One of Charlotte’s biggest transportation fights returns to City Council tonight, four months after leaders voted to halt the project. Council members are expected to reconsider the controversial I-77 South Toll Lanes proposal during a special meeting.
In May, council voted 6-5 to withdraw support for the project’s public-private partnership funding model. Since then, the debate has shifted toward the financial consequences of stopping the project.
Charlotte could face a state repayment claim of about $70 million for preliminary project costs already incurred. That potential bill has become a major factor as council members reconsider their earlier position.
At the same time, NCDOT has offered potential community benefits along the I-77 corridor. Those could include bridge improvements, sidewalks, bike connections, relocation assistance and other neighborhood investments.
Some communities see those improvements as a chance to address damage caused by earlier highway construction. However, critics remain concerned about private tolling, neighborhood impacts and the overall project model.
Another controversy surfaced just one day before the vote. Sustain Charlotte released a public-records review examining NCDOT’s relationship with engineering firm HNTB.
NCDOT identifies HNTB as the project’s Program Manager and Commercial Advisor. Sustain Charlotte found several former senior NCDOT officials later joined HNTB.
Some of those former officials later worked on transportation projects involving the agency. However, Sustain Charlotte did not accuse anyone of violating laws or ethics rules.
Instead, the organization called for more disclosure about post-employment safeguards and HNTB’s financial role. It also highlighted HNTB’s relationship with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
The Alliance has supported the toll-lane proposal. Public records reviewed by Sustain Charlotte show HNTB and Cintra financially supported the organization in 2023.
Cintra is also connected to one team shortlisted to compete for the I-77 South concession. Sustain Charlotte argues those relationships deserve greater public scrutiny before another major vote.
Tonight’s decision could determine Charlotte’s position before another important regional vote later this week. Council members now face potential financial penalties, possible infrastructure investments and continued public opposition.
The outcome could again reshape the future of I-77 through Charlotte.
