Traffic
Widen I-77 statement on protest Friday at Exit 28; police plan hands-off approach
April 28. The region-wide debate over tolling I-77 continues to heat up. A loose confederation of toll opponents plans to stage a protest complete with signs starting at4:30 pm Friday. Widen I-77 issued this statement: “Widen I77.org supports the efforts of all citizens and groups fighting the plan to build toll lanes in the Lake Norman […]
Protests planned for Exit 28 bridge. Commissioner expects ‘public outcry and revolt’
April 27. It looks like a group of anti-toll activists will converge near the Exit 28 bridgeFriday evening to protest plans for tolls as a way to widen I-77 between Lake Norman and Charlotte. It is apparently being organized by people not directly associated with Widen I-77, but leaders of the well-known anti-toll group will participate. […]
Lake area express bus use declines as gas prices fall
By Dave Vieser. While lower fuel prices may have have a positive impact on the economy, here’s one thing that appears to have been impacted negatively: Ridership on CATS Express Buses. “Some of our express routes have seen a decline in ridership, most likely due to lower gas prices,” said CATS spokeswoman Krystel Green. “The […]
Final section of I-485 named for Allen Tate Cos. founder, but exactly when it will open is unclear
April 1. The final section of I-485 in northeast Mecklenburg County has been officially named the H. Allen Tate, Jr. Highway in honor of the founder and CEO of Allen Tate Companies and regional transportation advocate, Allen Tate. Gov. Pat McCrory attended the ceremony that marked the virtual completion of the 67-mile loop around Charlotte. […]
LKN Transportation Commission wants funds to find way back here
The members of the Lake Norman Regional Transportation Commission (LNTC) are asking the state to reallocate more funds back to local Department of Transportation divisions. This would reverse budgeting procedures implemented last year as the state compiled its Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) list. “The legislation which formed the STI created three tiers – Statewide, Regional […]
McCrory’s visit to dedicate Catawba avenue bridge postponed
Plans for Gov. Pat McCrory to dedicate the Catawba Avenue bridge over I-77 any time soon may have been thrown under the bus by a hail of criticism of the so-called “aesthetic improvements” portion of the bridge re-do. When completed the bridge will have new landscaping, abutments and special lanterns, lending a nautical feel […]
Park and Ride facility eyed for shopping center at Exit 28
By Dave Vieser. Although a healthy number of express bus riders live in Cornelius, the town has never had a park and ride facility within its borders where riders can leave their autos and access CATS Express Buses. That may be about to change, according to officials from both the town and the Charlotte Area Transit […]
Cornelius resident receives award from NC Open Government Coalition
Kurt Naas, spokesman of the citizens group WidenI77, received the 2015 Citizen’s Award from the N.C. Open Government Coalition at an event in Durham. The N.C. Open Government Coalition works to unite organizations interested in ensuring and enhancing the public’s access to government activity, records and meetings. The laws that require openness in government are called Sunshine Laws; […]
Blue Line extension development may not be as robust as Red Line
By Dave Vieser. Unlike the first CATS Blue Line that generated millions of dollars in nearby development on Charlotte’s south side, the potential for similar growth near the new 9.3 mile northeast extension has developers concerned. While portions of the line will traverse areas prime for expansion now, it may be decades before all segments realize […]
WidenI77 statement on Judge Smith ruling
“Judge Osmond Smith III denied our request to put a temporary halt to the I-77 toll project. We knew the odds were against us at this preliminary hearing because we were asking that the project be put on hold pending the actual trial. However, we are very optimistic that the court will find that the […]
