drive extension: $2 mil. Torrence Chapel Road and West Catawba Ave intersection improvements: $5 mil. […]
Which way’s North?
April 10. Blythe Construction is out on Catawba Avenue painting direction signs on the pavement as the DDI gets closer and closer to completion. Still remaining are unique lighting on the ends of the bridge and more landscaping from the bridge down to I-77.
