With Charlotte's population showing no signs of shrinking, infrastructure is racing to keep pace. This includes an expansion plan for a critical part of I-77 South that Charlotteans navigate between work and home everyday.

City Editor Jack here. Public policy discussions have begun over reconstructing I-77 South from Center City along Brookshire Freeway to the South Carolina state line, and here's what I learned from attending the recent discussion.

The proposed improvements include adding express lanes or general purpose lanes, requiring most drivers to pay a toll when crossing, offering a more streamlined traffic option in and out of the Queen City. According to NCDOT, the expansion is needed to combat increasing traffic, population growth, and congestion in the Charlotte region.

Jenny Noonkester, Regional Leader for RS&H, noted that commuters spend roughly 40 hours each year stuck in traffic, costing them around $700 in lost time and fuel. "I'd rather spend that 40 hours taking a vacation somewhere than sitting in my car in traffic."

Editor's note: Check out where Charlotte ranks among the most congested metros in the world.

NCDOT and RS&H Charlotte recently unveiled preliminary project details at a public policy meeting. | Photo by CLTtoday

"It's the largest and most expensive project the state's ever considered," said Brett D. Canipe of NCDOT. The project is estimated to cost more than $3 billion. That's why efforts are being taken in pursuing a public-private partnership (P3) model to fight funding constraints with construction potentially beginning around 2030.

"We've had early conversations with a lot of groups that are really interested in the project," confirmed Canipe. "That's good news for everybody because it brings prices lower which could ultimately lead to lower toll rates as well."

Meanwhile, efforts are being made to minimize impacts and conflicts for existing housing developments and environmental resources that will soon lay in the project's path.

It's believed Charlotteans spend the equivalent of a work week sitting in traffic every year. | Photo via WCNC

During the next five years, more public meetings on the project will be held as federal approval and funding is acquired. An undisclosed day in Spring 2027 marks a critical date when final designs hope to begin — as this race to improve infrastructure against Charlotte's booming population continues.

"If we don't make any improvements, when you're looking out into the future about 30 years, it's going to be more like three quarters of the day that you'll be sitting in congestion on 77," said Noonkester.