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What do locals think of the I-77 expansion?

We asked our readers to weigh in on the upcoming reconstruction project of I-77 South involving expansion and adding toll lanes, and over 100 folks shared their thoughts.

72% of readers thought the expansion was needed. In NL. add: Fair enough. The average commuter spends 40 hours per year stuck in traffic.
15% thought it was unnecessary and too expensive. In NL, add: Also fair — the price tag on the project is estimated at $3 billion.
While 13% of readers remained undecided.

The pros

Many of our readers noted that this was much needed, and some suggested it was needed even sooner. Here are some of their thoughts:

"Expedite it! 2030 is too late."
"Growth is good, the financial contributions from a growing metropolitan will far outweigh the financial impact of infrastructure expansion."
"Traffic is terrible. All the roads that can be built are important to help reduce commute time."
"Raleigh has Charlotte surpassed forever and a day with interstate highway networks! Charlotte sits and waits on itself (in traffic jams) and none of the politicians or traffic engineers will EVER help Charlotte."

The cons

"Everyday lanes should be prioritized over express lanes. It’s absolutely pointless to add express lanes that 90% of people won’t use."
"I believe $3 billion dollars could be better spent on public transportation closer to the city."
"They need to invest in public transit to reduce drivers on the road! If they invested this money towards expanding the light rail instead of I-77, less people would be required to drive. All major, thriving cities have a MUCH better infrastructure for public transit."
"Toll lanes do not improve traffic congestion. It increases the traffic and time stuck in traffic as drivers don't want to pay the toll and just squeeze into an already congested traffic pattern. Tolls have only worsen the traffic flow on north I-77 through Huntersville to Mooresville, will only do the same on I-485 From I-77 through Ballantyne. The decision makers have been short-sighted and money-driven where tolls are concerned. If traffic is stressed on a 4 or 3-lane stretch of highway, how will reducing those lanes to add toll lanes help improve the traffic flow?"

Many people agreed they're welcome to options that would allow them to spend less time sitting in traffic. | Photo via WCNC

The uncertain

"Traveling out of Charlotte using I-77 in its current form, is a bit of a gamble. If it’s free from rush hour traffic or any accidents, it can be ok, but add in those two other factors and it is nightmare. Traveling to SC or further becomes a fine calculation of time of day and GPS to optimize travel time. DON’T repeat the mistake of I - 77 N though. Two express lanes there have done nothing to ease the congestion as the toll charges are prohibitive. One toll lane would do surely and make an extra free lane or two for the regular people who can’t afford the ridiculously expensive tolls."
"Need more info. I've only lived here for a year."

What do you think? Sound off on the I-77 expansion.