Traffic
Commissioner Puckett: Planners behind tolls are as disconnected as Marie Antoinette
Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jim Puckett has responded to a press release from I-77 Mobility Partners that says construction on the toll lanes begins on Monday. The press release, from public affairs honcho Jean Leier, says, among other things, that the public private partnership between NCDOT and a Spanish company is “excited” to get under way. Here […]
Chamber chair on tolls: ‘It’s not a done deal until we lay down’
Nov. 12. By Dave Yochum. A public relations executive with I-77 Mobility Partners, the controversial public-private partnership that plans to build toll lanes between Charlotte and Cornelius, today announced that construction will begin in four days. Jean Leier, director of corporate affairs at I-77 Mobility, said “I-77 Mobility Partners is excited to begin construction.” The […]
ULI study calling for new I-77 exit could open parcels for developers
By Dave Yochum. An Urban Land Institute study is calling for a new type of interchange around Westmoreland Road on I-77 near the Augustalee and Cooke properties. Mike Griffin, a member of the Lake Norman Economic Development board, will discuss the Exit 27 proposal at the Newsmakers Breakfast Wednesday, Nov. 18 at The Peninsula Club. To RSVP, call 704-895-1335. “The panel […]
Jeter’s I-77 summit will bring top decision-makers together soon
UPDATED 6:40 pm Nov. 9. NC Rep. Charles Jeter will convene an I-77 summit within the next 10 business days to hash out ways to fix the controversial toll plan. The divisive issue led to resounding defeats on Election Day to officials like Mayor Jill Swain and Commissioner Sarah McAulay in Huntersville. Jeter said that “in direct […]
I-77 Business Plan organizers create roadmap for anti-toll voters
Oct. 30. By Dave Yochum. Only one candidate for mayor in all of Lake Norman—John Aneralla in Huntersville—has responded to an election survey organized by the I-77 Business Plan, a group of key business people who meet and strategize each week on how to cancel the 50-year contract with Cintra. “As a candidate for NC State […]
I-77 toll lanes to be built with thinner pavement
By Dave Vieser. It looks like the new toll lanes on I-77 will be only 17 inches thick, not 32 inches like the general purpose lanes. The thinner pavement is based on the fact that the toll lanes will not be used by trucks. The difference in pavement thickness is outlined in the contract between the NCDOT and Cintra. It calls […]
I-77 Mobility Partners say work would occur at night
By Dave Vieser. If the I-77 toll lane project actually gets under way, an article in the Charlotte Observer in August 2014 said it would begin this past spring or summer, motorists and truckers will be dealing with three years of work on Lake Norman’s main north-south expressway. The only redeeming factor is that work which […]
Dueling demands pit growth against infrastructure need
By Dave Vieser. When West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius was congested to the point of road rage on a recent Saturday morning, town officials were quick to note that the newly paved turn lane was required before a new Dunkin Donuts could open. The developer paid for the construction, not the town. These projects are commonly […]
Guest Opinion: Thickening the silver lining
Guest Opinion. Lately we’ve heard some local officials say the I-77 toll issue is dividing our community. I couldn’t disagree more. One of the most positive things to come out of this controversy is how our community came together in opposition of this ill-conceived project. Over 7,000 people “like” Widen I-77’s facebook page, more than […]
Javier Tamargo: ‘Indiana Toll Road bankruptcy has proved the resounding success of the public-private partnership model’
Aug. 20. By Dave Yochum. ANALYSIS. The I-77 toll battle just got more interesting. And a little humorous. WidenI-77 founder Kurt Naas, a Cornelius resident, has challenged the head of I-77 Mobility Partners, the newly created Cintra unit that will build and run the toll lanes, to a debate. “In the interest of informing the […]
