CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation presented updated plans for the proposed I-77 South Express Lanes project to Charlotte City Council Monday night — the first time council formally addressed the issue after an abruptly scheduled, then canceled, meeting on the project two weeks ago.
The presentation came after weeks of community pushback prompted NCDOT to pause the project and extend its community engagement period. Last week, NCDOT released new project renderings it says are less impactful on nearby communities. The updated designs do not change the scope of the project — plans still call for two new elevated toll lanes in each direction.
Some council members say their concerns remain. Councilmember JD Mazuera Arias said he wants toll revenue to benefit the communities along the corridor, not just fund construction…