In a major reversal, the Charlotte City Council just voted to rescind its support for the controversial I-77 South Express Lanes project.
After a lengthy and divided debate, councilmembers voted 6-5 to withdraw the city’s approval of the public-private partnership tied to the project. Leaders also directed Charlotte’s regional transportation representative to formally oppose the plan.
The decision temporarily halts the city’s backing of the proposed 11-mile expansion stretching from Uptown Charlotte to the South Carolina state line.
Council members say they want additional studies completed before moving forward. The resolution calls for further evaluation of community impacts and possible alternatives to the current design.
The project has sparked heavy debate across Charlotte for months. Critics argue the proposed southbound toll lanes could damage parks and greenways while displacing homes and businesses in historically Black neighborhoods.
Supporters have argued the expansion is necessary to address worsening traffic congestion along one of the region’s busiest corridors.
The project’s future now faces uncertainty. State transportation officials have warned that delays could jeopardize state and federal funding for the estimated $3 billion project.
The vote marks one of the most significant transportation reversals by Charlotte leaders in recent years and could reshape the future of one of the city’s largest planned infrastructure projects.
