Charlotte

Started by wriddle082, October 15, 2015, 05:16:53 PM

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jcarte29

One more thing for clarification if it's needed....

The construction on I-85 from Salisbury to Concord are additional free lanes, and will make I-85 continuous 6+ lanes a side from 40/85 split near Chapel Hill all the way south and west of Gastonia/Kings Mountain.
Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)


jcarte29

I drove the entire toll lane project stretch tonight, couple surprises...

- separators are already plugged randomly between exits 28 and 33, which feels like a good sign that it's in the final phase of lane placement, but they are still way behind schedule, as there are many BGS off one of the ramps waiting to be installed.

- Exit 30 looks done, but my view was only from the interstate up on the bridge, and according to the emails, should be in final phases.

- South of I-485 it doesn't look a hair different than a month ago. No gantries going up yet, no traffic shifts different than I remember.


This entire thing is so botched up and mis-managed. It was correctly pointed out the other day that the Monroe Expressway started after this project, and opened earlier!
Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)

jcarte29

I-77 Express: January Construction Update
REMINDER: Please be careful; all of the I-77 Express 26-mile project is currently under construction. Safety is our number one goal. Motorists are encouraged to pay attention when approaching the work zone, adjust their driving to the road conditions, obey the posted speed limit and work zone signs, and allow extra time to reach their destinations safely. Pedestrians are also encouraged to be extra cautious, cross at a designated pedestrian crossings and obey the posted work zone signs.

Progress on I-77 Express continues and is on track to help make travel easier in the Charlotte and Lake Norman region. Below is a look at the construction activities happening this month:


- Sign installation, landscaping and other aesthetic improvements will occur near Griffith Street and Williamson Road in Mooresville.

- Crews continue final paving efforts on the Exit 30 off-ramp of I-77 Northbound. Contingent on temperature requirements, the final layers of pavement are anticipated to be placed in February, followed by the completion of the  final sidewalk and curb.

- Surface milling and final asphalt is being placed for the on-ramp and off-ramp at Exit 28 Catawba Avenue in Cornelius.


- Concrete deck work is completed for the Hambright Road Direct Connector bridge in Huntersville. Rail installation and retaining wall work will continue during February.

- Lane pavement and concrete barrier construction continue on northbound and southbound I-77 Express from Lakeview Road to W.T. Harris Boulevard.

- Beam installation is completed for the Lakeview Road Direct Connector bridge in Charlotte. Deck panel placement is the next step in preparation for the concrete deck pour.

- Final asphalt will be placed on the on-ramp to southbound I-77 from Lasalle Street in Charlotte during the upcoming weeks.

- Storm water drainage installation and retaining wall construction between Lasalle Street and Oaklawn Avenue will occur throughout January and February in Charlotte.

- Continued sound wall installation in the areas of Oaklawn Avenue and the I-77/I-277 interchange will last through spring 2019.

- The ramp from I-277 Westbound to I-77 Southbound is closed as crews work on the new ramp that will take its place in uptown Charlotte. Weather permitting, the new ramp is anticipated to open by February. 

- Concrete deck pours will occur on the new bridges within the I-277/I-77 interchange through January in uptown Charlotte.


I hope some may find it useful to have these posts quarterly until the project is finished!
Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)

jcarte29

https://www.wfae.org/post/new-i-277-ramp-i-77-opens-after-4-month-detour#stream/0


First article I have found to associate an actual date on the calendar for Express Lane opening! (April 1, Northern Segment)
Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)

jcarte29

*** TRAFFIC ADVISORY ***
TESTING OF ELECTRONIC SIGNS BEGINS ON I-77 EXPRESS

Charlotte, N.C. (March 22, 2018) — Testing of electronic signs on I-77 between I-485 and Mooresville will begin the week of March 25. Motorists will see the digital message signs on the right-hand side of the road with rotating messages that read "EXPRESS LANES ARE CLOSED"  and "TEST."

The toll signs above I-77 Express will also be tested. The toll signs will display numbers to conduct this testing. Drivers may also see test-related vehicles in I-77 Express as this testing is occurring. Each entrance onto I-77 Express will continue to be closed and blocked as the lanes are not in service during this testing period.

I-77 Express will open in sections, with the northern portion between Hambright Road in Huntersville and Exit 36 in Mooresville slated to open soon. When the northern section of the project opens, customers will receive a 25 percent promotional rate off tolls until the entire roadway opens.

To receive traffic advisory information and the latest information on the project, we encourage people to sign up for our e-newsletters: https://www.i77express.com/about-us/contact-us/

You can also follow us on social media at:
I-77 Mobility Partners on Facebook I-77 Express
I-77 Mobility Partners on Twitter @I77Express

I-77 Express runs adjacent to the existing general purpose lanes. The number of general purpose lanes will remain the same as today. Drivers will have the choice of using the express lanes to avoid travel delays, the general purpose lanes or a combination of both.

###
Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)

Mileage Mike

I'm definitely ready to see how many people use the toll lanes once they open. I rarely drive that area as my commute is from Uptown to Ft. Mill, SC but I do normally notice heavy congestion between 277 and 85 on 77 as well as 77 north of 485.

jcarte29

Here is a portion of the 2019 First Quarter Newsletter/Updates for I-77 Express Charlotte to Mooresville:

"We are excited to announce the northern portion of I-77 Express, between Hambright Road in Huntersville and Exit 36 in Mooresville, is opening soon. To ensure you have the information you need to be ready to Get There, take a moment to review this newsletter and begin planning all of the trips that you can make with reliable travel time.

Using I-77 Express
Take a virtual ride on I-77 Express before the toll lanes open. Visit our website, www.i77express.com, to travel along the corridor. Learn about the signs you will see, the vehicles allowed to use the lanes, how to merge into and from the express lanes, and how dynamic pricing works to keep traffic moving. You can also use the Plan Your Trip tool to map your travel along I-77 Express.
Signage
Signs displaying the rate of each segment will be strategically placed ¼ mile ahead of each segment's  entry point to give motorists ample time to decide if I-77 Express is the best option for their trip.
The toll rate displayed when entering an I-77 Express segment is the price motorists will be charged for that segment.
Toll rates displayed on I-77 Express' signs will be the transponder rate. 
Additional digital message signs will alert drivers about traffic conditions ahead.
Toll Rates
Until the full opening of I-77 Express, customers will receive a promotional rate, which is an average 25 percent rate off the scheduled toll rates listed on the website. During the partial opening, roadway signs displaying toll rates for each segment of I-77 Express will reflect the promotional rate. The toll rate signs are located one-quarter mile before each segment entrance, so you can decide if the express lanes are the best option for your trip.
Dynamic Pricing
I-77 Express has 11 entry and 11 exit points in each direction. Having multiple segments and multiple entry and exit points allows more flexibility for I-77 Express users to plan their trips and pay only for the portions of I-77 Express they use. Toll segments vary in length and have different traffic patterns throughout the day, so based on those factors, rates will vary by segment, direction and time-period. The dynamic adjustment of toll rates allows I-77 Express to manage, in real time, varying traffic and demand conditions in order to maintain a minimum average speed that ranges from 48 to 56 mph, dependent upon the segment, as specified in contractual requirements and federal law."
Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)

jcarte29

Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)

jcarte29

Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)

sprjus4

Lanes have officially opened today.

LM117

“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

sprjus4

https://www.wcnc.com/video/traffic/lots-of-complaints-about-new-i-77-toll-lanes/275-07eda71a-baea-4e37-a6fc-fce69e738a2d

The Express Lanes thus far have been a joke it seems. They had it coming for them though. What a joke of a project and waste of space. All those wide open lanes could be used to relief the congested I-77, but they are failing hard. It should've been a free general purpose 6-lane widening, then towards the southern end maybe 1 HO/T lane.

orulz

#87
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 13, 2019, 02:15:41 AM
https://www.wcnc.com/video/traffic/lots-of-complaints-about-new-i-77-toll-lanes/275-07eda71a-baea-4e37-a6fc-fce69e738a2d

The Express Lanes thus far have been a joke it seems. They had it coming for them though. What a joke of a project and waste of space. All those wide open lanes could be used to relief the congested I-77, but they are failing hard. It should've been a free general purpose 6-lane widening, then towards the southern end maybe 1 HO/T lane.
That is jumping to conclusions. It takes a while - maybe a year or so - for people to change habits. Just wait. And then the growth (induced demand) that always follows highway construction comes.

The lanes are not complete and the dynamic pricing is not turned on either.

We have a toll road here in the triangle, and while plenty of people "swore they'd never pay a *#$% toll" at first, and traffic/revenue were below projections for the first year, they are solidly above projection now, and people both love the road and don't care about the toll anymore.

kevinb1994

Quote from: orulz on June 13, 2019, 06:38:26 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 13, 2019, 02:15:41 AM
https://www.wcnc.com/video/traffic/lots-of-complaints-about-new-i-77-toll-lanes/275-07eda71a-baea-4e37-a6fc-fce69e738a2d

The Express Lanes thus far have been a joke it seems. They had it coming for them though. What a joke of a project and waste of space. All those wide open lanes could be used to relief the congested I-77, but they are failing hard. It should've been a free general purpose 6-lane widening, then towards the southern end maybe 1 HO/T lane.
That is jumping to conclusions. It takes a while - maybe a year or so - for people to change habits. Just wait. And then the growth (induced demand) that always follows highway construction comes.

The lanes are not complete and the dynamic pricing is not turned on either.

We have a toll road here in the triangle, and while plenty of people "swore they'd never pay a *#$% toll" at first, and traffic/revenue were below projections for the first year, they are solidly above projection now, and people both love the road and don't care about the toll anymore.

That's what was said about the I-295 Express Lanes here as well. Just wait until the rest of the express lanes here are open, and then people will stop complaining.

goobnav

Quote from: orulz on June 13, 2019, 06:38:26 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 13, 2019, 02:15:41 AM
https://www.wcnc.com/video/traffic/lots-of-complaints-about-new-i-77-toll-lanes/275-07eda71a-baea-4e37-a6fc-fce69e738a2d

The Express Lanes thus far have been a joke it seems. They had it coming for them though. What a joke of a project and waste of space. All those wide open lanes could be used to relief the congested I-77, but they are failing hard. It should've been a free general purpose 6-lane widening, then towards the southern end maybe 1 HO/T lane.
That is jumping to conclusions. It takes a while - maybe a year or so - for people to change habits. Just wait. And then the growth (induced demand) that always follows highway construction comes.

The lanes are not complete and the dynamic pricing is not turned on either.

We have a toll road here in the triangle, and while plenty of people "swore they'd never pay a *#$% toll" at first, and traffic/revenue were below projections for the first year, they are solidly above projection now, and people both love the road and don't care about the toll anymore.


Haven't used NC 540 at all, saved the money either going down NC 55 or NC 751.  Definitely understand the people using it, northerners, I am one myself, are used to paying tolls but, old school ones will avoid at all costs.

Charlotte will get the revenue due to 77 being a nightmare during rush hour but, there will still be holdouts.  To what degree, that is let to be determined.
Life is a highway and I drive it all night long!

jcarte29

Quote from: sprjus4 on June 13, 2019, 02:15:41 AM
https://www.wcnc.com/video/traffic/lots-of-complaints-about-new-i-77-toll-lanes/275-07eda71a-baea-4e37-a6fc-fce69e738a2d

The Express Lanes thus far have been a joke it seems. They had it coming for them though. What a joke of a project and waste of space. All those wide open lanes could be used to relief the congested I-77, but they are failing hard. It should've been a free general purpose 6-lane widening, then towards the southern end maybe 1 HO/T lane.


I'd buy the end of this quote, or one HOT lane from as far north as I-485 going SB to I-277. As it is, this entire 26 mi corridor will be more effective than just the one current open segment.

To be frank so many more commuters will use them going into Charlotte (myself included) than just between Exit 36 and I-485. The "June 2019" update dropped in my email today, it promises that Hambright bridge will at least be open to cross traffic this month. The actual ramps to the interstate will still take a while I'm sure.
Interstates I've driven on (Complete and/or partial, no particular order)
------------------
40, 85, 95, 77, 277(NC), 485(NC), 440(NC), 540(NC), 795(NC), 140(NC), 73, 74, 840(NC), 26, 20, 75, 285(GA), 81, 64, 71, 275(OH), 465(IN), 65, 264(VA), 240(NC), 295(VA), 526(SC), 985(GA), 395(FL), 195(FL)

LM117

A public meeting is being held on June 27 regarding the planned I-485 express lanes.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-19-i-485-open-house.aspx
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

LM117

“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

LM117

The Charlotte RTPO has approved NCDOT's plan to convert the outside shoulders of I-77 to travel lanes during peak hours.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-07-19-i-77-peak-hour-travel-lanes-approved.aspx
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

LM117

“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

sprjus4

Quote from: LM117 on July 19, 2019, 03:10:41 PM
Quote from: LM117 on July 19, 2019, 10:05:58 AM
The Charlotte RTPO has approved NCDOT's plan to convert the outside shoulders of I-77 to travel lanes during peak hours.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-07-19-i-77-peak-hour-travel-lanes-approved.aspx

Cintra ain't happy...

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/officials-consider-turning-shoulders-on-part-of-i-77-into-driving-lanes/967936014
Of course not, they'll loose money.

NCDOT needs to continue forward and eventually buy out the contract and convert one HO/T to a third GP lane each way.

tolbs17

Does I-77 need 10 lanes and 4 express lanes? Because there's a file on the connect NCDOT website and if you want me to post it here, just quote me.

or it can have 8 lanes or even leave it 6 and add the express lanes. Or not do anything at all.

froggie

^ It's not getting 10 + 4 express.  It's getting 8 + 4 but only from I-277 to I-85.  North of I-85 it will be 6 + 4 then it tapers to 4 + 4 north of I-485.

WashuOtaku

Also, future NCDOT plans of I-77 south of Uptown to the South Carolina border call for four express lanes with addition to the six existing travel lanes; but that is years out from now.

tolbs17

What is it like to visit Charlotte?



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