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Regional Boards => Southeast => Topic started by: wriddle082 on October 15, 2015, 05:16:53 PM

Title: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on October 15, 2015, 05:16:53 PM
There is no Charlotte thread.  So let's have one!

Often times at work, I leave a browser tab open to Google Maps, and I notice that I-77 southbound is often backed up from Mooresville to Huntersville during weekday AFTERNOON rush hour.  This is essentially going towards the city.  The northbound crawl away from the city in the afternoons seems to thin out a little once you're past Cornelius, but the southbound backup baffles me a bit.  Does Mooresville really have a sizable enough job base to justify this apparent reverse commuting pattern?  I know Lowe's Home Improvement is headquartered there, but I wouldn't think that would be enough.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: OracleUsr on October 15, 2015, 09:10:33 PM
Traffic at the lake is hell during the week.  My wife has some business in Charlotte and what is usually about 45-50 mins from Statesville stretches into an hour to an hour and a half.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on October 16, 2015, 05:34:22 PM
Probably has a lot to do with the fact that I-77 is only two lanes on each side until it reaches I-485. Not to mention the interstate and intrastate commuters coming from Virginia and points north, along with I-40. Similar situation with I-77 in south Charlotte heading north. It is almost always backed up.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: The Ghostbuster on October 16, 2015, 06:14:16 PM
I heard somewhere that HOT Lanes were coming to the Charlotte Area. Is this still the case, or did I mishear about that?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: brownpelican on October 16, 2015, 06:59:12 PM
You are correct. HOT lanes are coming to 77 north of Charlotte, I believe.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Henry on October 20, 2015, 12:36:23 PM
Quote from: Third Strike on October 16, 2015, 05:34:22 PM
Probably has a lot to do with the fact that I-77 is only two lanes on each side until it reaches I-485. Not to mention the interstate and intrastate commuters coming from Virginia and points north, along with I-40. Similar situation with I-77 in south Charlotte heading north. It is almost always backed up.
Probably because it is closer to the center city than I-85 is.

Quote from: brownpelican on October 16, 2015, 06:59:12 PM
You are correct. HOT lanes are coming to 77 north of Charlotte, I believe.
And if a widening should occur south of there, they should build HOT lanes on that stretch as well.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on October 20, 2015, 09:47:09 PM
Quote from: Henry on October 20, 2015, 12:36:23 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on October 16, 2015, 06:59:12 PM
You are correct. HOT lanes are coming to 77 north of Charlotte, I believe.
And if a widening should occur south of there, they should build HOT lanes on that stretch as well.

That is actually planned.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on October 21, 2015, 10:19:57 PM
The planned rebuilding of I-77 from Uptown to the SC state line will be the single largest and most complicated project ever undertaken by the NCDOT. All bridges will have to be torn down and replaced along with a large amount of commercial property purchased. Right now they're talking about 2 additional toll lanes added on each side bringing the total highway to 10 lanes with construction starting in 2024. Possible costs might exceed $1B.

http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article12316673.html
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: brownpelican on October 21, 2015, 11:51:15 PM
Good to see that 77 in Charlotte will match 77 in York County.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: CanesFan27 on October 22, 2015, 09:53:57 AM
As they say, "Charlotte's got a lot".
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Henry on October 22, 2015, 12:40:14 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on October 21, 2015, 10:19:57 PM
The planned rebuilding of I-77 from Uptown to the SC state line will be the single largest and most complicated project ever undertaken by the NCDOT. All bridges will have to be torn down and replaced along with a large amount of commercial property purchased. Right now they're talking about 2 additional toll lanes added on each side bringing the total highway to 10 lanes with construction starting in 2024. Possible costs might exceed $1B.
There they go, pissing off Atlanta again! Copycatting the Downtown Connector is a sure way to do that to their archrival. (But wait a minute, there aren't any toll lanes on I-75/I-85 yet, are there?)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on October 22, 2015, 10:30:00 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on October 21, 2015, 10:19:57 PM
The planned rebuilding of I-77 from Uptown to the SC state line will be the single largest and most complicated project ever undertaken by the NCDOT. All bridges will have to be torn down and replaced along with a large amount of commercial property purchased. Right now they're talking about 2 additional toll lanes added on each side bringing the total highway to 10 lanes with construction starting in 2024. Possible costs might exceed $1B.

http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article12316673.html

Does anybody know if the Tyvola interchange will have to be rebuilt? To my understanding, the interchange was updated to a single-point urban interchange back in the early 2000s. I use to pass by it everyday, and I'm wondering if it is possible to squeeze in two more lanes on each sides.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: rickmastfan67 on October 23, 2015, 03:16:04 AM
Quote from: Third Strike on October 22, 2015, 10:30:00 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on October 21, 2015, 10:19:57 PM
The planned rebuilding of I-77 from Uptown to the SC state line will be the single largest and most complicated project ever undertaken by the NCDOT. All bridges will have to be torn down and replaced along with a large amount of commercial property purchased. Right now they're talking about 2 additional toll lanes added on each side bringing the total highway to 10 lanes with construction starting in 2024. Possible costs might exceed $1B.

http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article12316673.html

Does anybody know if the Tyvola interchange will have to be rebuilt? To my understanding, the interchange was updated to a single-point urban interchange back in the early 2000s. I use to pass by it everyday, and I'm wondering if it is possible to squeeze in two more lanes on each sides.

They can easily squeeze in 1 more lane on each side for sure.  2 might be pushing it since I bet they want a 'buffer' between the toll and normal lanes.  Might have to shrink all the lanes a foot to pull it off, especially on the SB side.

https://goo.gl/maps/EN8Sgse7eeL2
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Henry on October 23, 2015, 12:44:10 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on October 23, 2015, 03:16:04 AM
Quote from: Third Strike on October 22, 2015, 10:30:00 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on October 21, 2015, 10:19:57 PM
The planned rebuilding of I-77 from Uptown to the SC state line will be the single largest and most complicated project ever undertaken by the NCDOT. All bridges will have to be torn down and replaced along with a large amount of commercial property purchased. Right now they're talking about 2 additional toll lanes added on each side bringing the total highway to 10 lanes with construction starting in 2024. Possible costs might exceed $1B.

http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article12316673.html

Does anybody know if the Tyvola interchange will have to be rebuilt? To my understanding, the interchange was updated to a single-point urban interchange back in the early 2000s. I use to pass by it everyday, and I'm wondering if it is possible to squeeze in two more lanes on each sides.

They can easily squeeze in 1 more lane on each side for sure.  2 might be pushing it since I bet they want a 'buffer' between the toll and normal lanes.  Might have to shrink all the lanes a foot to pull it off, especially on the SB side.

https://goo.gl/maps/EN8Sgse7eeL2
It'll be interesting to see how they handle the interchange in the widening project. Rebuilding it twice within a span of 20 years makes absolutely no sense.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on October 24, 2015, 12:58:37 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on October 23, 2015, 03:16:04 AM
They can easily squeeze in 1 more lane on each side for sure.  2 might be pushing it since I bet they want a 'buffer' between the toll and normal lanes.  Might have to shrink all the lanes a foot to pull it off, especially on the SB side.

https://goo.gl/maps/EN8Sgse7eeL2

I doubt the FHWA would grant a waiver to that.  The documentation on NCDOT website calls for one toll lane each direction, if curious.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on November 06, 2015, 06:43:11 PM
They'll probably have to tear down that Tyvola interchange. There's virtually no room in the median to expand and it doesn't look like two more can fit on the outside of the current lanes.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on November 14, 2015, 11:02:13 AM
Construction to begin on I-77 toll lanes on Monday

http://www.wcnc.com/story/news/local/2015/11/12/construction-on-i-77-toll-lanes-to-begin-monday/75652954/
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on January 03, 2016, 03:08:02 PM
Does anybody know when the Idlewild interchange on Independence Blvd is going to reopen? Seems like they've been working on it forever, and the eastbound ramp still isn't finished. Not to mention work on the Sharon Amity interchange has finally resumed after almost a year. Is this project still slated to be completed by the end of 2016?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Zzonkmiles on January 05, 2016, 11:06:44 PM
I believe one of the bridges that would be impacted by any I-77 widening is a railroad bridge near Tyvola Road. I have no clue how THAT would work.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on January 06, 2016, 04:57:00 PM
Every single overpass will have to be torn down for I-77. The only way the Tyvola interchange would survive is if they only decide to add just two lanes to the project. As it stands, the NCDOT wants to add four, two on each side, and very likely auxiliary lanes as well. I believe this project will be one of the most expensive projects ever taken on by the NCDOT. The road essentially has to be rebuilt, along with ROW acquisition. I'm also wondering if the toll lanes will link with certain interchanges, like the I-485 one.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: brownpelican on January 08, 2016, 01:58:42 PM
A judge has ruled to continue with the Widen 77's lawsuit (http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/i-77-toll-lanes-developer-forges-ahead-project/npzW3/) against the construction of toll lanes on I-77 in northern Mecklenburg County. The group wanted the proceedings delayed until "the political process" is worked out.

Construction is continuing despite the legal and political arguments.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: The Ghostbuster on January 08, 2016, 04:14:19 PM
Does anyone think the lawsuit will eventually stop the lanes from being completed?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on January 11, 2016, 02:49:17 AM
Maybe they should put I-73/74 on indefinite hold until they can figure out how to divert those funds to constructing free lanes along I-77.  After all, one of those projects is far more important than the other.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: CanesFan27 on January 11, 2016, 12:24:36 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on January 11, 2016, 02:49:17 AM
Maybe they should put I-73/74 on indefinite hold until they can figure out how to divert those funds to constructing free lanes along I-77.  After all, one of those projects is far more important than the other.

Well if you want to do that - then widening 95 to six lanes should be first
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: froggie on January 11, 2016, 12:53:49 PM
By which metric?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: The Nature Boy on January 11, 2016, 01:14:16 PM
It depends on what NCDOT values:

Widening I-95 helps people get through the state more quickly. But I-95 mainly serves Fayetteville and the poor parts of eastern NC so I can see why it isn't an especially high priority. Making traffic flow through Charlotte might be a higher priority since I assume that more North Carolinians will benefit.

It's a classic urban vs. rural funding question though. I-95 is very important to people in say Halifax, Nash or Johnston counties but the rest of the state really gets little benefit. For those people though, I-95 is important. The argument for Charlotte is that more free-flowing traffic might encourage businesses to relocate to the area and will facilitate its growth.

NCDOT could benefit both rural and urban NC by building a southern tier freeway using what has already been built for I-74 between Rockingham and Lumberton. It would connect Wilmington and southeastern NC to Charlotte and better connecting Charlotte to western NC and Asheville. I imagine that you'd see more sprawl into Union and Gaston Counties with the building of an east-west interstate highway through the area and it might alleviate some of the sprawl in Cabarrus County and northern Mecklenburg County.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: brownpelican on January 21, 2016, 01:21:25 AM
The CRTPO voted (http://www.wcnc.com/story/news/politics/2016/01/20/s-official--77-toll-lanes-go/79095448/) Wednesday night in favor of the I-77 toll lanes project.

Work is already underway on the project.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: The Ghostbuster on January 22, 2016, 04:31:25 PM
Does anyone know if toll lanes are coming to any other parts of Charlotte's freeway system?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: froggie on January 22, 2016, 07:55:53 PM
Probably.  ETL's (as Maryland calls them) are proposed for parts of I-485 (http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/I-5507/) and two (http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/U-5526/) sections (http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/U-2509/) of US 74.  In addition, the Monroe bypass (http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/monroeconnector/) is currently under construction and will be a toll road.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on January 24, 2016, 08:34:46 AM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on January 22, 2016, 04:31:25 PM
Does anyone know if toll lanes are coming to any other parts of Charlotte's freeway system?

Toll lane will also be on I-485, between US 74 and I-77/US 21, and on US 74 (Independence Frwy/Blvd).  These will be operated by NCDOT, thus not have the same issues as the I-77 lanes constructed by Cintra.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: froggie on January 24, 2016, 11:03:35 AM
Did you not see my response, Washu? (complete with links to the project websites)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: noelbotevera on January 24, 2016, 11:05:54 AM
Long ago, I don't really recall I-77 having heavy traffic. Has Charlotte grown massively after ten years?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ModernDayWarrior on January 24, 2016, 07:00:10 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2016, 11:05:54 AM
Long ago, I don't really recall I-77 having heavy traffic. Has Charlotte grown massively after ten years?

Just out of curiosity, how can you possibly remember what Charlotte traffic was like ten years ago?

But yes, the Charlotte area is growing rapidly, as is the state of North Carolina in general.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on January 24, 2016, 07:12:36 PM
I remember Charlotte traffic 20 years ago!
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: noelbotevera on January 24, 2016, 07:50:40 PM
Quote from: ModernDayWarrior on January 24, 2016, 07:00:10 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2016, 11:05:54 AM
Long ago, I don't really recall I-77 having heavy traffic. Has Charlotte grown massively after ten years?

Just out of curiosity, how can you possibly remember what Charlotte traffic was like ten years ago?
I got a deep memory of my adventures of North Carolina.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: noelbotevera on January 24, 2016, 08:56:21 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...
No, my age is correct, but sometimes I just have that good of a memory. I was in fact around one year old when we visited Charlotte.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: US71 on January 24, 2016, 09:07:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2016, 08:56:21 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...
No, my age is correct, but sometimes I just have that good of a memory. I was in fact around one year old when we visited Charlotte.

Yet IMDB says you've been a member since October 2001, unless there's another noelbotevera out there?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: noelbotevera on January 24, 2016, 09:12:17 PM
Quote from: US71 on January 24, 2016, 09:07:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2016, 08:56:21 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...
No, my age is correct, but sometimes I just have that good of a memory. I was in fact around one year old when we visited Charlotte.

Yet IMDB says you've been a member since October 2001, unless there's another noelbotevera out there?
That's my dad.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Rothman on January 26, 2016, 08:51:21 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...


Lots more of his posts have suggested that.

Frankly, I find it creepy that someone would pretend to be an 11-year old.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on September 12, 2016, 12:29:53 AM
I crossed over I-77 today on the NC 150 overpass.  At that point 77's entire median had been final graded.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Rothman on September 12, 2016, 01:01:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 26, 2016, 08:51:21 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...


Lots more of his posts have suggested that.

Frankly, I find it creepy that someone would pretend to be an 11-year old.

Seems we were wrong. :D
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 13, 2016, 07:40:50 PM
I could be wrong, so wrong!

Lyrics from Maybe, Maybe
By A-ha
Album: Scoundrel Days
Year: 1986
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on September 13, 2016, 10:25:10 PM
I am too lazy to look it up, but where is the northern limit of the I-77 work?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: noelbotevera on September 17, 2016, 05:38:01 PM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on September 13, 2016, 10:25:10 PM
I am too lazy to look it up, but where is the northern limit of the I-77 work?
If you mean the express lanes, it ends at Exit 36.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on October 02, 2016, 07:30:56 PM
Has there been any updates on the US 74 widening project in Charlotte? Original completion date was October 2016, but there's still a ton of work to be done, especially around the Sharon Amity interchange. I'm guessing Spring of 2017 at this rate?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on October 03, 2016, 02:16:40 AM
Quote from: Third Strike on October 02, 2016, 07:30:56 PM
Has there been any updates on the US 74 widening project in Charlotte? Original completion date was October 2016, but there's still a ton of work to be done, especially around the Sharon Amity interchange. I'm guessing Spring of 2017 at this rate?

I remember hearing that the original contractor defaulted back around the beginning of this year, and NCDOT had to find another contractor.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jpi on October 04, 2016, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...

Actually, he is the age that he says he is, he was at my road meet and his dad this past April, his real name is Alex.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jpi on October 04, 2016, 12:52:06 AM
Now to get back on topic, last time I passed through Charlotte was in 2008 and even then I can tell it had grown significantly grown since the mid 90's when I travelled through there regularly on road trips back and forth from York, PA to Columbia\ Sumter, SC
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Rothman on October 04, 2016, 11:35:58 AM
Quote from: jpi on October 04, 2016, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...

Actually, he is the age that he says he is, he was at my road meet and his dad this past April, his real name is [deleted].

Dude...some people prefer to be anonymous on here.  Not cool to out their real name, even in defense of their age. :D
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jpi on October 04, 2016, 03:40:48 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 04, 2016, 11:35:58 AM
Quote from: jpi on October 04, 2016, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...

Actually, he is the age that he says he is, he was at my road meet and his dad this past April, his real name is Alex.

Dude...some people prefer to be anonymous on here.  Not cool to out their real name, even in defense of their age. :D
Good point, just defending the little guy. :)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: froggie on October 05, 2016, 09:20:01 PM
That was also several months ago, before anybody had met him...
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: noelbotevera on October 05, 2016, 09:49:02 PM
Quote from: jpi on October 04, 2016, 03:40:48 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 04, 2016, 11:35:58 AM
Quote from: jpi on October 04, 2016, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
Which suggests that you aren't the age you claim to be...

Actually, he is the age that he says he is, he was at my road meet and his dad this past April, his real name is Alex.

Dude...some people prefer to be anonymous on here.  Not cool to out their real name, even in defense of their age. :D
Good point, just defending the little guy. :)
Nah, I don't care. In fact, I prefer being called my real name because it's a bit confusing using my dad's name. So feel free to call me Alex.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: VTGoose on December 02, 2016, 11:59:13 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on September 17, 2016, 05:38:01 PM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on September 13, 2016, 10:25:10 PM
I am too lazy to look it up, but where is the northern limit of the I-77 work?
If you mean the express lanes, it ends at Exit 36.

This looks like a make-work project that will be drawn out for a while to keep people employed. It will be nice when it is done, though. We came through there northbound on Thursday and it looked like they were having some kind of malfunction in the middle of the project (sorry, don't have the exact location other than north of exit 35). It looks like the roadway is in place all through there with work being done on median dividers, etc. -- except where there was a sinkhole that took out part of the lanes.

Also, we had the misfortune of having to travel I-77 on the afternoon before Thanksgiving (not my choice but unavoidable). Traffic was pretty jammed up from around Troutman until we got on I-485 to get around Charlotte, until we got into a small back-up to get back on I-77 (not anything like the jam to get on I-85 from I-485). We also sat in traffic coming back north due to a bad wreck on the southbound side on one of the bridges over Lake Norman (rubberneckers, I guess, had traffic moving slowly north). While it may be a bit out of the way, is I-85 approaching Charlotte from say, Salisbury, the same malfunction? Does it get jammed up/locked up or are there enough alternate routes to take care of diverted traffic? My thought is to jog over to Winston-Salem via I-74/U.S. 52, then continue south on 52 to hit I-85 at Lexington, then take that to I-485 and on around Charlotte.

Bruce in Blacksburg
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on December 17, 2016, 02:49:46 PM
The NCDOT has updated the status of the US 74 widening project in southeast Charlotte. Looks like the project won't be completed until sometime next Summer. That's around the same time work on the express lane project on I-485 in southern Charlotte will commence. And that shortens the break, as construction on the remaining segment of US 74 in Charlotte/Matthews will happen about four years later.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ccurley100 on March 02, 2017, 08:08:42 PM
Lowe's is the reason why traffic is so screwed up between Mooresville and Huntersville in the afternoon.  My sister works for a realtor in Mooresville and lives near Birkdale in Huntersville.  There are some days when it takes her an hour or more to make the 12 mile trip.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on March 02, 2017, 10:32:47 PM
Quote from: ccurley100 on March 02, 2017, 08:08:42 PM
Lowe's is the reason why traffic is so screwed up between Mooresville and Huntersville in the afternoon.  My sister works for a realtor in Mooresville and lives near Birkdale in Huntersville.  There are some days when it takes her an hour or more to make the 12 mile trip.

Welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on March 02, 2017, 11:24:02 PM
I had to visit a couple of the retail locations for the company I work for.  Wanted to note that property demolition is well underway and ROW clearing is just starting where the US 74 North Shelby freeway will cross NC 18.

Also that demolition is occurring at the NE quadrant of I-85 and US 321 for whatever project manager is happening there.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: OracleUsr on March 03, 2017, 06:45:19 AM
I dread going across the lake in the afternoons; I-77 Southbound at Langtree is a nightmare.  Granted, my wife and i don't do so even every week, but when we do it's never good.  Always a relief when we reach the Davidson exit
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on July 23, 2018, 03:58:19 PM
I'd like to revive this thread, to at least announce that on Facebook I have posted pictures of the I-77 Express Lane project, from southern end all way up to the Northern End.

Its in SE Roads group and Freeway Jim
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: VTGoose on July 24, 2018, 09:15:44 AM
Quote from: jcarte29 on July 23, 2018, 03:58:19 PM
I'd like to revive this thread, to at least announce that on Facebook I have posted pictures of the I-77 Express Lane project, from southern end all way up to the Northern End.

We were just there this weekend for an anniversary celebration and stayed near the Northlake Mall (convenient to The Melting Pot in Huntersville). For something different we went down I-74/U.S. 52 through Winston-Salem and on to I-85 (worked to get us to Concord Mills). Sat in traffic at the never-ending construction on I-85 (same traffic we ran into a few years ago when taking the same route). Looked at almost-standstill traffic in the southbound lanes of I-77 late Saturday afternoon while heading north to Huntersville (came back on Statesville Rd. to avoid the interstate -- much easier trip -- but what is the plan for four-laning the stretch under I-485?). Fought our way through the construction on I-77 going south on Sunday and back again (headed to the new First Watch in Matthews for breakfast -- always worth the drive for First Watch). After multiple trips through Charlotte over the past three years (heading to and from Tampa) I still see no rhyme or reason to how the work is being done or what the end result will be. At times, there are multiple lanes paved but only two or three are in use, then on another trip the lanes have shifted for no reason. Construction seems to move from place to place, also, instead of being done in some rational order. It looks like an extended make-work project to keep people employed for some time into the future.

Bruce in Blacksburg
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on July 24, 2018, 09:45:36 AM
Quote from: VTGoose on July 24, 2018, 09:15:44 AM
Quote from: jcarte29 on July 23, 2018, 03:58:19 PM
I'd like to revive this thread, to at least announce that on Facebook I have posted pictures of the I-77 Express Lane project, from southern end all way up to the Northern End.

We were just there this weekend for an anniversary celebration and stayed near the Northlake Mall (convenient to The Melting Pot in Huntersville). For something different we went down I-74/U.S. 52 through Winston-Salem and on to I-85 (worked to get us to Concord Mills). Sat in traffic at the never-ending construction on I-85 (same traffic we ran into a few years ago when taking the same route). Looked at almost-standstill traffic in the southbound lanes of I-77 late Saturday afternoon while heading north to Huntersville (came back on Statesville Rd. to avoid the interstate -- much easier trip -- but what is the plan for four-laning the stretch under I-485?). Fought our way through the construction on I-77 going south on Sunday and back again (headed to the new First Watch in Matthews for breakfast -- always worth the drive for First Watch). After multiple trips through Charlotte over the past three years (heading to and from Tampa) I still see no rhyme or reason to how the work is being done or what the end result will be. At times, there are multiple lanes paved but only two or three are in use, then on another trip the lanes have shifted for no reason. Construction seems to move from place to place, also, instead of being done in some rational order. It looks like an extended make-work project to keep people employed for some time into the future.

Bruce in Blacksburg


I don't disagree with you on any of that lol.

52/85 is the best connection from W-S to charlotte, especially once the new lanes through Kannapolis/Concord are complete (and all of them free lol).

I live and work in Huntersville, so fortunately I don't depend on 77 (merely cross over it two/three times a day) but the express lanes will be a benefit when I do need to go into town and uptown.

To your point about the project's progress, another outstanding point. I have no idea how it will be completed on time, just blind faith lol.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wdcrft63 on August 15, 2018, 06:11:40 PM
" [Today] Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon laid out his proposed path forward for the I-77 express lanes project that responds to concerns voiced by residents of north Mecklenburg County and feedback from the I-77 local advisory group. The I-77 contract was signed by the previous administration, and today's plan lays out the eventual objective for North Carolina to operate the project with clear steps that can be taken to help people more immediately."
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2018/2018-08-15-i-77-express-lanes.aspx
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on August 16, 2018, 07:28:47 AM
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article216674435.html
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on August 19, 2018, 12:05:50 PM
It took a couple examinations of the project renderings, but I have made some notes about where toll gantries will be along I-77 HOT lanes.

The reasoning for this is two fold, one, to be aware of where they are given I live smack dab in middle of the project, and two, to make everyone here aware because through all my searches there isn't a user-friendly map anywhere on the project sites. (Good examples are maps of the Tri-Ex showing each gantry and the Monroe Expressway also showing gantry locations)

Working from South to North, there are 5 SB and 5 NB gantries in Mecklenburg Co.
- 1 each at the foot of the direct connector off of I-277, just north of the Oaklawn Av Bridge
- 1 SB just north of Cindy Ln, 1 NB just south of Sunset Rd, maybe MP 15?
- 1 SB, 1 NB, each are between MP 16-18, but south of the Lakeview Dr Connector
- 1 SB, 1 NB each are between MP 21-23, but south of Mt Holly/Htsville bridge and N of Hambright Connector
- 1 SB Exit 25 Sam Furr, south of exit ramp but still north of the SF Bridge itself
- 1 NB, north of Sam Furr, south of Westmoreland bridge, MP 26 possibly?

In Iredell Co, I count 2 SB and 1 NB (this is where I might solicit conversation here, because that doesn't balance out)
- 1 SB, 1 NB  each are between MP 31-33, but south of Fairview Rd 90 deg turn parallel to 77
- 1 SB just south of Exit 35 (Brawley School), north of the short Lake Norman bridge

So it would make sense if there was one more NB gantry, but I missed it in my study. Anyone care to help? Or maybe there isn't one after all.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on August 30, 2018, 09:16:27 AM
On September 13-

"With I-77 Express set to open in late 2018, I-77 Mobility Partners will hold a public hearing to provide a presentation on toll pricing methodology and initial toll rates. Those persons wishing to comment about the proposed toll rates at the hearing must register at the venue prior to 7:00 p.m."

It will be at Huntersville United Methodist Church, Huntersville, NC. You will want to be there by 6:30 to register.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: VTGoose on November 07, 2018, 03:45:42 PM
Quote from: jcarte29 on August 30, 2018, 09:16:27 AM
On September 13-

"With I-77 Express set to open in late 2018 . . .

I want what he's drinking. We made a weekend trip to the Charlotte airport (cheaper to fly 5 of us to middle son's wedding in Key West than to fly out of Roanoke), which covered I-77 south to the I-85 junction. There are now toll gantries in place in several locations and lots and lots of new (and covered) signs. But there is still a lot of construction, lane shifts, and rough pavement. If the lanes are supposed to open by the end of the year there will have to be around-the-clock work going on or maybe the plan is to move traffic to the newly paved toll lanes (and charge?) while the other lanes are paved. At any rate, this has been the most screwed-up and convoluted construction project I have ever seen. If there were a better way to get from Blacksburg to the west coast of Florida, I would take it (I've looked at I-74 but it goes east at Rockingham to hit I-95, which is too far out of the way; U.S. 52 and/or NC/SC 38 just don't look like fast routes).

Bruce in Blacksburg
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on November 08, 2018, 09:45:43 AM
Quote from: VTGoose on November 07, 2018, 03:45:42 PM
Quote from: jcarte29 on August 30, 2018, 09:16:27 AM
On September 13-

"With I-77 Express set to open in late 2018 . . .

I want what he's drinking. We made a weekend trip to the Charlotte airport (cheaper to fly 5 of us to middle son's wedding in Key West than to fly out of Roanoke), which covered I-77 south to the I-85 junction. There are now toll gantries in place in several locations and lots and lots of new (and covered) signs. But there is still a lot of construction, lane shifts, and rough pavement. If the lanes are supposed to open by the end of the year there will have to be around-the-clock work going on or maybe the plan is to move traffic to the newly paved toll lanes (and charge?) while the other lanes are paved. At any rate, this has been the most screwed-up and convoluted construction project I have ever seen. If there were a better way to get from Blacksburg to the west coast of Florida, I would take it (I've looked at I-74 but it goes east at Rockingham to hit I-95, which is too far out of the way; U.S. 52 and/or NC/SC 38 just don't look like fast routes).

Bruce in Blacksburg


That line was from a direct quote. I live on I-77, and I agree with you on every point. There's now talk it will open in "segments" which was not the original intentions.

For example, the direct connector from Hambright Rd won't open until Summer 2019, even as the lanes are open throughout the project (MM 11-36)

I have not found any news or articles about which segments will open and when that will be...and I've even been by the new customer service centers for NC Turnpike Authority in both Monroe and Charlotte, and they are as clueless about it. (Not to say they aren't helpful, they are, and the first project that *will* make its opening on time is the Monroe Expressway)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on November 14, 2018, 08:06:20 AM
http://www.fox46charlotte.com/news/local-news/i-77-toll-lane-project-will-not-open-by-end-of-2018-as-planned-officials-confirm

A follow up to my comment on 11/08, but vague on details :-/
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: VTGoose on November 14, 2018, 08:46:47 AM
Quote from: jcarte29 on November 14, 2018, 08:06:20 AM
http://www.fox46charlotte.com/news/local-news/i-77-toll-lane-project-will-not-open-by-end-of-2018-as-planned-officials-confirm

A follow up to my comment on 11/08, but vague on details :-/

<gomer pyle>Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!</gomer pyle>

Details? Anyone who has driven through that abomination can see that the contractor(s) failed that construction management class. It would be interesting to find out how the managers determined which random section would be worked on -- dart board? turn of a playing card? blindfolded pointing to a map?

It was interesting to read one of the related stories attached to the above story, about how the contractor put in 8 miles of median barrier without rebar.
Quote
The concrete barrier wall being built from exit 28 to exit 36 is being replaced after a major mishap in construction.

"What's upsetting is that it's going to go on even longer because they obviously don't know what they're doing," said Shannon Horne.

Sugar Creek Construction built the first barrier wall without steel rebar, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Shannon is one smart person -- too bad she didn't work for NCDOT when these contracts were being let.

It will be interesting to see the "progress" next week as we head south for Thanksgiving.

Bruce in Blacksburg
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Henry on November 14, 2018, 09:48:01 AM
Quote from: jcarte29 on November 08, 2018, 09:45:43 AM
Quote from: VTGoose on November 07, 2018, 03:45:42 PM
Quote from: jcarte29 on August 30, 2018, 09:16:27 AM
On September 13-

"With I-77 Express set to open in late 2018 . . .

I want what he's drinking. We made a weekend trip to the Charlotte airport (cheaper to fly 5 of us to middle son's wedding in Key West than to fly out of Roanoke), which covered I-77 south to the I-85 junction. There are now toll gantries in place in several locations and lots and lots of new (and covered) signs. But there is still a lot of construction, lane shifts, and rough pavement. If the lanes are supposed to open by the end of the year there will have to be around-the-clock work going on or maybe the plan is to move traffic to the newly paved toll lanes (and charge?) while the other lanes are paved. At any rate, this has been the most screwed-up and convoluted construction project I have ever seen. If there were a better way to get from Blacksburg to the west coast of Florida, I would take it (I've looked at I-74 but it goes east at Rockingham to hit I-95, which is too far out of the way; U.S. 52 and/or NC/SC 38 just don't look like fast routes).

Bruce in Blacksburg


That line was from a direct quote. I live on I-77, and I agree with you on every point. There's now talk it will open in "segments" which was not the original intentions.

For example, the direct connector from Hambright Rd won't open until Summer 2019, even as the lanes are open throughout the project (MM 11-36)

I have not found any news or articles about which segments will open and when that will be...and I've even been by the new customer service centers for NC Turnpike Authority in both Monroe and Charlotte, and they are as clueless about it. (Not to say they aren't helpful, they are, and the first project that *will* make its opening on time is the Monroe Expressway)
Quote from: VTGoose on November 14, 2018, 08:46:47 AM
Quote from: jcarte29 on November 14, 2018, 08:06:20 AM
http://www.fox46charlotte.com/news/local-news/i-77-toll-lane-project-will-not-open-by-end-of-2018-as-planned-officials-confirm

A follow up to my comment on 11/08, but vague on details :-/

<gomer pyle>Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!</gomer pyle>

Details? Anyone who has driven through that abomination can see that the contractor(s) failed that construction management class. It would be interesting to find out how the managers determined which random section would be worked on -- dart board? turn of a playing card? blindfolded pointing to a map?

It was interesting to read one of the related stories attached to the above story, about how the contractor put in 8 miles of median barrier without rebar.
Quote
The concrete barrier wall being built from exit 28 to exit 36 is being replaced after a major mishap in construction.

"What's upsetting is that it's going to go on even longer because they obviously don't know what they're doing," said Shannon Horne.

Sugar Creek Construction built the first barrier wall without steel rebar, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Shannon is one smart person -- too bad she didn't work for NCDOT when these contracts were being let.

It will be interesting to see the "progress" next week as we head south for Thanksgiving.

Bruce in Blacksburg

This is the kind of BS that I'd expect in Chicago, given how crooked their government is.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: mvak36 on November 14, 2018, 11:58:52 AM
Quote from: VTGoose on November 14, 2018, 08:46:47 AM
Quote from: jcarte29 on November 14, 2018, 08:06:20 AM
http://www.fox46charlotte.com/news/local-news/i-77-toll-lane-project-will-not-open-by-end-of-2018-as-planned-officials-confirm

A follow up to my comment on 11/08, but vague on details :-/

<gomer pyle>Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!</gomer pyle>

Details? Anyone who has driven through that abomination can see that the contractor(s) failed that construction management class. It would be interesting to find out how the managers determined which random section would be worked on -- dart board? turn of a playing card? blindfolded pointing to a map?

It was interesting to read one of the related stories attached to the above story, about how the contractor put in 8 miles of median barrier without rebar.
Quote
The concrete barrier wall being built from exit 28 to exit 36 is being replaced after a major mishap in construction.

"What's upsetting is that it's going to go on even longer because they obviously don't know what they're doing," said Shannon Horne.

Sugar Creek Construction built the first barrier wall without steel rebar, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Shannon is one smart person -- too bad she didn't work for NCDOT when these contracts were being let.

It will be interesting to see the "progress" next week as we head south for Thanksgiving.

Bruce in Blacksburg

Is it too late to buy that company out and let the NC Turnpike authority run these toll lanes?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: TimQuiQui on November 14, 2018, 12:40:22 PM
According to the DOT, yes, a buyout is likely. The state has expressed a willingness to buy them out and convert one of the toll lanes to general purpose, but insisted they can't do that until the state does all it's scoring and calculations for the next STIP to determine a horizion year. Which to say the least has been met with skepticism from local leaders who feel since NCDOT created this disaster, maybe NCDOT should treat this as a special case to solve it faster. I'm sure that discontment will only grow with this new development.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on November 21, 2018, 03:12:59 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on December 02, 2016, 11:59:13 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on September 17, 2016, 05:38:01 PM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on September 13, 2016, 10:25:10 PM
I am too lazy to look it up, but where is the northern limit of the I-77 work?
If you mean the express lanes, it ends at Exit 36.

This looks like a make-work project that will be drawn out for a while to keep people employed. It will be nice when it is done, though. We came through there northbound on Thursday and it looked like they were having some kind of malfunction in the middle of the project (sorry, don't have the exact location other than north of exit 35). It looks like the roadway is in place all through there with work being done on median dividers, etc. -- except where there was a sinkhole that took out part of the lanes.

Also, we had the misfortune of having to travel I-77 on the afternoon before Thanksgiving (not my choice but unavoidable). Traffic was pretty jammed up from around Troutman until we got on I-485 to get around Charlotte, until we got into a small back-up to get back on I-77 (not anything like the jam to get on I-85 from I-485). We also sat in traffic coming back north due to a bad wreck on the southbound side on one of the bridges over Lake Norman (rubberneckers, I guess, had traffic moving slowly north). While it may be a bit out of the way, is I-85 approaching Charlotte from say, Salisbury, the same malfunction? Does it get jammed up/locked up or are there enough alternate routes to take care of diverted traffic? My thought is to jog over to Winston-Salem via I-74/U.S. 52, then continue south on 52 to hit I-85 at Lexington, then take that to I-485 and on around Charlotte.

Bruce in Blacksburg

The portion between the 77/485 interchange north of Uptown Charlotte is part of the current toll lane construction. The portion from Uptown south to the SC state line is going to be a massive project calling for 10 lanes (5 in each direction) and probably won't be completed in the next 5 years. Last I heard from CDOT officials it was still being debated whether the additional 2 lanes should be both tolled or 1 tolled and 1 free.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on November 21, 2018, 04:31:18 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on November 21, 2018, 03:12:59 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on December 02, 2016, 11:59:13 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on September 17, 2016, 05:38:01 PM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on September 13, 2016, 10:25:10 PM
I am too lazy to look it up, but where is the northern limit of the I-77 work?
If you mean the express lanes, it ends at Exit 36.

This looks like a make-work project that will be drawn out for a while to keep people employed. It will be nice when it is done, though. We came through there northbound on Thursday and it looked like they were having some kind of malfunction in the middle of the project (sorry, don't have the exact location other than north of exit 35). It looks like the roadway is in place all through there with work being done on median dividers, etc. -- except where there was a sinkhole that took out part of the lanes.

Also, we had the misfortune of having to travel I-77 on the afternoon before Thanksgiving (not my choice but unavoidable). Traffic was pretty jammed up from around Troutman until we got on I-485 to get around Charlotte, until we got into a small back-up to get back on I-77 (not anything like the jam to get on I-85 from I-485). We also sat in traffic coming back north due to a bad wreck on the southbound side on one of the bridges over Lake Norman (rubberneckers, I guess, had traffic moving slowly north). While it may be a bit out of the way, is I-85 approaching Charlotte from say, Salisbury, the same malfunction? Does it get jammed up/locked up or are there enough alternate routes to take care of diverted traffic? My thought is to jog over to Winston-Salem via I-74/U.S. 52, then continue south on 52 to hit I-85 at Lexington, then take that to I-485 and on around Charlotte.

Bruce in Blacksburg

The portion between the 77/485 interchange north of Uptown Charlotte is part of the current toll lane construction. The portion from Uptown south to the SC state line is going to be a massive project calling for 10 lanes (5 in each direction) and probably won't be completed in the next 5 years. Last I heard from CDOT officials it was still being debated whether the additional 2 lanes should be both tolled or 1 tolled and 1 free.

Miles 11-36 (I-277 intersection being the southern end) is the toll project.

But because its so far behind, its now going to open in segments, which wasn't the original intentions. Uggghh
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on November 22, 2018, 11:26:06 AM
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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on December 02, 2018, 09:08:32 PM
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!
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on January 19, 2019, 11:11:46 PM
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!
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on February 13, 2019, 05:26:25 PM
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)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on March 22, 2019, 02:38:27 PM
*** 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.

###
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on March 22, 2019, 04:56:30 PM
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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on April 05, 2019, 01:18:04 PM
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."
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on May 21, 2019, 11:13:55 AM
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/hov-lanes-on-i-77-what-you-need-to-know/949928287


Still no word on any opening announcement. Shocker as it must be.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on May 31, 2019, 03:31:27 PM
https://www.wfae.org/post/northern-section-i-77-toll-lane-project-opens-saturday#stream/0


Finally, an open date
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on June 01, 2019, 10:43:53 PM
Lanes have officially opened today.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on June 04, 2019, 05:35:01 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-04-charlotte-center-extends-hours.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-04-charlotte-center-extends-hours.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: 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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: 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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: kevinb1994 on June 13, 2019, 09:50:34 AM
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 (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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: goobnav on June 13, 2019, 11:26:49 AM
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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on June 13, 2019, 02:08:51 PM
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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on June 19, 2019, 12:18:21 PM
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 (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-19-i-485-open-house.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on June 27, 2019, 08:31:00 AM
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/drivers-say-merge-lane-too-short-in-i-77-toll-construction-zone/961725532 (https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/drivers-say-merge-lane-too-short-in-i-77-toll-construction-zone/961725532)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: 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 (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-07-19-i-77-peak-hour-travel-lanes-approved.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: 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 (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 (https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/officials-consider-turning-shoulders-on-part-of-i-77-into-driving-lanes/967936014)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on July 19, 2019, 11:36:21 PM
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 (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 (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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2019, 01:11:31 AM
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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: froggie on July 25, 2019, 06:21:08 AM
^ 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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on July 25, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
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.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on July 27, 2019, 09:23:12 PM
What is it like to visit Charlotte?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on July 27, 2019, 09:24:25 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 25, 2019, 06:21:08 AM
^ 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.

Well it needs more lanes. Population is drastically increasing and I was hoping the widening over the river (if I even know what it is) would happen.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on July 28, 2019, 08:01:21 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on July 27, 2019, 09:24:25 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 25, 2019, 06:21:08 AM
^ 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.

Well it needs more lanes. Population is drastically increasing and I was hoping the widening over the river (if I even know what it is) would happen.

Mooresville's population was at 19,000 back in 2000 and now is 37,800 as of 2017. That's almost doubling the population.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Rothman on July 28, 2019, 09:00:09 PM
Stop the spamming!! 
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on July 28, 2019, 09:54:46 PM
Quote from: Rothman on July 28, 2019, 09:00:09 PM
Stop the spamming!!

So that's off topic? We should be only talking about Charlotte? I will probably wait for a post before i see what it's like and i will post
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Rothman on July 28, 2019, 09:55:27 PM
No, responding to yourself over and over is excessive.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on July 28, 2019, 09:58:33 PM
Quote from: Rothman on July 28, 2019, 09:55:27 PM
No, responding to yourself over and over is excessive.

Ok. I will stop.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on August 06, 2019, 03:42:36 PM
Regarding I-77 invoices...

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-08-6-invoices-due-i-77-express-lanes.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-08-6-invoices-due-i-77-express-lanes.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on August 14, 2019, 11:39:42 AM
The I-485 express lane project will begin soon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-08-15-charlotte-express-lanes-construction.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-08-15-charlotte-express-lanes-construction.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on August 16, 2019, 06:58:31 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 25, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
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.

I can't wait for that one to finally begin construction. I absolutely HATE driving that stretch of 77 pretty much during any part of the day except on weekends. The NCDOT design also calls for a total reconstruction of the outdated interchange at the John Belk Frwy (I-277) and I-77.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on August 16, 2019, 11:48:53 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on August 16, 2019, 06:58:31 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 25, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
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.

I can't wait for that one to finally begin construction. I absolutely HATE driving that stretch of 77 pretty much during any part of the day except on weekends. The NCDOT design also calls for a total reconstruction of the outdated interchange at the John Belk Frwy (I-277) and I-77.

Well, it's currently a decade away, so you will have plenty of HATE by then.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on September 08, 2019, 06:11:59 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on August 16, 2019, 06:58:31 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 25, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
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.

I can't wait for that one to finally begin construction. I absolutely HATE driving that stretch of 77 pretty much during any part of the day except on weekends. The NCDOT design also calls for a total reconstruction of the outdated interchange at the John Belk Frwy (I-277) and I-77.
This DOT takes FOREVER to widen and plan stuff. Unless people move out of the city maybe traffic congestion wouldn't be as high. But I agree. I-77 sucks. I-85 too.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 08, 2019, 07:10:00 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 08, 2019, 06:11:59 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on August 16, 2019, 06:58:31 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 25, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
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.

I can't wait for that one to finally begin construction. I absolutely HATE driving that stretch of 77 pretty much during any part of the day except on weekends. The NCDOT design also calls for a total reconstruction of the outdated interchange at the John Belk Frwy (I-277) and I-77.
This DOT takes FOREVER to widen and plan stuff. Unless people move out of the city maybe traffic congestion wouldn't be as high. But I agree. I-77 sucks. I-85 too.
Funding shortfalls have caused the delays in projects all around the state. It's not like they're doing nothing though. I-85 was just widened from 4 to 8 lanes north of Charlotte, I-485 Express Lanes are under construction, the I-77 Express Lanes were recently completed, the Monroe Expressway opened last year, major improvements to the northern part of US-77 converted it into a "Jersey Freeway" where you have private driveway connections and RIROs, but no crossroads and urban interchanges. A free-flowing arterial essentially.

More projects are funded to widen I-85 from 6 to 8 lanes south (west) of Charlotte, add Express Lanes to I-77 to South Carolina as mentioned, and an overhaul of the I-77 / I-85 interchange IIRC.

It's not just NCDOT though that takes "FOREVER". Pretty much all DOTs are this way, and for the record, NCDOT seems to be farther ahead than my state's DOT, though they are catching up as of recently.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: froggie on September 08, 2019, 08:38:18 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 08, 2019, 06:11:59 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on August 16, 2019, 06:58:31 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 25, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
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.

I can't wait for that one to finally begin construction. I absolutely HATE driving that stretch of 77 pretty much during any part of the day except on weekends. The NCDOT design also calls for a total reconstruction of the outdated interchange at the John Belk Frwy (I-277) and I-77.
This DOT takes FOREVER to widen and plan stuff. Unless people move out of the city maybe traffic congestion wouldn't be as high. But I agree. I-77 sucks. I-85 too.

What you don't seem to understand is that it takes a lot of time and money to do the location studies, environmental studies, public (both citizen and local governmental) meetings, legal paperwork, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocation just to get big construction projects started.  And then there's the construction itself, with heavy equipment movement & staging, workforce mobilization, materials, maintenance of traffic, and everything else that enables the construction to occur.

"Moving people out of the city" also isn't a realistic option, as all you're really doing there is shifting the traffic burden to wherever they relocate to...often locations that don't have the infrastructure to handle the influx, so you're right back in the same boat.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on September 08, 2019, 08:48:36 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 08, 2019, 07:10:00 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 08, 2019, 06:11:59 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on August 16, 2019, 06:58:31 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 25, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
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.

I can't wait for that one to finally begin construction. I absolutely HATE driving that stretch of 77 pretty much during any part of the day except on weekends. The NCDOT design also calls for a total reconstruction of the outdated interchange at the John Belk Frwy (I-277) and I-77.
This DOT takes FOREVER to widen and plan stuff. Unless people move out of the city maybe traffic congestion wouldn't be as high. But I agree. I-77 sucks. I-85 too.
Funding shortfalls have caused the delays in projects all around the state. It's not like they're doing nothing though. I-85 was just widened from 4 to 8 lanes north of Charlotte, I-485 Express Lanes are under construction, the I-77 Express Lanes were recently completed, the Monroe Expressway opened last year, major improvements to the northern part of US-77 converted it into a "Jersey Freeway" where you have private driveway connections and RIROs, but no crossroads and urban interchanges. A free-flowing arterial essentially.

More projects are funded to widen I-85 from 6 to 8 lanes south (west) of Charlotte, add Express Lanes to I-77 to South Carolina as mentioned, and an overhaul of the I-77 / I-85 interchange IIRC.

It's not just NCDOT though that takes "FOREVER". Pretty much all DOTs are this way, and for the record, NCDOT seems to be farther ahead than my state's DOT, though they are catching up as of recently.
They should make the entire I-77 / I-85 interchange to a four level stack. Unless they convert it to this. The website claims it will not be reconfigured, but it will be really needed in the future. Lots of weaving.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/FeasibilityStudiesDocuments/Feasibility-Study_1210A_Report_2014.pdf

Scroll down to page 33 and see the complete redesign.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on September 08, 2019, 08:59:55 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 08, 2019, 08:38:18 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 08, 2019, 06:11:59 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on August 16, 2019, 06:58:31 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 25, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
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.

I can't wait for that one to finally begin construction. I absolutely HATE driving that stretch of 77 pretty much during any part of the day except on weekends. The NCDOT design also calls for a total reconstruction of the outdated interchange at the John Belk Frwy (I-277) and I-77.
This DOT takes FOREVER to widen and plan stuff. Unless people move out of the city maybe traffic congestion wouldn't be as high. But I agree. I-77 sucks. I-85 too.

What you don't seem to understand is that it takes a lot of time and money to do the location studies, environmental studies, public (both citizen and local governmental) meetings, legal paperwork, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocation just to get big construction projects started.  And then there's the construction itself, with heavy equipment movement & staging, workforce mobilization, materials, maintenance of traffic, and everything else that enables the construction to occur.

"Moving people out of the city" also isn't a realistic option, as all you're really doing there is shifting the traffic burden to wherever they relocate to...often locations that don't have the infrastructure to handle the influx, so you're right back in the same boat.
We have big areas that we can develop here in Greenville, NC. And look at the outer banks! Also undeveloped. I'm not sure if Charlotte is too crowded...
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on September 09, 2019, 11:18:46 AM
Wow I took a look at those 85/77 concepts that would be a dream to have that reconfigured.

Somewhat on topic, I asked on FB this the other day. Will there be access from **I-77 Express Lanes** to I-85 SB? I definitely identified where to access to I-85 NB but still have yet to see/find the other...
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 09, 2019, 02:34:49 PM
How bad is the traffic in Charlotte compared to other cities in North Carolina?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on September 09, 2019, 02:41:20 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 09, 2019, 02:34:49 PM
How bad is the traffic in Charlotte compared to other cities in North Carolina?
Really bad.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on September 09, 2019, 03:17:13 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 09, 2019, 02:41:20 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 09, 2019, 02:34:49 PM
How bad is the traffic in Charlotte compared to other cities in North Carolina?
Really bad.

I agree with this but Raleigh I-40 takes a close second...
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on September 09, 2019, 09:24:02 PM
Quote from: jcarte29 on September 09, 2019, 03:17:13 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 09, 2019, 02:41:20 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 09, 2019, 02:34:49 PM
How bad is the traffic in Charlotte compared to other cities in North Carolina?
Really bad.

I agree with this but Raleigh I-40 takes a close second...
They are going to fix that hopefully soon. Here's some maps of the proposals

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/FeasibilityStudiesDocuments/Feasibility-Study_1205A_Report_2016.pdf

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/FeasibilityStudiesDocuments/Feasibility-Study_1005A_Report_2015.pdf
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 09, 2019, 09:27:00 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 09, 2019, 09:24:02 PM
Quote from: jcarte29 on September 09, 2019, 03:17:13 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 09, 2019, 02:41:20 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 09, 2019, 02:34:49 PM
How bad is the traffic in Charlotte compared to other cities in North Carolina?
Really bad.

I agree with this but Raleigh I-40 takes a close second...
They are going to fix that hopefully soon. Here's some maps of the proposals

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/FeasibilityStudiesDocuments/Feasibility-Study_1205A_Report_2016.pdf

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/FeasibilityStudiesDocuments/Feasibility-Study_1005A_Report_2015.pdf
Unfunded projects. Managed lanes along w/ an additional general purpose lane each way is ideal, but a long ways away.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on September 09, 2019, 10:23:09 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4017547,-80.6983075,3a,75y,55.74h,79.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sZUdpXrct-ZVgtXz7A7lSHg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

They got space to put another lane here. Maybe in the future there will be some managed lanes?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on September 09, 2019, 11:21:12 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 09, 2019, 10:23:09 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4017547,-80.6983075,3a,75y,55.74h,79.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sZUdpXrct-ZVgtXz7A7lSHg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

They got space to put another lane here. Maybe in the future there will be some managed lanes?

Just don't hire Cintra for the project!
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 09, 2019, 11:23:52 PM
Quote from: jcarte29 on September 09, 2019, 11:21:12 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 09, 2019, 10:23:09 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4017547,-80.6983075,3a,75y,55.74h,79.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sZUdpXrct-ZVgtXz7A7lSHg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

They got space to put another lane here. Maybe in the future there will be some managed lanes?

Just don't hire Cintra for the project!
Or any private company for that matter. Same mistake made here in Virginia with I-95 and I-495.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: froggie on September 10, 2019, 09:57:33 AM
I don't think the Beltway HO/T Lanes project was that big of an issue.  I-95/395, on the other hand...
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 10, 2019, 05:45:06 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 10, 2019, 09:57:33 AM
I don't think the Beltway HO/T Lanes project was that big of an issue.  I-95/395, on the other hand...
I would agree that the I-495 project was okay, but not the I-95 / I-395 portion.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on September 13, 2019, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 09, 2019, 10:23:09 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4017547,-80.6983075,3a,75y,55.74h,79.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sZUdpXrct-ZVgtXz7A7lSHg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

They got space to put another lane here. Maybe in the future there will be some managed lanes?

I-85 doesn't really need more lanes in that area. 85 is pretty good for the most part through Charlotte. It's 77 between Uptown and the SC line that's the biggest (and most costly) issue that needs to be fixed.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on September 13, 2019, 07:35:42 PM
There's a proposal that it would say it would be get 5-2-2-5.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on September 19, 2019, 03:03:54 PM
The speed limit on I-485 between the western NC-27 interchange and US-74 in Matthews will be reduced to 65mph.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 19, 2019, 04:56:43 PM
Quote from: LM117 on September 19, 2019, 03:03:54 PM
The speed limit on I-485 between the western NC-27 interchange and US-74 in Matthews will be reduced to 65mph.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx)
Yes, because reducing the speed limit will definitely slow drivers down and decrease accident rates... I highly doubt anything will change.

The design speed is 70 mph, the speed limit should reflect this, and that's what drivers will do no matter what's posted.

I feel like this is the start to a new trend... first I-485 has half of the highway reduced to 65 mph... next the remainder will be reduced to 65 mph... then I-540 around Raleigh will be lowered to 65 mph, and so on.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on September 19, 2019, 05:06:52 PM
Quote from: LM117 on September 19, 2019, 03:03:54 PM
The speed limit on I-485 between the western NC-27 interchange and US-74 in Matthews will be reduced to 65mph.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx)
Not sure if i really like that idea, but I guess reducing the speed limit to 65 (especially in high AADT highways) would be fine.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 19, 2019, 05:09:18 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 19, 2019, 05:06:52 PM
Quote from: LM117 on September 19, 2019, 03:03:54 PM
The speed limit on I-485 between the western NC-27 interchange and US-74 in Matthews will be reduced to 65mph.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx)
Not sure if i really like that idea, but I guess reducing the speed limit to 65 (especially in high AADT highways) would be fine.
The highway may have a high AADT, but it was constructed as a rural freeway and still has a rural freeway design, spaced out interchanges, large curve radius, 70 mph design speed, etc... it should still be reflected in the posted the speed limit, which is currently 70 mph and should remain 70 mph.

If you use AADT as a standard, then you'd have to lower a lot of 70 - 75 mph highways across the country to 65 mph.

And again, ultimately, will this slow people down? Will be people all a sudden go from 70 - 75 mph to 65 - 70 mph? Doubt it.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on September 19, 2019, 07:15:01 PM
Is not the class clockwise direction coming into a work zone.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: TimQuiQui on September 20, 2019, 12:22:35 AM
The rationale at the time of increasing the speed limit is that internal studies showed average drivers going above 70 throughout the loop. I personally doubt I'll slow down any on that stretch. I'm a little surprised they didn't extend this to Exit 57 - NC 16. That'd cover the whole remaining four lane section and I always felt the mile 51-57 zone is where I saw the most crashes. Maybe they're planning on that being cut to construction soon anyway.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 20, 2019, 01:49:49 PM
I doubt reducing the speed limit to 65 will make much difference. Does anyone really obey the posted speed limit? Also: will law enforcement also beef up on cracking down on speeders?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wdcrft63 on September 20, 2019, 06:27:25 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 20, 2019, 01:49:49 PM
I doubt reducing the speed limit to 65 will make much difference. Does anyone really obey the posted speed limit? Also: will law enforcement also beef up on cracking down on speeders?
Probably not. When I drive on I-40 between Raleigh and Durham, I think the speed limit is 65, but you have to do 75 if you don't want to be flattened.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on September 20, 2019, 10:20:12 PM
Quote from: TimQuiQui on September 20, 2019, 12:22:35 AM
The rationale at the time of increasing the speed limit is that internal studies showed average drivers going above 70 throughout the loop. I personally doubt I'll slow down any on that stretch. I'm a little surprised they didn't extend this to Exit 57 - NC 16. That'd cover the whole remaining four lane section and I always felt the mile 51-57 zone is where I saw the most crashes. Maybe they're planning on that being cut to construction soon anyway.

They did. Exit 57 lies between US 74 in Matthews and the NC 27/I-485 Interchange in West Charlotte.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: fillup420 on September 22, 2019, 11:52:03 AM
whats annoying about that is the speed limit was raised from 65 to 70 on all of I-485 once the loop was finished. now they're dropping it back down? Everyone is going to continue doing 90 anyway.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on September 23, 2019, 04:58:11 PM
Quote from: fillup420 on September 22, 2019, 11:52:03 AM
whats annoying about that is the speed limit was raised from 65 to 70 on all of I-485 once the loop was finished. now they're dropping it back down? Everyone is going to continue doing 90 anyway.
Yeah, they did a bad idea. I-77 in Charlotte and I-40 between Durham and Raleigh are fine 65, but not I-485. All of I-485 should stay 70.

If you look back in 2015, NCDOT raised most of their freeways to 70 mph.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: fillup420 on September 24, 2019, 06:04:49 PM
Drove up I-77 north today and passed the section of new express lanes that have opened. I must admit that it looks really good now that (part of) it is done
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 24, 2019, 06:06:34 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 23, 2019, 04:58:11 PM
If you look back in 2015, NCDOT raised most of their freeways to 70 mph.
It's funny - it seems most of the beltways around urban areas are 70 mph, yet the mainlines in rural areas still maintain 65 mph...
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on September 25, 2019, 08:21:12 PM
Quote from: LM117 on September 19, 2019, 03:03:54 PM
The speed limit on I-485 between the western NC-27 interchange and US-74 in Matthews will be reduced to 65mph.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-19-charlotte-speed-limit-reduction.aspx)

Turns out NCDOT jumped the gun. The speed limit will remain 70mph.

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/traffic/article235427247.html#storylink=mainstage_card5 (https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/traffic/article235427247.html#storylink=mainstage_card5)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 25, 2019, 09:06:03 PM
^

Certainly not complaining, but can this state stay consistent on anything?  :spin:
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on September 27, 2019, 09:55:22 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 25, 2019, 09:06:03 PM
^

Certainly not complaining, but can this state stay consistent on anything?  :spin:

The article mentions significant traffic volume increases since the last leg of the loop was finished.  What it doesn't mention is that since that time, nearly all of I-77 within the loop has had some form of nonstop construction.  Whether it be the toll lanes north of 277 Brookshire or just general resurfacing south of there.  It hasn't stopped since 2015/2016 timeframe.  And a significant number of motorists who want to avoid 77 are now regularly using 485, and I'm thinking even if it's a little out of the way.

As for I-85 through traffic, it really hasn't been affected as much, mostly because it has had sufficient capacity ever since they finished a lot of the widening projects in Cabarrus.  The only significant slowdowns it seems to encounter are in Gaston, and those will likely be addressed once the 485 work from Ballentyne to Matthews is completed.

Also, I really wish they would do something about the 485 merge onto 85 south near the airport!  And why they built the Sam Wilson Rd bridge over 85 *with* shoulder piers, thus making adding more lanes impossible w/o rebuilding this bridge, is beyond me!
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 27, 2019, 05:55:29 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on September 27, 2019, 09:55:22 AM
Also, I really wish they would do something about the 485 merge onto 85 south near the airport!
Agreed. I usually take I-85 straight thru, though I decided to try out the new(er - ~2015) bypass one trip heading southbound. It's a nice 8-lane freeway, and all 70 mph, but at the end, I sat at the interchange of I-485 / I-85 South for at least 20 minutes barely moving, and that was just on the ramp. After getting onto I-85, it was stop and go all the way to the US-321 / I-85 split. Finally got up to speed at that point, and into South Carolina.

NCDOT has plans to expand this segment to 8-lanes, but like you said, no planned improvements for the I-485 / I-85 South interchange.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on September 30, 2019, 09:46:43 AM
Quote from: fillup420 on September 24, 2019, 06:04:49 PM
Drove up I-77 north today and passed the section of new express lanes that have opened. I must admit that it looks really good now that (part of) it is done

Speaking of, I haven't received any updates from I-77 Mobility Partners (they send through email subscription monthly and quarterly updates) in over 2 months. Input is welcome here, but I think we are within a month of the "required" completion (It was supposed to be January 1, 2019) before they face 10k/day fines!
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: roadman65 on September 30, 2019, 11:50:35 PM
I think that I-95  is odd the way it is only 70 from Kenly and the Fayetteville Bypass. The rest is only 65 even south of Fayetteville to the SC Line where the exits are spaced enough apart unlike from Eastover to Kenly (the oldest part of the route built in the late 50's I think) where ramps are almost every mile similar to I-95 in CT.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 30, 2019, 11:55:01 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 30, 2019, 11:50:35 PM
I think that I-95  is odd the way it is only 70 from Kenly and the Fayetteville Bypass. The rest is only 65 even south of Fayetteville to the SC Line where the exits are spaced enough apart unlike from Eastover to Kenly (the oldest part of the route built in the late 50's I think) where ramps are almost every mile similar to I-95 in CT.
Once the 50s portions get reconstructed to 8-lanes (which begins next year), that stretch could easily be posted at 70 mph. The design speed is 70 mph, it can handle it. If I-485 and I-540 beltways in urban metro areas can be 70 mph, then a rural stretch can be 70 mph.

Quite frankly, all of I-95 thru North Carolina could be 70 mph. It's not like everybody is already going 80 mph.

And as for 50s portions, and 65 mph, look at I-95 around Emporia, VA. Lower vertical clearances, 20-30 ft median (heavily protected by guardrail though), and bridges that look like they're going to collapse. It was built in 1958 and is posted at 70 mph, an increase from 65 mph when the state limit was raised, even that part was eligible. Granted though, there's way fewer exits, though the interchanges that do exist are extremely substandard, especially the narrow cloverleaf with US-58.

US-64 around Nashville, NC is posted at 70 mph, despite that section being constructed in the early 60s, having substandard bridges with no shoulder, lower clearance bridges, and again, bridges that look like they're about to collapse. It lowers to 65 mph once past I-95 heading east, but that's due to the Rocky Mount area and closely spaced exits - yet even then the study to upgrade US-64 to I-87 evaluated raising the speed limit to a uniform 70 mph thru there by correcting geometrical issues.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: roadman65 on October 01, 2019, 08:24:38 PM
However with VA and 70 around Emporia for ole 95, it's because some engineers say go for it and the others ((like in NC) say motorists need a buffer for safety.

Heck go to Texas and they have five lane arterials posted at 75 mph where many states would question signing it over 55.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on October 01, 2019, 09:02:27 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 01, 2019, 08:24:38 PM
However with VA and 70 around Emporia for ole 95, it's because some engineers say go for it and the others ((like in NC) say motorists need a buffer for safety.
But then there's also that segment of US-64 around Nashville that's just as aged that's posted at 70 mph.

Quote from: roadman65 on October 01, 2019, 08:24:38 PM
Heck go to Texas and they have five lane arterials posted at 75 mph where many states would question signing it over 55.
Texas is one of my favorite states to drive in - mostly because you're always doing at least 70 - 75mph outside of urban areas, no matter what type of road. And even better - there's no urge to speed because the speed limit is an appropriate cap, unlike that 55 mph in the other state that most people do around 60 - 65 mph already.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on October 01, 2019, 09:27:19 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on October 01, 2019, 09:02:27 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 01, 2019, 08:24:38 PM
However with VA and 70 around Emporia for ole 95, it's because some engineers say go for it and the others ((like in NC) say motorists need a buffer for safety.
But then there's also that segment of US-64 around Nashville that's just as aged that's posted at 70 mph.

Quote from: roadman65 on October 01, 2019, 08:24:38 PM
Heck go to Texas and they have five lane arterials posted at 75 mph where many states would question signing it over 55.
Texas is one of my favorite states to drive in - mostly because you're always doing at least 70 - 75mph outside of urban areas, no matter what type of road. And even better - there's no urge to speed because the speed limit is an appropriate cap, unlike that 55 mph in the other state that most people do around 60 - 65 mph already.

Can we get this thread back to Charlotte, NC? I know it grew legs talking about 70 mph on I-485, but the rest of this belongs in Mid-Atlantic forum.

I asked earlier about I-77 EL, does anyone have any updates? We are getting close to hard deadline of $10k a day fines if they don't speed it up (grace has already been extended from Jan 2019 to Now next month...)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on October 01, 2019, 09:40:30 PM
Quote from: jcarte29 on October 01, 2019, 09:27:19 PM
Can we get this thread back to Charlotte, NC? I know it grew legs talking about 70 mph on I-485, but the rest of this belongs in Mid-Atlantic forum.
There were a mere 2 posts that veered off the main topic, it's not like it was an entire page.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on October 07, 2019, 05:31:29 PM
I-277 lane and ramp closures this week.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-10-07-uptown-charlotte-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-10-07-uptown-charlotte-closures.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on October 10, 2019, 07:47:44 PM
Cintra is requesting a deadline extension on the I-77 toll lane project.

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cintra-requests-i-77-construction-extension-faces-fines-if-not-done-by-end-of-month/995706361 (https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cintra-requests-i-77-construction-extension-faces-fines-if-not-done-by-end-of-month/995706361)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Rothman on October 10, 2019, 08:28:01 PM
Ugh.  Cintra:  Bilker of the Public.  How many facilities have we turned over to them so they can squeeze every penny out of the travelling public they can?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on October 11, 2019, 07:16:46 AM
Quote from: LM117 on October 10, 2019, 07:47:44 PM
Cintra is requesting a deadline extension on the I-77 toll lane project.

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cintra-requests-i-77-construction-extension-faces-fines-if-not-done-by-end-of-month/995706361 (https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cintra-requests-i-77-construction-extension-faces-fines-if-not-done-by-end-of-month/995706361)
I'd say no, let them piggy up.

They're already 277 days behind the original deadline, and with the amount of screw ups they've already had, the millions of dollars they've had to pay up, they don't deserve more leeway.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: VTGoose on October 16, 2019, 05:01:47 PM
Quote from: LM117 on October 10, 2019, 07:47:44 PM
Cintra is requesting a deadline extension on the I-77 toll lane project.

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cintra-requests-i-77-construction-extension-faces-fines-if-not-done-by-end-of-month/995706361 (https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cintra-requests-i-77-construction-extension-faces-fines-if-not-done-by-end-of-month/995706361)

So does that include paving (yet again) the various traffic lanes? We went through there last week and while the express lanes appear to have a final coat of asphalt, the main lanes were pretty rough. Up here in the mountains of Virginia, the asphalt plants are nearing their winter shutdown; is that an issue around Charlotte?

Bruce in Blacksburg
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: TimQuiQui on October 16, 2019, 11:03:09 PM
The first CFI - Continuous Flow Intersection - in the state will be opening in West Charlotte Friday at NC 16/Mt. Holly-Huntersville, right by I-485 exit 16

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-10-14-charlotte-intersection-getting-innovative-pattern.aspx
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on October 17, 2019, 02:36:02 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-10-17-interstate-resurfacing-continues.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-10-17-interstate-resurfacing-continues.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — Contractors with the N.C. Department of Transportation will be resurfacing lanes on Interstate 485 in north Charlotte Friday, as part of a $10.8 million contract awarded last fall.

The paving operations require temperatures at or above 60 degrees, so the work must take place during the day. One lane will be closed on the inner loop between mile markers 31 and 36. Traffic control will go in place after 9 a.m. and will be removed by 4 p.m.

Additional lane closures may continue this weekend and next week, as work advances and weather permits. Motorists are encouraged to pay attention when approaching the work zone, obey the posted speed limit, and allow extra time to reach their destinations safely.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on October 21, 2019, 02:42:49 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-10-21-uptown-closures-continue.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-10-21-uptown-closures-continue.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — The series of closures needed for work on the $16.3 million N.C. Department of Transportation project to improve the roadway and 22 bridges along I-277 continues tonight.​​

The entrance ramp from the inner loop to I-77 South (Exit 1B) will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night this week and continue over the weekend from 8 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday. ​​​

Also, the entrance ramp from South Church Street to the inner loop will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night through Monday morning, Oct. 28. ​

All the work is weather permitting and subject to change. Detour information will be online at DriveNC.gov under Mecklenburg County.​​​

Drivers need to slow down and use extra caution while going through the work zones and the detour routes. They also need to pay extra attention to the road for their own safety, as well as any passengers, occupants of other vehicles and the construction crews in the area.​​
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on October 21, 2019, 04:01:00 PM
Quote from: TimQuiQui on October 16, 2019, 11:03:09 PM
The first CFI - Continuous Flow Intersection - in the state will be opening in West Charlotte Friday at NC 16/Mt. Holly-Huntersville, right by I-485 exit 16

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-10-14-charlotte-intersection-getting-innovative-pattern.aspx

I checked it out the other day. Looks like some drivers are confused and were still trying to turn left in the lanes that go straight.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on October 30, 2019, 07:18:03 PM
Cintra is about to start paying fines!!!  The I-77 Toll Lane construction deadline will NOT be extended!!!

https://www.wbtv.com/2019/10/30/nc-sen-natasha-marcus-says-ncdot-will-not-grant-extension-i-toll-lane-project-fines-expected/
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on October 30, 2019, 08:26:59 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on October 30, 2019, 07:18:03 PM
Cintra is about to start paying fines!!!  The I-77 Toll Lane construction deadline will NOT be extended!!!

https://www.wbtv.com/2019/10/30/nc-sen-natasha-marcus-says-ncdot-will-not-grant-extension-i-toll-lane-project-fines-expected/
About time. They've had some many screw ups construction wise, time to start paying up.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on October 30, 2019, 09:52:03 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on October 30, 2019, 07:18:03 PM
Cintra is about to start paying fines!!!  The I-77 Toll Lane construction deadline will NOT be extended!!!

https://www.wbtv.com/2019/10/30/nc-sen-natasha-marcus-says-ncdot-will-not-grant-extension-i-toll-lane-project-fines-expected/

Very nice. They deserve those fines. There's still quite a bit of work to do on the part close to Uptown.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on October 31, 2019, 05:08:27 PM
Related to Cintra, apparently they're apart of the P3 doing the I-66 lanes outside the beltway in Northern Virginia.

So Northern Virginia has both Transurban and Cintra ultimately.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on November 05, 2019, 07:50:21 AM
More ramp closures on I-277 this week.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-04-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-04-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on November 12, 2019, 07:43:07 AM
Another press release regarding I-277.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-11-uptown-ramp-closures-continue.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-11-uptown-ramp-closures-continue.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on November 13, 2019, 03:27:05 PM
Beginning tomorrow, construction work around Concord Mills will be suspended for the holidays.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-13-concord-mills-project-suspension.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-13-concord-mills-project-suspension.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on November 14, 2019, 02:58:08 PM
NCDOT awarded a contract to rehabilitate pavement on I-485 between NC-51 and Idlewild Road. Completion set for November 15, 2020.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-14-east-meck-contract-award.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-14-east-meck-contract-award.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on November 18, 2019, 02:23:25 PM
All I-77 toll lanes are now open.

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/all-sections-of-i-77-express-lanes-set-to-open-saturday-evening/1009340927 (https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/all-sections-of-i-77-express-lanes-set-to-open-saturday-evening/1009340927)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on November 18, 2019, 03:39:07 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-18-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-11-18-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx)

QuoteCHARLOTTE — N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews have scheduled several closures this week as part of a $16.3 million project to improve the roadway and 22 bridges along I-277.​​

Starting tonight, crews will close the ramp from the inner loop to I-77 South (exit 1B), the on-ramp from I-77 North to U.S. 74 West (exit 9C) and the ramp from the inner loop to Freedom Drive (exit 1A). The closures will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., through Monday morning, Nov. 25.​

Also tonight, the ramp from South Boulevard to the outer loop will be closed, as will the ramp from the outer loop to Kenilworth and East 3rd Street (exit 2A). These closures will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday.​​

Nightly closures are also set for the ramps from East Stonewall and East Fourth streets to the outer loop from Tuesday thru Sunday from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day. ​

All the work is weather permitting and subject to change. Detour information will be online at DriveNC.gov under Mecklenburg County.​

Drivers need to slow down and use extra caution while going through the work zones and the detour routes. They also need to pay extra attention to the road for their own safety, as well as any passengers, occupants of other vehicles and the construction crews in the area.​
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on November 26, 2019, 12:09:34 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9ZUW54F51E

Here is a timelapse video of the I-77 express lanes heading northbound from Charlotte.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on December 02, 2019, 04:26:32 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-12-02-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-12-02-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews are resuming several ramp closures this week on Interstate 277 to continue roadway and bridge improvements along the corridor.​​

Starting tonight, crews will close the ramp from I-77 North to U.S. 74 West (exit 9C), the ramp from the inner loop to I-77 South (exit 1B), and the ramp from the inner loop to Freedom Drive (exit 1A). The closures will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., continuing each night until Friday morning.​​

Beginning Friday at 9 p.m., crews will close the ramp from the inner loop to Freedom Drive (exit 1A), the ramp from the inner loop to I-77 North (exit 1C), and the ramp from Church Street to the inner loop. ​​

The ramps will reopen no later than 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, prior to that night's Atlantic Coast Conference football championship game at Bank of America Stadium. The ramps will close again from 9 a.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9. ​​

All the work is weather permitting and subject to change. Detour information will be online at DriveNC.gov under Mecklenburg County.​

Drivers need to slow down and use extra caution while going through the work zones and the detour routes. They also need to pay extra attention to the road for their own safety, as well as any passengers, occupants of other vehicles and the construction crews in the area.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on December 09, 2019, 05:14:44 PM
More I-277 ramp closures this week.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-12-09-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-12-09-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on December 27, 2019, 05:46:03 PM
A little heads-up for those that frequent Concord Mills.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-12-27-concord-mills-mall-entrance-closure.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-12-27-concord-mills-mall-entrance-closure.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on January 03, 2020, 06:54:25 AM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-02-weekend-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-02-weekend-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will close several uptown ramps this weekend as part of a $16.3 million project to improve the roadway and 22 bridges along I-277.​​​​​

The following ramps will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday:

​-the ramps from Church Street and South Boulevard to the inner loop
-the ramp from the inner loop to East Stonewall Street
-the ramp from the outer loop to Carson Boulevard​​

All the work is weather permitting and subject to change. Detour information will be online at DriveNC.gov under Mecklenburg County.​​

Drivers need to slow down and use extra caution while going through the work zones and the detour routes. They also need to pay extra attention to the road for their own safety, as well as any passengers, occupants of other vehicles and the construction crews in the area.​
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on January 09, 2020, 03:12:55 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-09-uptown-ramp-weekend-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-09-uptown-ramp-weekend-closures.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews are continuing their series of ramp closures as part of a $16.3 million project to improve the roadway and 22 bridges along I-277.​​

Beginning tonight at 9 p.m., crews will close the ramp from the outer loop to Carson Boulevard (exit 1D) until 6 a.m. Friday. ​​Other ramps will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13:

-The ramp from the outer loop to Carson Boulevard;
-The ramp from the inner loop to Fourth Street (exit 2A);
-the ramp from Fourth Street to the inner loop;
-the ramp from the inner loop to South Boulevard (exit 1E); and
-the ramp from South Boulevard to the inner loop.
​ ​​
All the work is weather permitting and subject to change. Detour information will be online at DriveNC.gov under Mecklenburg County.​​
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on January 13, 2020, 03:58:13 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-13-uptown-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-13-uptown-closures.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews have scheduled several ramp closures this week as part of a $16.3 million project to improve the roadway and 22 bridges along I-277, weather permitting.​​

Tonight and Tuesday night, crews will close the entrance and exit ramps at the South Boulevard interchange with the inner loop. The closures will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.​​​

On Wednesday night, the inner loop entrance and exit ramps at Fourth Street will be closed from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. Thursday. ​​

Additional ramp closures will be in place over the weekend from 9 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20:​​

-the ramp from the outer loop to Carson Boulevard
-the exit and entrance ramps where Fourth Street meets the inner loop; and
-the ramp from the inner loop to East Stonewall Street​​

All the work is weather permitting and subject to change. Detour information will be online at DriveNC.gov under Mecklenburg County.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on January 23, 2020, 12:31:04 PM
NCDOT is holding two public hearings next week to discuss planned improvements to US-74 between Idlewild Road and I-485.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-23-independence-public-hearings.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-23-independence-public-hearings.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Finrod on January 23, 2020, 02:08:33 PM
Quote from: LM117 on January 23, 2020, 12:31:04 PM
NCDOT is holding two public hearings next week to discuss planned improvements to US-74 between Idlewild Road and I-485.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-23-independence-public-hearings.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-01-23-independence-public-hearings.aspx)

IMHO that section of US 74 needs to be upgraded to a full expressway, express lanes or no.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tjcreasy on January 23, 2020, 03:57:20 PM
The failure to convert Independence Boulevard to a controlled access facility between Uptown and I-485 is one of the biggest missed opportunities in North Carolina. US 74 between Asheville and Wilmington is NC's missing interstate. I'm tired of people telling me it couldn't be done, and the express lanes will help mitigate this failure. Independence Blvd is a Frankenstein of failed vision.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on January 23, 2020, 08:21:09 PM
^ The project is not only adding express lanes, it's also converting the remainder of the roadway into a Jersey freeway, a 50 mph roadway without median crossovers, RIROs, and overpasses. It won't be a full controlled access roadway, but it will be a free-flowing Expressway. Still a major improvement overall, with the elimination of all signals.

Quote from: tjcreasy on January 23, 2020, 03:57:20 PM
US 74 between Asheville and Wilmington is NC's missing interstate.
I-485 provides a 70 mph interstate highway bypass throughout the area, such cross-state interstate would not include US-74 from Downtown Charlotte to I-485.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on January 23, 2020, 08:48:09 PM
With the dearth of radical highways to the due east, do you ever forsee Albermarle Rd getting the same Jersey Freeway treatment?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Roadsguy on January 24, 2020, 07:40:43 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on January 23, 2020, 08:21:09 PM
^ The project is not only adding express lanes, it's also converting the remainder of the roadway into a Jersey freeway, a 50 mph roadway without median crossovers, RIROs, and overpasses. It won't be a full controlled access roadway, but it will be a free-flowing Expressway. Still a major improvement overall, with the elimination of all signals.

Quote from: tjcreasy on January 23, 2020, 03:57:20 PM
US 74 between Asheville and Wilmington is NC's missing interstate.
I-485 provides a 70 mph interstate highway bypass throughout the area, such cross-state interstate would not include US-74 from Downtown Charlotte to I-485.

Ideally the Interstate could begin at I-26 in Columbus and follow US 74 from there, running concurrent with I-85 and then turning along NC 16 and I-277 through downtown Charlotte. Routing it around I-485 wouldn't be too bad, though, especially since that's the direction the flyovers point at the I-485/US 74 junction to the east.

This would also require upgrading NC 16 at least between I-85 and the end of the Brookshire Freeway, though ideally all of NC 16 could be upgraded out to the existing freeway section outside I-485. Has this been recently studied? I'm surprised that I can't find anything about it since it's a pretty big missing link between downtown and I-85 to the west.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tjcreasy on January 24, 2020, 02:04:01 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on January 23, 2020, 08:21:09 PM
^ The project is not only adding express lanes, it's also converting the remainder of the roadway into a Jersey freeway, a 50 mph roadway without median crossovers, RIROs, and overpasses. It won't be a full controlled access roadway, but it will be a free-flowing Expressway. Still a major improvement overall, with the elimination of all signals.

Quote from: tjcreasy on January 23, 2020, 03:57:20 PM
US 74 between Asheville and Wilmington is NC's missing interstate.
I-485 provides a 70 mph interstate highway bypass throughout the area, such cross-state interstate would not include US-74 from Downtown Charlotte to I-485.


I concur that the Independence BL upgrades are a huge improvement. It is still IMHO a huge missed opportunity. Independence BL is/was Charlotte's missing freeway. When the Silver Line is built and southeast Charlotte densifies, I believe planners will wish this opportunity was handled differently. This newly improved road will still have a ton of curb cuts and sidewalks which will introduce/retain many unnecessary safety hazards. A 4 to 6 lane Independence Blvd Freeway with frontage roads would have been more appropriate.

Roadsguy I have spoken with transportation planners in Charlotte. They are currently evaluating several alternatives for Brookshire some include upgrading Brookshire to a freeway between I-277 and I-485.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on January 26, 2020, 11:13:48 PM
The future Asheville to Wilmington freeway would likely just be routed with I-485 in Charlotte. Too much development has been allowed around US74 between Briar Creek Rd and the Matthews/Charlotte city limits boundary. It will be too cost prohibitive to buy up the properties now. The only part they got right was between Uptown and Briar Creek several decades ago. I have noticed how in Matthews the businesses all have significant setback from the roadway to allow a freeway upgrade but it's that part between Briar Creek and the Matthews line that looks like it won't be able to ever be upgraded to a full freeway. I agree that NC missed the opportunity to buy up and reserve the property for possibly upgrading Independence to a full freeway years ago.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Roadsguy on January 27, 2020, 06:47:38 AM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on January 26, 2020, 11:13:48 PM
The future Asheville to Wilmington freeway would likely just be routed with I-485 in Charlotte. Too much development has been allowed around US74 between Briar Creek Rd and the Matthews/Charlotte city limits boundary. It will be too cost prohibitive to buy up the properties now. The only part they got right was between Uptown and Briar Creek several decades ago. I have noticed how in Matthews the businesses all have significant setback from the roadway to allow a freeway upgrade but it's that part between Briar Creek and the Matthews line that looks like it won't be able to ever be upgraded to a full freeway. I agree that NC missed the opportunity to buy up and reserve the property for possibly upgrading Independence to a full freeway years ago.

They'd probably only need to buy all the businesses on one side, but it would still be prohibitively expensive, though I can't imagine it would be much more prohibitively expensive decades from now if traffic counts rise to the point where they decide a freeway upgrade is necessary.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: orulz on January 28, 2020, 09:09:08 AM
Why would they route an Asheville-Wilmington freeway through central Charlotte? Central Charlotte is overwhelmed enough with through traffic. It doesn't need any more. I agree that a I-485 routing would make the most sense.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tjcreasy on January 28, 2020, 04:31:34 PM
An Asheville to Wilmington Interstate routed through central Charlotte will never happen due to NCDOT's/CDOT's development of Independence Boulevard. I acknowledge this. Assuming I-3X is ever comes into fruition it's routing through central Charlotte would have had very little effect on through traffic as through traffic would use I-485 anyway during peak traffic periods. Furthermore they aren't any major generators of new through traffic coming from both directions once the interstate standard upgrades of US 74 are complete both east and west of Charlotte.  Primary interstates would be routed to bypasses/beltways  if through traffic motorists were incapable of choosing the best route.

At some point in the future the NC16-Brookshire Blvd/I-85 interchange will be upgraded, potentially to facilitate an extension of the freeway portion of NC-16. The US74-Independence Blvd/I-277 interchange will also be modernized. I'm looking forward to seeing Independence/Brookshire becoming an improved core route regardless of designation.


I agree with everyone the I-485 is more than adequate though I will caution that I-485 will be hell on Earth within 20 years if currently development trends hold.

Georgia has special shield designations for State routes that are regionally important. I hope NC follows their path in doing this.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on February 05, 2020, 01:30:50 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-05-mecklenburg-interstate-contract-award.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-05-mecklenburg-interstate-contract-award.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $10.4 million contract to improve approximately 1.3 miles of I-77 south of uptown Charlotte between the Morehead Street and Brookshire Freeway exits.

The contract calls for milling and paving, concrete pavement repairs, and installing pavement markings and snowplowable markers. ​​​

The project also includes improvements to the northbound and southbound bridges over Morehead Street, Irwin Creek/Stewart Creek Greenway and Fourth/Trade Streets.

Contract crews will clean and paint the bridges, replace bridge joints, perform repair​​s to the concrete deck, and add a new deck overlay to smooth the ride for motorists.

Work can start as early as March 2 and is scheduled for completion in August 2021.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: VTGoose on February 06, 2020, 09:22:19 AM
Quote from: LM117 on February 05, 2020, 01:30:50 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-05-mecklenburg-interstate-contract-award.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-05-mecklenburg-interstate-contract-award.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $10.4 million contract to improve approximately 1.3 miles of I-77 south of uptown Charlotte between the Morehead Street and Brookshire Freeway exits.

The contract calls for milling and paving, concrete pavement repairs, and installing pavement markings and snowplowable markers. ​​​

The project also includes improvements to the northbound and southbound bridges over Morehead Street, Irwin Creek/Stewart Creek Greenway and Fourth/Trade Streets.

Contract crews will clean and paint the bridges, replace bridge joints, perform repair​​s to the concrete deck, and add a new deck overlay to smooth the ride for motorists.

Work can start as early as March 2 and is scheduled for completion in August 2021.

Is there something in the North Carolina Code that says I-77 must be perpetually under construction? In all the years I have gone up and down that highway, I can't think of any time when some section didn't have orange barrels, a reduced lane, or some other project going on.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on February 07, 2020, 11:41:06 AM
Quote from: VTGoose on February 06, 2020, 09:22:19 AM
Quote from: LM117 on February 05, 2020, 01:30:50 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-05-mecklenburg-interstate-contract-award.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-05-mecklenburg-interstate-contract-award.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $10.4 million contract to improve approximately 1.3 miles of I-77 south of uptown Charlotte between the Morehead Street and Brookshire Freeway exits.

The contract calls for milling and paving, concrete pavement repairs, and installing pavement markings and snowplowable markers. ​​​

The project also includes improvements to the northbound and southbound bridges over Morehead Street, Irwin Creek/Stewart Creek Greenway and Fourth/Trade Streets.

Contract crews will clean and paint the bridges, replace bridge joints, perform repair​​s to the concrete deck, and add a new deck overlay to smooth the ride for motorists.

Work can start as early as March 2 and is scheduled for completion in August 2021.

Is there something in the North Carolina Code that says I-77 must be perpetually under construction? In all the years I have gone up and down that highway, I can't think of any time when some section didn't have orange barrels, a reduced lane, or some other project going on.

Haha agreed. It won't be ending anytime soon either as they're still cleaning up the area around the tolls lanes and later in the decade they'll be rebuilding the entire highway south of Uptown.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on February 10, 2020, 11:51:14 AM
I-277 ramp closures continue this week.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-10-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-10-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on February 24, 2020, 01:06:54 PM
Quote from: LM117 on February 10, 2020, 11:51:14 AM
I-277 ramp closures continue this week.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-10-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-10-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx)

Another round coming up...

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-24-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-02-24-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on March 02, 2020, 03:15:16 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-03-02-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-03-02-uptown-ramp-closures.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: AcE_Wolf_287 on March 10, 2020, 09:30:35 AM
Charlotte Needs another Main Interstate Route and 2 More Auxiliary Routes.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tjcreasy on March 10, 2020, 03:50:02 PM
Charlotte missed that boat with the failure to convert Independence Boulevard to an interstate. The only remaining opportunity will be the potential routing of a Asheville to Wilmington interstate via I-485.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: jcarte29 on March 10, 2020, 10:16:01 PM
Quote from: AcE_Wolf_287 on March 10, 2020, 09:30:35 AM
Charlotte Needs another Main Interstate Route and 2 More Auxiliary Routes.

This isn't Atlanta. Any other interstate would feel like Raleigh getting I-87, in other words, out of place. Where would the auxiliary routes go? 485 is already a 65 mile loop. 85 and 77 are as vital through routes as any in NC...
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Revive 755 on March 10, 2020, 10:26:40 PM
^ An I-3x along the US 74 corridor wouldn't be out of place.

Going more fictional:

1) Upgrade Billy Graham Parkway to a 3di.
2) New spur off the Billy Graham Parkway 3di into the airport.
3) New route of I-85 near Concord to I-485 near the NC 27 interchange.

Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: index on March 11, 2020, 12:41:14 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on March 10, 2020, 10:26:40 PM
^ An I-3x along the US 74 corridor wouldn't be out of place.

Going more fictional:

1) Upgrade Billy Graham Parkway to a 3di.
2) New spur off the Billy Graham Parkway 3di into the airport.
3) New route of I-85 near Concord to I-485 near the NC 27 interchange.
Adding on to that, I feel that if the Monroe Bypass was designated as a spur of I-85, (via 485) for one reason or another, it would see more use.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: AcE_Wolf_287 on March 11, 2020, 09:30:29 AM
Quote from: jcarte29 on March 10, 2020, 10:16:01 PM
Quote from: AcE_Wolf_287 on March 10, 2020, 09:30:35 AM
Charlotte Needs another Main Interstate Route and 2 More Auxiliary Routes.

This isn't Atlanta. Any other interstate would feel like Raleigh getting I-87, in other words, out of place. Where would the auxiliary routes go? 485 is already a 65 mile loop. 85 and 77 are as vital through routes as any in NC...

I-36 or I-38 would be along US 74 and a another auxilary would be to crazy. maybe an outer loop for the metro area

i-877 would intersect

I-77/US 21 in Rock Hill, SC
I-85/US 29/US 74/US 321 in Gastonia
I-77/US 21 in Huntsville
I-85/US 29 in Concord
US 74/US 601 in Monroe
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on March 11, 2020, 02:13:00 PM
As far as an outer loop, NC150 is scheduled for major improvement between NC16 and I77.  It will be 6 lanes with no cross traffic.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on March 16, 2020, 04:02:47 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-03-16-uptown-charlotte-ramp-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-03-16-uptown-charlotte-ramp-closures.aspx)

Quote​CHARLOTTE — N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews have scheduled several closures this week as part of a $16.3 million project to improve the roadway and 22 bridges along I-277.​

Starting tonight, crews will close the ramps from East 5th Street to U.S. 74 East, from East 4th Street to the outer loop, and from the outer loop to U.S. 74 East. The closures will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night through Friday morning, March 20.​​

On Wednesday and Thursday nights, the ramp from U.S. 74 West to the outer loop will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.​​ The same ramp will close this weekend from 9 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday, March 23.

​All the work is weather permitting and subject to change. Detour information will be online at DriveNC.gov under Mecklenburg County.​​

Drivers need to slow down and use extra caution while going through the work zones and the detour routes. They also need to pay extra attention to the road for their own safety, as well as any passengers, occupants of other vehicles and the construction crews in the area.​
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on March 28, 2020, 12:06:25 PM
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-03-27-weekend-striping-work.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-03-27-weekend-striping-work.aspx)

QuoteCHARLOTTE — N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews on Sunday will temporarily close lanes on Interstate 77 at the West Boulevard overpass as part of a $12.8 million improvement of the highway between exits 5 and 10. ​​

The contract calls for milling and paving, repairing concrete, and installing pavement markings and snow plowable markers along the five-mile stretch. ​​

The project also includes improvements to the northbound and southbound bridges at West Boulevard, and the bridge exiting I-77 South to West Boulevard. Crews will paint the bridges, replace bridge joints, perform repairs to the concrete deck and add a new deck overlay to smooth the ride for motorists.​​​

Weather permitting, the closures will start at 7 a.m. Sunday so crews can complete lane striping and install pavement markers. Two of three lanes may be closed in each direction throughout the day. If work is not completed, closures will be scheduled for another day. ​​

Drivers are encouraged to slow down when approaching the work zone and to pay extra attention to construction.​
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on August 14, 2020, 06:59:16 PM
Upcoming lane closures on Concord Mills Blvd next week due to the flyover-bridge project.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-08-14-concord-mills-boulevard-closure.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-08-14-concord-mills-boulevard-closure.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on August 29, 2020, 10:47:59 AM
I'm genuinely curious, but how far away have you seen Charlotte show up as a control city on a distance sign? The furthest I think I've seen Charlotte was on a sign on I-81 near the I-77 interchange.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on August 29, 2020, 11:40:55 AM
Quote from: Third Strike on August 29, 2020, 10:47:59 AM
I'm genuinely curious, but how far away have you seen Charlotte show up as a control city on a distance sign? The furthest I think I've seen Charlotte was on a sign on I-81 near the I-77 interchange.
I-64 / I-77 split in Beckley, WV has a sign that lists Richmond (VA) and Charlotte as long distance destinations. A little over 200 miles to Charlotte, and 260 miles to Richmond. The main control city for I-77 South is Bluefield though.

https://goo.gl/maps/P8FXrxh9pBZiK2DWA
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on September 01, 2020, 11:42:02 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on August 29, 2020, 11:40:55 AM
Quote from: Third Strike on August 29, 2020, 10:47:59 AM
I'm genuinely curious, but how far away have you seen Charlotte show up as a control city on a distance sign? The furthest I think I've seen Charlotte was on a sign on I-81 near the I-77 interchange.
I-64 / I-77 split in Beckley, WV has a sign that lists Richmond (VA) and Charlotte as long distance destinations. A little over 200 miles to Charlotte, and 260 miles to Richmond. The main control city for I-77 South is Bluefield though.

https://goo.gl/maps/P8FXrxh9pBZiK2DWA

Those shields have seen better days.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on September 01, 2020, 11:42:26 AM
Quote from: LM117 on August 14, 2020, 06:59:16 PM
Upcoming lane closures on Concord Mills Blvd next week due to the flyover-bridge project.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-08-14-concord-mills-boulevard-closure.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-08-14-concord-mills-boulevard-closure.aspx)

More lane closures this week.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-08-31-concord-mills-lane-closures.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-08-31-concord-mills-lane-closures.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on February 05, 2021, 12:27:31 PM
Beginning February 8, extended vehicles will be allowed to use the I-77 toll lanes.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-02-05-extended-vehicles-use-i-77-express-lanes.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-02-05-extended-vehicles-use-i-77-express-lanes.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ahj2000 on February 06, 2021, 10:20:30 AM
Quote from: LM117 on February 05, 2021, 12:27:31 PM
Beginning February 8, extended vehicles will be allowed to use the I-77 toll lanes.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-02-05-extended-vehicles-use-i-77-express-lanes.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-02-05-extended-vehicles-use-i-77-express-lanes.aspx)
I moved away from the CLT area a couple years before they opened and only used them once. How are the express lanes doing on a regular basis now? I remember the fights about whether or not to build them.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Katavia on February 07, 2021, 10:05:03 AM
Quote from: ahj2000 on February 06, 2021, 10:20:30 AM
Quote from: LM117 on February 05, 2021, 12:27:31 PM
Beginning February 8, extended vehicles will be allowed to use the I-77 toll lanes.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-02-05-extended-vehicles-use-i-77-express-lanes.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-02-05-extended-vehicles-use-i-77-express-lanes.aspx)
I moved away from the CLT area a couple years before they opened and only used them once. How are the express lanes doing on a regular basis now? I remember the fights about whether or not to build them.
The 'rona took a sledgehammer to the exact same problem that the Express Lanes were attempting to fix, with way more people working from home now ... Most of the time (when I'm on 77) the general lanes were pretty clear, so I don't use them all that often - I've only been able to use them to bypass major congestion once or twice so far.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on May 11, 2021, 12:25:44 PM
Quote from: LM117 on August 14, 2019, 11:39:42 AM
The I-485 express lane project will begin soon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-08-15-charlotte-express-lanes-construction.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-08-15-charlotte-express-lanes-construction.aspx)

So much for opening in late 2022. The opening date is expected to be delayed up to 2 years due to the project being way behind schedule.

https://www.wfae.org/business/2021-05-10/toll-lane-project-on-interstate-485-delayed (https://www.wfae.org/business/2021-05-10/toll-lane-project-on-interstate-485-delayed)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on May 12, 2021, 09:23:39 AM
Quote from: LM117 on May 11, 2021, 12:25:44 PM
So much for opening in late 2022. The opening date is expected to be delayed up to 2 years due to the project being way behind schedule.

https://www.wfae.org/business/2021-05-10/toll-lane-project-on-interstate-485-delayed (https://www.wfae.org/business/2021-05-10/toll-lane-project-on-interstate-485-delayed)

I mention this in reddit, but nobody is explaining why it is taking longer.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: index on May 13, 2021, 12:15:22 AM
Quote from: ahj2000 on February 06, 2021, 10:20:30 AM
Quote from: LM117 on February 05, 2021, 12:27:31 PM
Beginning February 8, extended vehicles will be allowed to use the I-77 toll lanes.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-02-05-extended-vehicles-use-i-77-express-lanes.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-02-05-extended-vehicles-use-i-77-express-lanes.aspx)
I moved away from the CLT area a couple years before they opened and only used them once. How are the express lanes doing on a regular basis now? I remember the fights about whether or not to build them.
At least when I've been on I-77 they don't see much use, as another poster also said. Nobody wants to pay for them. At the very least they should've just kept the express lane down to one lane the whole way and added another general purpose lane, or made them HOV 2+, but I'd rather they just not have been added at all and we'd have more general purpose lanes instead.

I believe this is one of the solutions in which adding a lane isn't uncalled for in reducing traffic. It's >such< a massive tease being stuck in traffic and seeing those two useless lanes just sit there when traffic could be using them.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 13, 2021, 12:49:05 AM
I-85 - Carries 80,000 - 150,000 AADT between I-485 and China Grove. Was originally 4 lanes and suffered significant congestion issues. Has been expanded to 8 general purpose lanes throughout (and before the "induced demand" advocates chime in, many parts were done 20-30 years ago and still have no problems) and now sees virtually no congestion.
I-77 - Carries 70,000 - 100,000 AADT between I-485 and Mooresville. Was originally 4 lanes and suffered significant congestion issues. Has been expanded to 2-4 HO/T lanes + 4 general purpose lanes. Still sees plenty of recurring congestion with underutilized toll lanes.

I think this says enough. I-77 should have been widened to 6-8 general purpose lanes up to Mooresville and left alone - traffic congestion would've gone down and the highway still would have had plenty of room to grow over the next 20+ years.

Now, it's my understanding they're planning a project to widen I-77 south of Downtown to 8 general purpose lanes + 4 HO/T lanes. In that case, I can understand the appropriateness for toll lanes at that point. A more urban environment, higher traffic volumes (150,000+ AADT), and still maximizing general purpose lanes (4 each way) before going to HO/T. But as for the previously completed north project, the lack of usage and still high congestion volumes shows that the project was bound to be a failure from the beginning. That was not an appropriate place for those lanes.

And I fear the same thing is going to happen here in Hampton Roads with the region's rapid HO/T lane expansion over the next 5 years, in areas they quite frankly should be general purpose lanes. But that's for another discussion.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on May 13, 2021, 08:39:30 AM
Can't remember if I said it here or on another forum, but there needs to be legislation in North Carolina (thanks to this project) that a freeway must have three free general purpose travel lanes in each direction before toll lanes can be added, and a minimum of two toll lanes must be constructed in each direction. I'm not completely against toll lanes, but what they did to I-77 is a joke.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176395888_6cf229a96f_o.jpg)

Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 13, 2021, 10:33:42 AM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on May 13, 2021, 08:39:30 AM
Can't remember if I said it here or on another forum, but there needs to be legislation in North Carolina (thanks to this project) that a freeway must have three free general purpose travel lanes in each direction before toll lanes can be added, and a minimum of two toll lanes must be constructed in each direction. I'm not completely against toll lanes, but what they did to I-77 is a joke.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176395888_6cf229a96f_o.jpg)
Agreed. While HO/T lanes can be unpopular in general, if they're used in the right places and get usage, they at least have some level of effectiveness. I-77 was not that right place.

Legislation like that would be nice, but unfortunately could never see it passed. The standard for tolled express lanes in this country has lowered to now being an option for simply slapping a third lane each way. That's what Charlotte did in this northern portion, I believe a similar proposal is underway in Kansas City, and Hampton Roads is doing it.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on May 13, 2021, 10:59:14 AM
Just a reminder that the express lanes being built on I-485 will be own and operated by NCDOT, not a third party like on I-77. This means that the costs to use will be lower because of a less important on profit and more of managing traffic.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 13, 2021, 11:11:12 AM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on May 13, 2021, 10:59:14 AM
Just a reminder that the express lanes being built on I-485 will be own and operated by NCDOT, not a third party like on I-77. This means that the costs to use will be lower because of a less important on profit and more of managing traffic.
Along with being at least 3 general purpose lanes each way... though I believe a part of it will only have 2 each way... that should be expanded IMO to create a consistent 3+1 setup.

But again, in all honesty, I truly feel like 8 general purpose lanes would be a better solution. But what can you do.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on May 13, 2021, 01:47:51 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 13, 2021, 11:11:12 AM
Along with being at least 3 general purpose lanes each way... though I believe a part of it will only have 2 each way... that should be expanded IMO to create a consistent 3+1 setup.

But again, in all honesty, I truly feel like 8 general purpose lanes would be a better solution. But what can you do.

So they are adding a general purpose lane between Providence and Rea Roads. The problem with adding more lanes that traffic usually is able to fill those lanes within' a few years as it encourages more people to take the route. The express lanes is to temper that issue as a flex route for those that are willing to pay or ride-share. Also, funding is another issue because infrastructure, like teacher pay, is never enough.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 13, 2021, 03:35:41 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on May 13, 2021, 01:47:51 PMThe problem with adding more lanes that traffic usually is able to fill those lanes within' a few years as it encourages more people to take the route. The express lanes is to temper that issue as a flex route for those that are willing to pay or ride-share.
Already debunked this fallacy above using a real world example, in the Charlotte area in fact.

I'll add, I'm not necessarily saying induced demand is 100% a myth. It does apply in certain situations, particularly more condensed urban situations and very high traffic volumes that truly needs more than 4 or 5 GP lanes each way. This doesn't apply for I-485 or I-77.

Quote from: sprjus4 on May 13, 2021, 12:49:05 AM
I-85 - Carries 80,000 - 150,000 AADT between I-485 and China Grove. Was originally 4 lanes and suffered significant congestion issues. Has been expanded to 8 general purpose lanes throughout (and before the "induced demand" advocates chime in, many parts were done 20-30 years ago and still have no problems) and now sees virtually no congestion.
I-77 - Carries 70,000 - 100,000 AADT between I-485 and Mooresville. Was originally 4 lanes and suffered significant congestion issues. Has been expanded to 2-4 HO/T lanes + 4 general purpose lanes. Still sees plenty of recurring congestion with underutilized toll lanes.

I think this says enough. I-77 should have been widened to 6-8 general purpose lanes up to Mooresville and left alone - traffic congestion would've gone down and the highway still would have had plenty of room to grow over the next 20+ years.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tjcreasy on May 13, 2021, 05:06:39 PM
Well considering NCDOT started the widening project in Salisbury instead of Concord the demand could never be created due to the bottlenecks through Caburrus and South Rowan County.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on May 15, 2021, 04:51:26 PM
the I-77/I-85 interchange needs MAJOR renovations. There's a BIG headache with going on it.

Also, I-85 getting express lanes like I-77 is?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 15, 2021, 04:59:38 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 15, 2021, 04:51:26 PM
Also, I-85 getting express lanes like I-77 is?
Don't think so, though I could reasonably see them useful particularly out to Gastonia, alongside 4 general purpose lanes in each direction.

Otherwise, NCDOT has been smart and used common sense on that corridor and is seeing very positive results specifically north and east of the city.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Strider on May 15, 2021, 08:03:36 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 15, 2021, 04:51:26 PM
the I-77/I-85 interchange needs MAJOR renovations. There's a BIG headache with going on it.

Also, I-85 getting express lanes like I-77 is?


Yeah, I agree. I-77/I-85 needs MAJOR renovations. They need to fix that. However, I-85 isn't getting express lanes as it is 8 lanes all the way though Charlotte. Traffic can be bad on that stretch, but none of them requires an express lanes to be built. I don't think there will be a room for it with frontage roads on both sides of I-85 in some areas.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on May 15, 2021, 08:07:06 PM
There are now plans for mass transit along the 74/29 to Gastonia, I could actually in this case see it as having an impact.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 15, 2021, 08:45:48 PM
Quote from: Strider on May 15, 2021, 08:03:36 PM
I don't think there will be a room for it with frontage roads on both sides of I-85 in some areas.
See, that's when you go all Texas and go into the sky.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: architect77 on May 16, 2021, 05:23:04 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 15, 2021, 04:59:38 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 15, 2021, 04:51:26 PM
Also, I-85 getting express lanes like I-77 is?
Don't think so, though I could reasonably see them useful particularly out to Gastonia, alongside 4 general purpose lanes in each direction.

Otherwise, NCDOT has been smart and used common sense on that corridor and is seeing very positive results specifically north and east of the city.

NCDOT has almost completed widening I-85 through the entire state. It won't ever do it right at the borders, because that would only help out of staters lol.

They have been at work on I-85 for a long time, at least 20 years. No more 4 lane stretches.

If they have to rebuild a big interstate now, they ideally will make it 8 lanes and that will be be it since after 4 lanes any additional lane has diminishing returns. 8 lanes is the standard now for NC except at certain locations which may need to be bigger.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 16, 2021, 06:06:24 AM
Quote from: architect77 on May 16, 2021, 05:23:04 AM
NCDOT has almost completed widening I-85 through the entire state. It won't ever do it right at the borders, because that would only help out of staters lol.
I can reasonably see them expediting the portion from US-74 to the South Carolina line, especially now that South Carolina (a miracle on its own) is going to the state line.

The portion north of Durham all the way to Petersburg, VA doesn't have the numbers or traffic congestion to warrant any more than 4 lanes. The last substandard portion, north of Henderson, has been modernized and reconstructed, and the highway is now posted at 70 mph throughout.

Overall, North Carolina has done a very good job with I-85. Attention is now going to turn to I-95, now ongoing with the over 50 miles of 8 lane widening, then hopefully with more 6 lane widening planned eventually for the entire duration. The highway honestly needs it all the way through due to peak volumes making the highway unreliable. I-85 sees peak volumes, though I don't think the portion north of Durham gets to the point where a third lane is needed even then. I-95 is another story.

Here's something that will never happen - VDOT widening I-95 to 6 lanes between the North Carolina state line and I-295.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: fillup420 on May 16, 2021, 10:18:24 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 16, 2021, 06:06:24 AM
Quote from: architect77 on May 16, 2021, 05:23:04 AM
NCDOT has almost completed widening I-85 through the entire state. It won't ever do it right at the borders, because that would only help out of staters lol.
I can reasonably see them expediting the portion from US-74 to the South Carolina line, especially now that South Carolina (a miracle on its own) is going to the state line.

The portion north of Durham all the way to Petersburg, VA doesn't have the numbers or traffic congestion to warrant any more than 4 lanes. The last substandard portion, north of Henderson, has been modernized and reconstructed, and the highway is now posted at 70 mph throughout.

Overall, North Carolina has done a very good job with I-85. Attention is now going to turn to I-95, now ongoing with the over 50 miles of 8 lane widening, then hopefully with more 6 lane widening planned eventually for the entire duration. The highway honestly needs it all the way through due to peak volumes making the highway unreliable. I-85 sees peak volumes, though I don't think the portion north of Durham gets to the point where a third lane is needed even then. I-95 is another story.

Here's something that will never happen - VDOT widening I-95 to 6 lanes between the North Carolina state line and I-295.

The only part of I-85 in the state that still hasn't been upgraded from the original construction is in Orange county between I-40 and NC 147. It really needs another lane each way. The unofficial speed limit is about 80, and there's one steep uphill southbound that catches lots of truckers by surprise. This creates  a sketchy passing situation where the faster traffic starts weaving around the slow trucks and normal speed cars. Lots of accidents happen along this stretch.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 16, 2021, 10:37:01 AM
^

I will agree, that segment needs to be widened to 6 lanes and modernized completely.

They also ought to raise the speed limit on I-85 / I-40 between Greensboro and Durham to 70 mph. That 8 lane segment can easily handle it, real speeds are often in excess of 80 mph, and reasonably so, the highway is straight, wide, and 65 mph is universally ignored. It's like this region's version of the New Jersey Turnpike.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on May 16, 2021, 11:50:29 AM
Widening I-85 from the Catawba River to the South Carolina line has been met with the same delays other projects have faced. The only section moving forward at this time is the eight-lane widening to U.S. 321 (I-5719 (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-widening-gaston-county/Pages/default.aspx)), which looks like it should start in 2024. I believe it was originally slated to begin this year. This project is going to be a nightmare with the number of interchanges and overpasses that have to be reconstructed. The Norfolk Southern Railway's mainline has to be relocated... twice.

The section from U.S. 321 to U.S. 74 isn't awful, but is approaching capacity. At one point they were wanting to complete the six-lane widening between U.S. 74 and the state line before starting on the eight-lane widening between U.S. 321 and U.S. 74, but everything has been delayed anyway. The traffic volumes really aren't that high south of U.S. 74 and have been pretty stable over the last 15 years. Both projects were combined into project I-5985 and split into segments A and B for planning and environmental purposes. I don't see why they couldn't have two lanes drop and add at U.S. 74 like I-85 sort of does at the I-40 interchange near Hillsborough.

What amazes me is the project to improve the I-85/I-485 interchange west of Charlotte (I-6016) isn't planned to start until 2027. That interchange has been a cluster for so long already.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 16, 2021, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on May 16, 2021, 11:50:29 AM
The traffic volumes really aren't that high south of U.S. 74 and have been pretty stable over the last 15 years.
That's true, but when South Carolina finishes their project, you're going to have 6 lanes going to 4 at the state line, then in less than 10 miles back out to 6 lanes.

That will likely increase the need to simply close the gap, especially if backups start becoming a thing at the border when the lane drops.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: architect77 on May 26, 2021, 01:43:42 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 16, 2021, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on May 16, 2021, 11:50:29 AM
The traffic volumes really aren't that high south of U.S. 74 and have been pretty stable over the last 15 years.
That's true, but when South Carolina finishes their project, you're going to have 6 lanes going to 4 at the state line, then in less than 10 miles back out to 6 lanes.

That will likely increase the need to simply close the gap, especially if backups start becoming a thing at the border when the lane drops.

I agree that this will incease the urgency for this small section, but if I had to choose priorities, I'd focus on widening I-77.

Now I know that Charlotte chose to do I-485, I -85, HOV and toll lanes first which used decades-worth of funding for the division.

Now this decade Wake County has  a lot projects going on after waiting a long time.

But I-77 now stands out as a dire need. It's the 1st or 2nd most heavily used freeway in the state and Charlotte business leaders should try to come up with a way to fund it asap.

Just 10 years ago people on I-85 got a dangerous surprise as suddenly they were on the old Yadkin River bridge without warning and no room for error or it would be deadly.

But Bev Perdue found $400 million from somewhere to replace that bridge thankfully.

I thought I had read that I-85 through Gaston county was going to be widened again to get a 4th lane in each direction.

I endured the first construction project in the 90s going back and forth from Raleigh to Atlanta and it was awful, dragging on for years with long backups. US29/74 was the official alternate and I-485 hadn't even reached i-85 yet.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 26, 2021, 01:51:48 PM
Quote from: architect77 on May 26, 2021, 01:43:42 PM
But I-77 now stands out as a dire need. It's the 1st or 2nd most heavily used freeway in the state and Charlotte business leaders should try to come up with a way to fund it asap.
Specifically, where?

Quote from: architect77 on May 26, 2021, 01:43:42 PM
I thought I had read that I-85 through Gaston county was going to be widened again to get a 4th lane in each direction.
https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-widening-gaston-county/Pages/default.aspx
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on May 26, 2021, 03:23:58 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 26, 2021, 01:51:48 PM
Quote from: architect77 on May 26, 2021, 01:43:42 PM
But I-77 now stands out as a dire need. It's the 1st or 2nd most heavily used freeway in the state and Charlotte business leaders should try to come up with a way to fund it asap.
Specifically, where?

Quote from: architect77 on May 26, 2021, 01:43:42 PM
I thought I had read that I-85 through Gaston county was going to be widened again to get a 4th lane in each direction.
https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-widening-gaston-county/Pages/default.aspx

The portion south of Uptown Charlotte to the SC Border. It's cramped, congested, and subpar for the amount of traffic it carries. It's actually busier than all the other parts of 77 in the region. NC likely hasn't widened yet because of the sheer cost to expand the freeway in that area. It will easily be the most expensive project ever undertaken by the NCDOT.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on May 26, 2021, 03:26:05 PM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on May 26, 2021, 03:23:58 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 26, 2021, 01:51:48 PM
Quote from: architect77 on May 26, 2021, 01:43:42 PM
But I-77 now stands out as a dire need. It's the 1st or 2nd most heavily used freeway in the state and Charlotte business leaders should try to come up with a way to fund it asap.
Specifically, where?

Quote from: architect77 on May 26, 2021, 01:43:42 PM
I thought I had read that I-85 through Gaston county was going to be widened again to get a 4th lane in each direction.
https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-widening-gaston-county/Pages/default.aspx

The portion south of Uptown Charlotte to the SC Border. It's cramped, congested, and subpar for the amount of traffic it carries. It's actually busier than all the other parts of 77 in the region. NC likely hasn't widened yet because of the sheer cost to expand the freeway in that area. It will easily be the most expensive project ever undertaken by the NCDOT.
IIRC, weren't they planning something like 3 or 4 general purpose lanes alongside 1 or 2 HO/T lanes in each direction? IMO, a better and more appropriate location for HO/T lanes, unlike the current ones north of I-485.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on May 26, 2021, 09:57:26 PM
Quote from: architect77 on May 26, 2021, 01:43:42 PM
But I-77 now stands out as a dire need. It's the 1st or 2nd most heavily used freeway in the state and Charlotte business leaders should try to come up with a way to fund it asap.

Third if you want to go by the highest count per route from NCDOT's latest AADT data (2019), but we all know there's more to congestion than sheer numbers. I-77's numbers around and north of I-277 have been down the past several years, probably due to all of the HOT construction. I doubt there's enough data available yet (plus COVID) to know what affect those had on volumes.


I could be totally wrong on the following estimates, but I-77 does have the greatest number of vehicles per lane in the state between exits 4 and 8 (151,000 AADT / 6 lanes = 25,167). I-85 between exits 22 and 26 is 139,000 AADT / 6 lanes = 23,167. Those estimates take into account auxiliary lanes between exits for the total lane count in other locations. For example, the 196,000 mentioned for I-40 has eight through lanes, an auxiliary lane each direction, and a lane from the I-540 on-ramp that ends after the Page Rd exit, totaling to 11 lanes (17,818 vehicles per lane per day). Even if you only counted through lanes, I think I-77 is still the winner, er, loser.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on May 26, 2021, 10:03:51 PM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on May 26, 2021, 03:23:58 PM
The portion south of Uptown Charlotte to the SC Border. It's cramped, congested, and subpar for the amount of traffic it carries. It's actually busier than all the other parts of 77 in the region. NC likely hasn't widened yet because of the sheer cost to expand the freeway in that area. It will easily be the most expensive project ever undertaken by the NCDOT.

I think an estimate at one time for this stretch of I-77 was approaching or exceeding $1 billion? The estimate for the I-26 connector (https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/Project%20Breakdown%20Maps/I-2513.pdf) in Asheville is currently that much, and will likely far exceed $1 billion by the time construction starts (delayed until 2024) and finishes.

Edit: To answer my own question, the STIP estimate for I-5718A (South Carolina to I-277) is $800 million and funded 2029/post-year, and another $250 million inside I-277 (I-5718B, unfunded).

I-5718 Project Breakdown Map (https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/Project%20Breakdown%20Maps/I-5718.pdf)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: architect77 on May 30, 2021, 04:03:40 PM
So, is this to indicate that I-77 widening has some funding and will commence in 2029?

I would have estimated the cost to be double of what they are estimating because of the land acquisition and staging on an active highway. it's a good thing to come in around $ billion I think.

I would like one new general purpose lane though, and not go to all that effort just for 2 HOT lanes in each direction.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on May 31, 2021, 10:46:19 AM
Quote from: architect77 on May 30, 2021, 04:03:40 PM
So, is this to indicate that I-77 widening has some funding and will commence in 2029?


Not really. Right-of-way acquisition is tentatively scheduled to begin in FY 2029. Construction is currently unfunded. It was likely scheduled that way just to keep the project in the STIP. Any portion can be accelerated or delayed, depending on funding. I believe projects that far out are subject to reprioritization during the biennial STIP development as well, so it could move either direction. Projects get shuffled around monthly and the STIP isn't etched in stone.

There is a lot of planning, design and preliminary engineering (which also has to be funded) and the final environmental document approved before any of that can happen. Big projects like this one can cost several million dollars before a shovel is even moved.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on June 29, 2021, 04:04:21 PM
NCDOT awarded a contract to improve I-85 between exits 36 and 42. Work can start by late July and will wrap up by May 2023.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-06-29-I-85-improvement-mecklenburg-county.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-06-29-I-85-improvement-mecklenburg-county.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on June 30, 2021, 11:11:48 AM
Quote from: LM117 on June 29, 2021, 04:04:21 PM
NCDOT awarded a contract to improve I-85 between exits 36 and 42. Work can start by late July and will wrap up by May 2023.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-06-29-I-85-improvement-mecklenburg-county.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-06-29-I-85-improvement-mecklenburg-county.aspx)

In addition to this, another contract was awarded to improve several other roads in Mecklenburg County. Work can begin on July 26 and is expected to be complete by August 1, 2022.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-06-29-improvements-mecklenburg-county.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-06-29-improvements-mecklenburg-county.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on August 31, 2021, 01:20:04 PM
The new Elm Lane bridge over I-485 opened this morning.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-08-31-elm-lane-bridge-opens.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-08-31-elm-lane-bridge-opens.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: architect77 on September 04, 2021, 06:58:16 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on May 16, 2021, 11:50:29 AM
Widening I-85 from the Catawba River to the South Carolina line has been met with the same delays other projects have faced. The only section moving forward at this time is the eight-lane widening to U.S. 321 (I-5719 (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-widening-gaston-county/Pages/default.aspx)), which looks like it should start in 2024. I believe it was originally slated to begin this year. This project is going to be a nightmare with the number of interchanges and overpasses that have to be reconstructed. The Norfolk Southern Railway's mainline has to be relocated... twice.

The section from U.S. 321 to U.S. 74 isn't awful, but is approaching capacity. At one point they were wanting to complete the six-lane widening between U.S. 74 and the state line before starting on the eight-lane widening between U.S. 321 and U.S. 74, but everything has been delayed anyway. The traffic volumes really aren't that high south of U.S. 74 and have been pretty stable over the last 15 years. Both projects were combined into project I-5985 and split into segments A and B for planning and environmental purposes. I don't see why they couldn't have two lanes drop and add at U.S. 74 like I-85 sort of does at the I-40 interchange near Hillsborough.

What amazes me is the project to improve the I-85/I-485 interchange west of Charlotte (I-6016) isn't planned to start until 2027. That interchange has been a cluster for so long already.

What's wrong with the 85/485 interchange? It seems to be generously spaced out with long flyovers and ramps. I've never seen the West wall of 485 heavily crowded or backed up, but it could be because I'm always looking at the line of planes coming in to land at CLT.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on September 04, 2021, 08:52:01 PM
Quote from: architect77 on September 04, 2021, 06:58:16 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on May 16, 2021, 11:50:29 AM
Widening I-85 from the Catawba River to the South Carolina line has been met with the same delays other projects have faced. The only section moving forward at this time is the eight-lane widening to U.S. 321 (I-5719 (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-widening-gaston-county/Pages/default.aspx)), which looks like it should start in 2024. I believe it was originally slated to begin this year. This project is going to be a nightmare with the number of interchanges and overpasses that have to be reconstructed. The Norfolk Southern Railway's mainline has to be relocated... twice.

The section from U.S. 321 to U.S. 74 isn't awful, but is approaching capacity. At one point they were wanting to complete the six-lane widening between U.S. 74 and the state line before starting on the eight-lane widening between U.S. 321 and U.S. 74, but everything has been delayed anyway. The traffic volumes really aren't that high south of U.S. 74 and have been pretty stable over the last 15 years. Both projects were combined into project I-5985 and split into segments A and B for planning and environmental purposes. I don't see why they couldn't have two lanes drop and add at U.S. 74 like I-85 sort of does at the I-40 interchange near Hillsborough.

What amazes me is the project to improve the I-85/I-485 interchange west of Charlotte (I-6016) isn't planned to start until 2027. That interchange has been a cluster for so long already.

What's wrong with the 85/485 interchange? It seems to be generously spaced out with long flyovers and ramps. I've never seen the West wall of 485 heavily crowded or backed up, but it could be because I'm always looking at the line of planes coming in to land at CLT.

The westbound exit ramps on I-485 bottle neck to one lane. Then that lane immediately drops, and the fourth lane on I-85 becomes an exit lane after crossing the Catawba. Traffic on that part of the interchange and I-85 to Belmont is almost always congested. I do think the I-85/77 and the I-77/277 interchanges are the worst in the metro, but this interchange is pretty close.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 05, 2021, 03:41:21 AM
Quote from: architect77 on September 04, 2021, 06:58:16 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on May 16, 2021, 11:50:29 AM
Widening I-85 from the Catawba River to the South Carolina line has been met with the same delays other projects have faced. The only section moving forward at this time is the eight-lane widening to U.S. 321 (I-5719 (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-widening-gaston-county/Pages/default.aspx)), which looks like it should start in 2024. I believe it was originally slated to begin this year. This project is going to be a nightmare with the number of interchanges and overpasses that have to be reconstructed. The Norfolk Southern Railway's mainline has to be relocated... twice.

The section from U.S. 321 to U.S. 74 isn't awful, but is approaching capacity. At one point they were wanting to complete the six-lane widening between U.S. 74 and the state line before starting on the eight-lane widening between U.S. 321 and U.S. 74, but everything has been delayed anyway. The traffic volumes really aren't that high south of U.S. 74 and have been pretty stable over the last 15 years. Both projects were combined into project I-5985 and split into segments A and B for planning and environmental purposes. I don't see why they couldn't have two lanes drop and add at U.S. 74 like I-85 sort of does at the I-40 interchange near Hillsborough.

What amazes me is the project to improve the I-85/I-485 interchange west of Charlotte (I-6016) isn't planned to start until 2027. That interchange has been a cluster for so long already.

What's wrong with the 85/485 interchange? It seems to be generously spaced out with long flyovers and ramps. I've never seen the West wall of 485 heavily crowded or backed up, but it could be because I'm always looking at the line of planes coming in to land at CLT.
I've personally sat in horrible congestion through that interchange coming from I-485 to I-85 South. There's definitely an issue with it, along with its approach onto I-85 South.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Finrod on September 05, 2021, 01:49:35 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 05, 2021, 03:41:21 AM
I've personally sat in horrible congestion through that interchange coming from I-485 to I-85 South. There's definitely an issue with it, along with its approach onto I-85 South.

Second that; I drive that interchange at most a handful of times in a year, and I've been backed up horribly in it more than a few times.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on September 05, 2021, 04:47:44 PM
It seems like the congestion got worse on southbound I-85 after they reconfigured the lanes. Previously the left lane ended just after Exit 27 and everyone would cut in at the last second and make stupid decisions that led to lots of hard braking and near misses. I thought it would improve after the update to make the right lane exit at Exit 27, but it seems like it made it worse. I hope the same thing doesn't happen when they make the same change to I-40 at US 15/501 in Durham.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on September 06, 2021, 04:28:53 AM
^ They effectively pushed the merge point further east by reconfiguring that lane drop, pushing any queue caused by the lane drop into the queue from the I-485 interchange. Seems like a poor decision on their part.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: fillup420 on September 06, 2021, 09:39:14 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 06, 2021, 04:28:53 AM
^ They effectively pushed the merge point further east by reconfiguring that lane drop, pushing any queue caused by the lane drop into the queue from the I-485 interchange. Seems like a poor decision on their part.

I will say though, the new setup is less dangerous. When the left lane drop was in place, many aggressive drivers would cut in too late and cause a crash. The left shoulder there is narrow so no room for error. I can recall many a crash there causing the entire southbound side to be blocked.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: architect77 on September 11, 2021, 09:08:07 AM
Ok so I-85 is culprit regarding the interchange congestion.

I looked at a map and it looks like they didn't do much for the transitions in directions that had other highways not too far away going in the same direction. zIn other words, locals would the another road first to uptown rather than use the outerbelt and I-85. I'm looking set the NW quadrant of Meck when I hypothesize this.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on September 11, 2021, 10:11:32 AM
Quote from: architect77 on September 11, 2021, 09:08:07 AM
Ok so I-85 is culprit regarding the interchange congestion.

I looked at a map and it looks like they didn't do much for the transitions in directions that had other highways not too far away going in the same direction. zIn other words, locals would the another road first to uptown rather than use the outerbelt and I-85. I'm looking set the NW quadrant of Meck when I hypothesize this.

The core issue is the loss of the 4th lane going into Gaston County. Until I-85 is widened through there you will have a chokepoint due to the loss of capacity. It's similar to how I-85 north of Charlotte used to always have a chokepoint wherever the freeway dropped from 4 lanes. Around rush hour the problem is that you have lots of traffic coming off the SW quadrant of 485 (via Ballantyne) and the traffic coming from Uptown via 85 converging together shortly before the loss of the 4th lane and then being squeezed down to 3 lanes into Gaston.  There really isn't a decent alternative as waiting in traffic on 85 is still usually faster than going down Wilkinson through all the stoplights and those are the only Catawba River crossings in the area.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on September 11, 2021, 10:20:44 AM
When is the next phase of construction on Independence Blvd supposed to start? The project page on NCDOT's website says that ROW acquisition should have already started and that construction should start next year. But I'm pretty sure property acquisition hasn't started yet:

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-74-express-lanes/Pages/default.aspx

Quote from: Mileage Mike on September 11, 2021, 10:11:32 AM
Quote from: architect77 on September 11, 2021, 09:08:07 AM
Ok so I-85 is culprit regarding the interchange congestion.

I looked at a map and it looks like they didn't do much for the transitions in directions that had other highways not too far away going in the same direction. zIn other words, locals would the another road first to uptown rather than use the outerbelt and I-85. I'm looking set the NW quadrant of Meck when I hypothesize this.

The core issue is the loss of the 4th lane going into Gaston County. Until I-85 is widened through there you will have a chokepoint due to the loss of capacity. It's similar to how I-85 north of Charlotte used to always have a chokepoint wherever the freeway dropped from 4 lanes. Around rush hour the problem is that you have lots of traffic coming off the SW quadrant of 485 (via Ballantyne) and the traffic coming from Uptown via 85 converging together shortly before the loss of the 4th lane and then being squeezed down to 3 lanes into Gaston.  There really isn't a decent alternative as waiting in traffic on 85 is still usually faster than going down Wilkinson through all the stoplights and those are the only Catawba River crossings in the area.

Gaston County is pushing for another crossing across the Catawba. I believe it's a remnant of what the Gaston Parkway was going to be. However, I wouldn't expect this project to happen for at least another decade.

https://catawbacrossings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Corridor-Map-scaled.jpg
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on September 11, 2021, 10:44:12 AM
Even with I-85 widened to four lanes to the south/west, there are still over 30,000 vehicles merging into a one-lane ramp from I-485 to I-85 southbound on an average day. The congestion from the I-85 bottleneck doesn't help, but this problem won't go away until the ramps from I-485 are extended. What's needed are three lanes from I-485. Lane 7 ends at the Sam Wilson Rd overpass, lane 6 ends before the Moores Chapel Rd overpass, lane 5 exits at Exit 27, and then four lanes to US 321.

I would also vote for relocating the southbound weigh station as that is forcing all trucks into the right lane and interfering with the flow of things as they have to merge left twice in half a mile after leaving the station.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51447032219_08b210dd55_h.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/92SntqgxENTBo9m58)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on November 24, 2021, 01:49:42 PM
The new flyover bridge at Concord Mills opens this afternoon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Mileage Mike on November 24, 2021, 08:15:29 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 24, 2021, 01:49:42 PM
The new flyover bridge at Concord Mills opens this afternoon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx)

Just in time for Black Friday
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on November 25, 2021, 08:46:45 AM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on November 24, 2021, 08:15:29 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 24, 2021, 01:49:42 PM
The new flyover bridge at Concord Mills opens this afternoon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx)

Just in time for Black Friday

Gonna have to go back up there and check that out.  A month and a half ago, when I went to Concord Mills to return something for my wife, the flyover didn't look like it was close to being finished.  I suppose the rain letting up for the past few weeks allowed the contractors to focus on finishing things up.

I'm hoping NC starts doing this type of thing more often at certain busy intersections.  It seems to have made a difference in Florida.  Specifically, in the Ft. Myers area, where they did a similar treatment to intersections used heavily by beach traffic.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on November 25, 2021, 10:55:02 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on November 25, 2021, 08:46:45 AM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on November 24, 2021, 08:15:29 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 24, 2021, 01:49:42 PM
The new flyover bridge at Concord Mills opens this afternoon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx)

Just in time for Black Friday

Gonna have to go back up there and check that out.  A month and a half ago, when I went to Concord Mills to return something for my wife, the flyover didn't look like it was close to being finished.  I suppose the rain letting up for the past few weeks allowed the contractors to focus on finishing things up.

I'm hoping NC starts doing this type of thing more often at certain busy intersections.  It seems to have made a difference in Florida.  Specifically, in the Ft. Myers area, where they did a similar treatment to intersections used heavily by beach traffic.
I would like for Crabtree Valley Mall to get one of those.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Alex on November 25, 2021, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on November 25, 2021, 10:55:02 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on November 25, 2021, 08:46:45 AM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on November 24, 2021, 08:15:29 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 24, 2021, 01:49:42 PM
The new flyover bridge at Concord Mills opens this afternoon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx)

Just in time for Black Friday

Gonna have to go back up there and check that out.  A month and a half ago, when I went to Concord Mills to return something for my wife, the flyover didn't look like it was close to being finished.  I suppose the rain letting up for the past few weeks allowed the contractors to focus on finishing things up.

I'm hoping NC starts doing this type of thing more often at certain busy intersections.  It seems to have made a difference in Florida.  Specifically, in the Ft. Myers area, where they did a similar treatment to intersections used heavily by beach traffic.
I would like for Crabtree Valley Mall to get one of those.

That's great.

As it is no longer needed, why don't you suggest moving the one from the former Landmark Mall in Virginia to there while you're at it.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on November 26, 2021, 04:32:18 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 25, 2021, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on November 25, 2021, 10:55:02 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on November 25, 2021, 08:46:45 AM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on November 24, 2021, 08:15:29 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 24, 2021, 01:49:42 PM
The new flyover bridge at Concord Mills opens this afternoon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx)

Just in time for Black Friday

Gonna have to go back up there and check that out.  A month and a half ago, when I went to Concord Mills to return something for my wife, the flyover didn't look like it was close to being finished.  I suppose the rain letting up for the past few weeks allowed the contractors to focus on finishing things up.

I'm hoping NC starts doing this type of thing more often at certain busy intersections.  It seems to have made a difference in Florida.  Specifically, in the Ft. Myers area, where they did a similar treatment to intersections used heavily by beach traffic.
I would like for Crabtree Valley Mall to get one of those.

That's great.

As it is no longer needed, why don't you suggest moving the one from the former Landmark Mall in Virginia to there while you're at it.
Great Idea, and NCDOT already plans to improve Glenwood Ave and I-440 traffic.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: rickmastfan67 on November 26, 2021, 06:18:18 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on November 26, 2021, 04:32:18 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 25, 2021, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on November 25, 2021, 10:55:02 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on November 25, 2021, 08:46:45 AM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on November 24, 2021, 08:15:29 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 24, 2021, 01:49:42 PM
The new flyover bridge at Concord Mills opens this afternoon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx)

Just in time for Black Friday

Gonna have to go back up there and check that out.  A month and a half ago, when I went to Concord Mills to return something for my wife, the flyover didn't look like it was close to being finished.  I suppose the rain letting up for the past few weeks allowed the contractors to focus on finishing things up.

I'm hoping NC starts doing this type of thing more often at certain busy intersections.  It seems to have made a difference in Florida.  Specifically, in the Ft. Myers area, where they did a similar treatment to intersections used heavily by beach traffic.
I would like for Crabtree Valley Mall to get one of those.

That's great.

As it is no longer needed, why don't you suggest moving the one from the former Landmark Mall in Virginia to there while you're at it.
Great Idea, and NCDOT already plans to improve Glenwood Ave and I-440 traffic.

I think Alex was being sarcastic.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on November 26, 2021, 06:25:09 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on November 26, 2021, 06:18:18 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on November 26, 2021, 04:32:18 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 25, 2021, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on November 25, 2021, 10:55:02 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on November 25, 2021, 08:46:45 AM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on November 24, 2021, 08:15:29 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 24, 2021, 01:49:42 PM
The new flyover bridge at Concord Mills opens this afternoon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx)

Just in time for Black Friday

Gonna have to go back up there and check that out.  A month and a half ago, when I went to Concord Mills to return something for my wife, the flyover didn't look like it was close to being finished.  I suppose the rain letting up for the past few weeks allowed the contractors to focus on finishing things up.

I'm hoping NC starts doing this type of thing more often at certain busy intersections.  It seems to have made a difference in Florida.  Specifically, in the Ft. Myers area, where they did a similar treatment to intersections used heavily by beach traffic.
I would like for Crabtree Valley Mall to get one of those.

That's great.

As it is no longer needed, why don't you suggest moving the one from the former Landmark Mall in Virginia to there while you're at it.
Great Idea, and NCDOT already plans to improve Glenwood Ave and I-440 traffic.

I think Alex was being sarcastic.
Ah didn't realize.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: architect77 on December 01, 2021, 09:13:52 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on November 26, 2021, 04:32:18 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 25, 2021, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on November 25, 2021, 10:55:02 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on November 25, 2021, 08:46:45 AM
Quote from: Mileage Mike on November 24, 2021, 08:15:29 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 24, 2021, 01:49:42 PM
The new flyover bridge at Concord Mills opens this afternoon.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-11-24-concord-mills-bridge-opening.aspx)

Just in time for Black Friday

Gonna have to go back up there and check that out.  A month and a half ago, when I went to Concord Mills to return something for my wife, the flyover didn't look like it was close to being finished.  I suppose the rain letting up for the past few weeks allowed the contractors to focus on finishing things up.

I'm hoping NC starts doing this type of thing more often at certain busy intersections.  It seems to have made a difference in Florida.  Specifically, in the Ft. Myers area, where they did a similar treatment to intersections used heavily by beach traffic.
I would like for Crabtree Valley Mall to get one of those.

That's great.

As it is no longer needed, why don't you suggest moving the one from the former Landmark Mall in Virginia to there while you're at it.
Great Idea, and NCDOT already plans to improve Glenwood Ave and I-440 traffic.

That project has been pushed back for at least 5 years. As slow as most projects are completed you could count on one hand how many you'll see in your lifetime. Will any of us see I-95 8 lanes through the state? I won't.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: sprjus4 on December 02, 2021, 02:49:03 AM
^ Are you referring to a single segment of 8 lanes or the entire distance throughout the state? Because if the former, then close to 50 miles is already under construction / going to be soon. And if the latter, than that's a definite given outside of the 50 miles already underway for 8 lanes, the remainder is only planned for mostly just 6 lanes.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: architect77 on December 21, 2021, 04:30:34 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on December 02, 2021, 02:49:03 AM
^ Are you referring to a single segment of 8 lanes or the entire distance throughout the state? Because if the former, then close to 50 miles is already under construction / going to be soon. And if the latter, than that's a definite given outside of the 50 miles already underway for 8 lanes, the remainder is only planned for mostly just 6 lanes.

The entire length of I-95. It will take a long time. I hope we get NC connected to the Northeast Corridor by faster train service much sooner.

The only missing link is 100 miles of the abandoned S line between Raleigh and Richmond. Virginia now owns the right of way, and the two states just need to find $4 billion to bring it back into service.

Virginia is upgrading service from D.C. to Richmond, so I have faith that Charlotte and Raleigh will see faster service to the Northeast within 20 years.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: tolbs17 on March 03, 2022, 11:59:29 PM
When looking at this, I hope this would give a boost to the I-485 express lanes project.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wsoctv.com/news/local/documents-link-best-buy-industrial-project-eyeing-property-near-charlotte-airport/XMRV5BMV3BDWBGKBOPBCZSCPGE/%3foutputType=amp
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on March 04, 2022, 04:39:18 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 03, 2022, 11:59:29 PM
When looking at this, I hope this would give a boost to the I-485 express lanes project.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wsoctv.com/news/local/documents-link-best-buy-industrial-project-eyeing-property-near-charlotte-airport/XMRV5BMV3BDWBGKBOPBCZSCPGE/%3foutputType=amp

Doesn't need a boost.  The whole south end of Charlotte out to the airport is too busy as it is.  They're making a big mistake not adding one more free lane in each direction from US 74 to NC 16, and they need a fourth from 77 south side to 85 west side, plus a reworking of the on-ramp to 85 south.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on March 04, 2022, 09:19:19 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on March 04, 2022, 04:39:18 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 03, 2022, 11:59:29 PM
When looking at this, I hope this would give a boost to the I-485 express lanes project.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wsoctv.com/news/local/documents-link-best-buy-industrial-project-eyeing-property-near-charlotte-airport/XMRV5BMV3BDWBGKBOPBCZSCPGE/%3foutputType=amp

Doesn't need a boost.  The whole south end of Charlotte out to the airport is too busy as it is.  They're making a big mistake not adding one more free lane in each direction from US 74 to NC 16, and they need a fourth from 77 south side to 85 west side, plus a reworking of the on-ramp to 85 south.

What's weird about the widening of I-485 from NC 16 to US 74 is that they left enough space for a third general purpose (or second express lane). Seems like this will create an unnecessary bottleneck in the future.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on March 04, 2022, 06:05:16 PM
Quote from: Third Strike on March 04, 2022, 09:19:19 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on March 04, 2022, 04:39:18 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 03, 2022, 11:59:29 PM
When looking at this, I hope this would give a boost to the I-485 express lanes project.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wsoctv.com/news/local/documents-link-best-buy-industrial-project-eyeing-property-near-charlotte-airport/XMRV5BMV3BDWBGKBOPBCZSCPGE/%3foutputType=amp

Doesn't need a boost.  The whole south end of Charlotte out to the airport is too busy as it is.  They're making a big mistake not adding one more free lane in each direction from US 74 to NC 16, and they need a fourth from 77 south side to 85 west side, plus a reworking of the on-ramp to 85 south.

What's weird about the widening of I-485 from NC 16 to US 74 is that they left enough space for a third general purpose (or second express lane). Seems like this will create an unnecessary bottleneck in the future.

Short term it might be ok, but long term it definitely needs the extra lane.  What really remains to be seen IMO is the impact that the new Weddington Rd exit is going to have, in terms of adding traffic to the inner loop in the mornings.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: CanesFan27 on July 23, 2022, 04:38:32 PM
"At this point, the proposal is just that - a proposal.  However, it's been a rumored possibility for a few years.  Whether or not CRTPO gives the idea its blessing is unknown.  But many community leaders on the CRTPO board still have a bad taste in their mouths after Northern Mecklenburg's toll experience.  As a result, it may take a whole lot of mouthwash to make these toll lanes a reality."

NCDOT shares an unsolicited I-77 South Toll Lanes proposal to local leaders:

Story Links:
https://www.wfae.org/politics/2022-07-21/i-77-express-lane-proposal-receives-tense-welcome-from-regional-transportation-organization
https://www.wbtv.com/2022/07/20/transportation-officials-set-discuss-proposal-add-toll-lanes-i-77-south/
https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/more-tolls-proposed-interstate-77-charlotte-south-carolina-state-border/

My Take:
https://www.gribblenation.org/2022/07/more-toll-lanes-in-charlotte-maybe.html
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on July 24, 2022, 01:19:34 AM
Quote from: CanesFan27 on July 23, 2022, 04:38:32 PM
"At this point, the proposal is just that - a proposal.  However, it's been a rumored possibility for a few years.  Whether or not CRTPO gives the idea its blessing is unknown.  But many community leaders on the CRTPO board still have a bad taste in their mouths after Northern Mecklenburg's toll experience.  As a result, it may take a whole lot of mouthwash to make these toll lanes a reality."

It is no secret that NCDOT wants to add manage lanes along I-77 south from Uptown to the state line, it is in the current STIP clearly stating as such. What is angering everyone is that a 3rd party is making a unsolicited proposal to be part of that future project and everyone knows who this "anonymous" company is.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ahj2000 on July 24, 2022, 09:13:57 PM
Has anyone heard anything about a date for the Weddington Road/I-485 intersection?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: CanesFan27 on August 01, 2022, 08:30:23 PM
Mark was right - it's cintra behind the unsolicited I-77 managed lanes proposal.


Some details from their proposal:
- $2.3 billion price tag
- 50-year operational contract
- Would add two managed lanes in each direction / no additional general (toll-free lanes)
- Direct interchanges with 5th st and Woodlawn Road.
- If construction started in 2024 - 2029 completion date

https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/cintra-interstate-77-tolls-uptown-charlotte-north-carolina-south-carolian-border/275-726810ee-fff0-4fa3-8076-24b21d1a4aba?fbclid=IwAR22HH57d7pnqfUNpUMlFWYPoh4pZCs6wbnb7N6TsMCW9eA_7xD-D1U_AAU
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: CanesFan27 on October 02, 2022, 11:19:54 AM
Earlier this week, the Charlotte Ledger had a story about the possible extension of the I-77 Toll Lanes south to the South Carolina line.  Recently, Cintra, the company that built the toll lanes from Uptown Charlotte to Mooresville, submitted an unsolicited bid to construct and operate the toll lanes themselves.

Cintra says that if awarded a contract, they could have the toll lanes up and running by 2029. They would then operate the toll lanes on a 50-year lease.  NCDOT says it would be in 2029 that they could begin to acquire the right of way.  NCDOT also estimated it would take another 15 years to secure all the funding necessary to start construction.  Apparently, the state has rules on the available amount of money that can go to a specific project or corridor at one time.

This news led to major heartburn for local leaders, who conceded that on a road that currently averages 160,000 vehicles per day with traffic at or above capacity seven to 11 hours a day that something may need to be done sooner.  NCDOT predicts that by 2050 traffic will reach an average of 185,000 vehicles per day, and the highway at or beyond peak capacity 15-17 hours of the day.  I need to tell my kids that they better find another way to take their kids to Carowinds in 2040.

So the question is: Do local leaders want to risk the headaches of another contract with Cintra? Or do they sit and wait for NCDOT to hopefully start construction in 20-25 years - hope that the schedule stays on target - and then look for additional funding resources to improve or even hold the timeline.  It'll be worth watching; meanwhile, you may want to grab a Snickers.

https://charlotteledger.substack.com/i/74745435/adding-lanes-to-i-south-of-uptown-could-take-until-or-later-ncdot-says-momentum-for-privately-run-toll-lanes
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: architect77 on October 04, 2022, 07:31:45 PM
Quote from: CanesFan27 on October 02, 2022, 11:19:54 AM
Earlier this week, the Charlotte Ledger had a story about the possible extension of the I-77 Toll Lanes south to the South Carolina line.  Recently, Cintra, the company that built the toll lanes from Uptown Charlotte to Mooresville, submitted an unsolicited bid to construct and operate the toll lanes themselves.

Cintra says that if awarded a contract, they could have the toll lanes up and running by 2029. They would then operate the toll lanes on a 50-year lease.  NCDOT says it would be in 2029 that they could begin to acquire the right of way.  NCDOT also estimated it would take another 15 years to secure all the funding necessary to start construction.  Apparently, the state has rules on the available amount of money that can go to a specific project or corridor at one time.

This news led to major heartburn for local leaders, who conceded that on a road that currently averages 160,000 vehicles per day with traffic at or above capacity seven to 11 hours a day that something may need to be done sooner.  NCDOT predicts that by 2050 traffic will reach an average of 185,000 vehicles per day, and the highway at or beyond peak capacity 15-17 hours of the day.  I need to tell my kids that they better find another way to take their kids to Carowinds in 2040.

So the question is: Do local leaders want to risk the headaches of another contract with Cintra? Or do they sit and wait for NCDOT to hopefully start construction in 20-25 years - hope that the schedule stays on target - and then look for additional funding resources to improve or even hold the timeline.  It'll be worth watching; meanwhile, you may want to grab a Snickers.

https://charlotteledger.substack.com/i/74745435/adding-lanes-to-i-south-of-uptown-could-take-until-or-later-ncdot-says-momentum-for-privately-run-toll-lanes
I agree that I-77 is in dire need of expansion, but I also want everyone to remember a few other things:

1) The state tries to spread funding fairly across a state with a very dispersed population, and McCrory's revamp led to scoring for each proposed project so that funding goes to projects with the most benefit to the most citizens.

2) Charlotte now has the nicest, biggest, most concrete-paved, and most lit highways in the state. That NCDOT division chose I-485 as the priority over I-77 during the last 20 years.

3) Southern Wake County does have a lot of construction going on right now, but the rest of Raleigh and Northern Wake look dumpy and neglected. Unreadable overhead signs, trash and weeds line each exit ramp, it's a disgrace right now.

Trust me, Charlotte's interstates are looking good comparatively.

Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on November 22, 2022, 06:24:19 AM
Quote from: architect77 on October 04, 2022, 07:31:45 PM
Quote from: CanesFan27 on October 02, 2022, 11:19:54 AM
Earlier this week, the Charlotte Ledger had a story about the possible extension of the I-77 Toll Lanes south to the South Carolina line.  Recently, Cintra, the company that built the toll lanes from Uptown Charlotte to Mooresville, submitted an unsolicited bid to construct and operate the toll lanes themselves.

Cintra says that if awarded a contract, they could have the toll lanes up and running by 2029. They would then operate the toll lanes on a 50-year lease.  NCDOT says it would be in 2029 that they could begin to acquire the right of way.  NCDOT also estimated it would take another 15 years to secure all the funding necessary to start construction.  Apparently, the state has rules on the available amount of money that can go to a specific project or corridor at one time.

This news led to major heartburn for local leaders, who conceded that on a road that currently averages 160,000 vehicles per day with traffic at or above capacity seven to 11 hours a day that something may need to be done sooner.  NCDOT predicts that by 2050 traffic will reach an average of 185,000 vehicles per day, and the highway at or beyond peak capacity 15-17 hours of the day.  I need to tell my kids that they better find another way to take their kids to Carowinds in 2040.

So the question is: Do local leaders want to risk the headaches of another contract with Cintra? Or do they sit and wait for NCDOT to hopefully start construction in 20-25 years - hope that the schedule stays on target - and then look for additional funding resources to improve or even hold the timeline.  It'll be worth watching; meanwhile, you may want to grab a Snickers.

https://charlotteledger.substack.com/i/74745435/adding-lanes-to-i-south-of-uptown-could-take-until-or-later-ncdot-says-momentum-for-privately-run-toll-lanes
I agree that I-77 is in dire need of expansion, but I also want everyone to remember a few other things:

1) The state tries to spread funding fairly across a state with a very dispersed population, and McCrory's revamp led to scoring for each proposed project so that funding goes to projects with the most benefit to the most citizens.

2) Charlotte now has the nicest, biggest, most concrete-paved, and most lit highways in the state. That NCDOT division chose I-485 as the priority over I-77 during the last 20 years.

3) Southern Wake County does have a lot of construction going on right now, but the rest of Raleigh and Northern Wake look dumpy and neglected. Unreadable overhead signs, trash and weeds line each exit ramp, it's a disgrace right now.

Trust me, Charlotte's interstates are looking good comparatively.

I can confirm this after traveling there last month.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: fillup420 on November 22, 2022, 07:12:26 PM
Surely NCDOT and Charlotte leadership learned from the last Cintra contract. There is a good reason NCDOT took over the operation of the I-77 toll lanes. Cintra completely botched the construction. The entire project ran over by about 5 years, with the cost greatly surpassing the original estimates. To have a look at Cintra's track record, see the Indiana Toll Road or Texas SH 130. It would be foolish to trust them with another project. I agree that I-77 south of downtown Charlotte needs extensive work, but Cintra is not the entity to do it.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on November 22, 2022, 08:00:07 PM
Quote from: fillup420 on November 22, 2022, 07:12:26 PM
Surely NCDOT and Charlotte leadership learned from the last Cintra contract. There is a good reason NCDOT took over the operation of the I-77 toll lanes. Cintra completely botched the construction. The entire project ran over by about 5 years, with the cost greatly surpassing the original estimates. To have a look at Cintra's track record, see the Indiana Toll Road or Texas SH 130. It would be foolish to trust them with another project. I agree that I-77 south of downtown Charlotte needs extensive work, but Cintra is not the entity to do it.

Not sure where you heard NCDOT took over the operation of the I-77 toll lanes, they are still operated by Cintra. Also, NCDOT had already planned future lanes for I-77 south to South Carolina as toll lanes, its in the current STIP, just unfunded; what Cintra did was make an unsolicited bid that nobody appreciated.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on November 22, 2022, 09:14:51 PM
Not just NC Dot that learns...McCrory 2016 loss was attributed to a 100,000 drop in votes from northern Mecklenburg  over anger with the first Cinta deal.  That won't happen again.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Henry on November 23, 2022, 10:14:03 AM
On last night's CBS Evening News, I caught a report about two employees of the network's affiliate (I believe one was a meteorologist) dying in a helicopter crash off I-77. This is such a tragic story, and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wdcrft63 on November 23, 2022, 07:17:50 PM
Quote from: Henry on November 23, 2022, 10:14:03 AM
On last night's CBS Evening News, I caught a report about two employees of the network's affiliate (I believe one was a meteorologist) dying in a helicopter crash off I-77. This is such a tragic story, and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/22/us/charlotte-north-carolina-helicopter-crash
WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers. Pilot Chris Tayag, a genuine hero, was able to maneuver the copter so it didn't crash into the travel lanes.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on February 24, 2023, 09:03:55 AM
I didn't notice this till last night, but there is a sign now for NC 84 east on Rea Road exit on I-485 (exit 59). I checked Google Streetview and it has been there at least since June 2022. That said, there are no signage on Rea Road identifying it as NC 84 nor does any mapping on NCDOT confirms it yet. Anyone have more information on this?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on February 24, 2023, 09:12:12 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on February 24, 2023, 09:03:55 AM
I didn't notice this till last night, but there is a sign now for NC 84 east on Rea Road exit on I-485 (exit 59). I checked Google Streetview and it has been there at least since June 2022. That said, there are no signage on Rea Road identifying it as NC 84 nor does any mapping on NCDOT confirms it yet. Anyone have more information on this?

Rea Rd is going to be extended to the current western terminus of NC 84 at NC 16 in Weddington.  Construction was going to start soon but I believe it's been pushed back a year or so.  Either way, the contractor performing the I-485 widening in the area jumped the gun by putting up these BGSs showing NC 84 running along Rea Rd.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: 74/171FAN on February 25, 2023, 06:47:41 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on February 24, 2023, 09:12:12 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on February 24, 2023, 09:03:55 AM
I didn't notice this till last night, but there is a sign now for NC 84 east on Rea Road exit on I-485 (exit 59). I checked Google Streetview and it has been there at least since June 2022. That said, there are no signage on Rea Road identifying it as NC 84 nor does any mapping on NCDOT confirms it yet. Anyone have more information on this?

Rea Rd is going to be extended to the current western terminus of NC 84 at NC 16 in Weddington.  Construction was going to start soon but I believe it's been pushed back a year or so.  Either way, the contractor performing the I-485 widening in the area jumped the gun by putting up these BGSs showing NC 84 running along Rea Rd.


Right now construction is expected to begin in 2028 according to the NCDOT Project website (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/rea-road-extension/Pages/default.aspx). 
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: CanesFan27 on July 27, 2023, 10:50:00 AM
Charlotte's got a lot......of bus lanes reopening on Independence Blvd.

Charlotte transit leaders approve additional funds to reopen bus lanes on Independence Boulevard The project is expected to cost $1.3 million and restore access for buses and emergency vehicles to lanes closed since 2017.

https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/independence-boulevard-bus-lanes/275-4deb1483-00e5-4a0f-af14-30ba700fa9dd?fbclid=IwAR3CnALw-3CO5zRemUDj8zmpe-ZO4Akf06VbtV1nPFAf6StE72mFzNo4SZI_aem_AcR0q4QyTTj7KCAmC8w7POw2AIl6-k7VuOZWWJayoZ19_2ucUCtQ1QVx-Uxu7D_0G9c&mibextid=Zxz2cZ
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Alex4897 on July 27, 2023, 11:12:09 AM
Quote from: CanesFan27 on July 27, 2023, 10:50:00 AM
Charlotte's got a lot......of bus lanes reopening on Independence Blvd.

Charlotte transit leaders approve additional funds to reopen bus lanes on Independence Boulevard The project is expected to cost $1.3 million and restore access for buses and emergency vehicles to lanes closed since 2017.

https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/independence-boulevard-bus-lanes/275-4deb1483-00e5-4a0f-af14-30ba700fa9dd?fbclid=IwAR3CnALw-3CO5zRemUDj8zmpe-ZO4Akf06VbtV1nPFAf6StE72mFzNo4SZI_aem_AcR0q4QyTTj7KCAmC8w7POw2AIl6-k7VuOZWWJayoZ19_2ucUCtQ1QVx-Uxu7D_0G9c&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

I'd imagine most of that money is going to go towards reconfiguring the western terminus of the lanes, since the rebuilt Hawthorne Lane overpass's center pier is smack in the middle of the EB bus lane. I remember driving by here a few times while I lived in the area and being baffled by the construction sequencing.

(https://i.imgur.com/e26bkWm.png)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: CanesFan27 on July 27, 2023, 11:36:18 AM
Quote from: Alex4897 on July 27, 2023, 11:12:09 AM


I'd imagine most of that money is going to go towards reconfiguring the western terminus of the lanes, since the rebuilt Hawthorne Lane overpass's center pier is smack in the middle of the EB bus lane. I remember driving by here a few times while I lived in the area and being baffled by the construction sequencing.

(https://i.imgur.com/e26bkWm.png)


Wow, I never noticed that - great eye!
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: WashuOtaku on July 27, 2023, 03:16:37 PM
Quote from: Alex4897 on July 27, 2023, 11:12:09 AM
Quote from: CanesFan27 on July 27, 2023, 10:50:00 AM
Charlotte's got a lot......of bus lanes reopening on Independence Blvd.

Charlotte transit leaders approve additional funds to reopen bus lanes on Independence Boulevard The project is expected to cost $1.3 million and restore access for buses and emergency vehicles to lanes closed since 2017.

https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/independence-boulevard-bus-lanes/275-4deb1483-00e5-4a0f-af14-30ba700fa9dd?fbclid=IwAR3CnALw-3CO5zRemUDj8zmpe-ZO4Akf06VbtV1nPFAf6StE72mFzNo4SZI_aem_AcR0q4QyTTj7KCAmC8w7POw2AIl6-k7VuOZWWJayoZ19_2ucUCtQ1QVx-Uxu7D_0G9c&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

I'd imagine most of that money is going to go towards reconfiguring the western terminus of the lanes, since the rebuilt Hawthorne Lane overpass's center pier is smack in the middle of the EB bus lane. I remember driving by here a few times while I lived in the area and being baffled by the construction sequencing.

(https://i.imgur.com/e26bkWm.png)

That is exactly what the money is being used for. In 2017, the City of Charlotte rebuilt the Hawthorne Lane Bridge for streetcars and literally caused the problem below it. They had hopped that NCDOT was going to move forward quickly with a proposed conversion of the bus lanes to express lanes within a few years, thus the state paying for it. But that has been pushed out several times now, leaving miles of unused bus lanes to become a real issue for the city. So yea, after years of hoping NCDOT would cover their mess, they are finally going to fix it themselves... kicking and screaming the whole while doing it to.

This was a mess they created, it serves them right to finally fix it.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: chays on August 01, 2023, 04:04:52 PM
When is the I-485 interchange with Weddington Rd supposed to be complete?
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on August 01, 2023, 06:01:01 PM
Quote from: chays on August 01, 2023, 04:04:52 PM
When is the I-485 interchange with Weddington Rd supposed to be complete?

My guess would be in about a year, but I wouldn't hold my breath.  The 485 widening/express HOT lanes project seems to be dragging on forever.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on November 05, 2023, 10:27:28 AM
The Charlotte Observer reports that "NC will spend $45M to speed up fix for one of state's 'most congested' interchanges (https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article281357878.html)" at I-485 and I-85 west of Charlotte.

"North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore said he's allocating $45 million in House Contingency funds to accelerate the redesign of what he called one of the most congested interchanges in the state. The money will fund the design and construction of a revamped Interstate 85 and Interstate 485 interchange in western Mecklenburg County, near the Gaston County line and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport With the money, the North Carolina Department of Transportation will start work on the project "no later than 2025," instead of waiting till at least 2033, said Moore[...]"
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on November 06, 2023, 12:08:33 AM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on November 05, 2023, 10:27:28 AM
The Charlotte Observer reports that "NC will spend $45M to speed up fix for one of state's 'most congested' interchanges (https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article281357878.html)" at I-485 and I-85 west of Charlotte.

"North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore said he's allocating $45 million in House Contingency funds to accelerate the redesign of what he called one of the most congested interchanges in the state. The money will fund the design and construction of a revamped Interstate 85 and Interstate 485 interchange in western Mecklenburg County, near the Gaston County line and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport With the money, the North Carolina Department of Transportation will start work on the project "no later than 2025," instead of waiting till at least 2033, said Moore[...]"

Rebuild the Sam Wilson Rd overpass over I-85 to eliminate the piers on the outside shoulders (why the hell was it built this way in the first place?!?!), then make the merge from 485 to 85 south at least three lanes wide (possibly dropping the far right 85 south lane leading up to this merge).  Lose two of those lanes gradually, going DOWNHILL.  Add at least one lane to the Catawba River bridge.  And eventually this will tie into tge upcoming expansion of 85 from three to four lanes in each direction between Belmont and US 321 in Gastonia.

What I described above will fix the biggest bottleneck.  As for the merge from 85 to 485 outer loop, which is really only a morning bottleneck, I guess the merge lanes need to be extended out so far that the fifth lane drops at West Blvd and the fourth lane drops at Steele Creek Rd (NC 160).

Another big fix for this entire area would be another bridge over the Catawba River.  It doesn't even need to be a freeway.  Just extend West Blvd over to NC 273.  That would shift a good chunk of local traffic away.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on November 06, 2023, 08:44:48 PM
I belive the 8 laning of I-85 from 273 to 321 goes out to bid within the year.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on November 08, 2023, 01:45:51 PM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on November 06, 2023, 08:44:48 PM
I belive the 8 laning of I-85 from 273 to 321 goes out to bid within the year.

It was supposed to be let next June, but it looks like it just got delayed to November 2024 (project I-5719).

TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL TIME FOR PLANNING AND DESIGN, DELAY RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM FY 24 TO FY 25 AND CONSTRUCTION FROM FY 24 TO FY 25.

https://www.ncdot.gov/about-us/board-offices/boards/board-transportation/Documents/ItemN_Handout.pdf
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on November 08, 2023, 03:55:33 PM
Looks like the NC 73 corridor from Denver through Huntersville to Concord is finally going to get some much needed attention!

https://news.yahoo.com/600-million-superhighway-ease-charlotte-170808614.html?mibextid=9R9pXO
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on January 14, 2024, 12:01:30 PM
It doesn't look like the project page is live yet, but there should be a public hearing coming up in February for the I-85/I-485 interchange improvements.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/Lists/ProjectsList/DispForm.aspx?ID=181
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on January 19, 2024, 08:45:24 AM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on January 14, 2024, 12:01:30 PM
It doesn't look like the project page is live yet, but there should be a public hearing coming up in February for the I-85/I-485 interchange improvements.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/Lists/ProjectsList/DispForm.aspx?ID=181

The project page (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-i-485-improvements/Pages/default.aspx) is now listed and maps are available. Interesting approach to maintain the existing Sam Wilson Rd. overpass.... I'm not sure how I feel about tying in the C/D lane to the ramp for the weigh station. Going to end up with some interesting weaves there. I still think they need to move the southbound weigh station to a less congested location and have the C/D lane continue as an auxiliary lane to Exit 27.

Map 1 (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-i-485-improvements/Documents/I-85-I-485-interchange-public-meeting-map-1.pdf)
Map 2 (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-i-485-improvements/Documents/I-85-I-485-interchange-public-meeting-map-2.pdf)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on January 19, 2024, 07:08:24 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on January 19, 2024, 08:45:24 AM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on January 14, 2024, 12:01:30 PM
It doesn't look like the project page is live yet, but there should be a public hearing coming up in February for the I-85/I-485 interchange improvements.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/Lists/ProjectsList/DispForm.aspx?ID=181

The project page (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-i-485-improvements/Pages/default.aspx) is now listed and maps are available. Interesting approach to maintain the existing Sam Wilson Rd. overpass.... I'm not sure how I feel about tying in the C/D lane to the ramp for the weigh station. Going to end up with some interesting weaves there. I still think they need to move the southbound weigh station to a less congested location and have the C/D lane continue as an auxiliary lane to Exit 27.

Map 1 (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-i-485-improvements/Documents/I-85-I-485-interchange-public-meeting-map-1.pdf)
Map 2 (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-i-485-improvements/Documents/I-85-I-485-interchange-public-meeting-map-2.pdf)

Yeah no doubt, they should maybe move it to across from the newer NB scales just before US 74 near Bessemer City.  And if they're worried about scale bypassing via US 321, they can put scales there too, or on I-40 west of Hickory.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on February 02, 2024, 12:41:00 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on January 14, 2024, 12:01:30 PM
It doesn't look like the project page is live yet, but there should be a public hearing coming up in February for the I-85/I-485 interchange improvements.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/Lists/ProjectsList/DispForm.aspx?ID=181

NCDOT press release:

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-02-02-i-85-i-485-public-meeting.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-02-02-i-85-i-485-public-meeting.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: CanesFan27 on February 04, 2024, 07:15:39 PM
McAuley Road may be the last dirt road in all of Mecklenburg County.  The 1.5-mile road in the northern part of the county has recently been named a state Byway.

Travel down this road and you'll immediately forget the ongoing growth of the Northern Mecklenburg and Western Cabarrus suburbs.  Over 700 acres of land along McAuley Road has also been preserved by the Catawba Lands Conservancy.

https://www.carolinaxroads.com/2024/02/mcauley-road.html
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: LM117 on March 01, 2024, 06:59:42 PM
Bus lanes set to open soon on Independence Boulevard.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-03-01-us-74-bus-lanes.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-03-01-us-74-bus-lanes.aspx)
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on March 01, 2024, 09:03:56 PM
Quote from: LM117 on March 01, 2024, 06:59:42 PM
Bus lanes set to open soon on Independence Boulevard.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-03-01-us-74-bus-lanes.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-03-01-us-74-bus-lanes.aspx)

So that large gantry that they took down at the Albemarle Rd split and placed in the bus lanes will finally come back out?  I wonder why it was taken down.  One week it was up, the next it wasn't.  Independence is part of my semi-regular commute whenever I work close to Uptown and stay at my regular hotel in Matthews.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: Third Strike on March 16, 2024, 08:09:36 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on March 01, 2024, 09:03:56 PM
Quote from: LM117 on March 01, 2024, 06:59:42 PM
Bus lanes set to open soon on Independence Boulevard.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-03-01-us-74-bus-lanes.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-03-01-us-74-bus-lanes.aspx)

So that large gantry that they took down at the Albemarle Rd split and placed in the bus lanes will finally come back out?  I wonder why it was taken down.  One week it was up, the next it wasn't.  Independence is part of my semi-regular commute whenever I work close to Uptown and stay at my regular hotel in Matthews.


A fetal car accident was what took it down, a few weeks ago. It's been sitting in the bus lanes for a few weeks now. Construction has started on reopening the lanes.
Title: Re: Charlotte
Post by: wriddle082 on March 16, 2024, 08:52:22 PM
Quote from: Third Strike on March 16, 2024, 08:09:36 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on March 01, 2024, 09:03:56 PM
Quote from: LM117 on March 01, 2024, 06:59:42 PM
Bus lanes set to open soon on Independence Boulevard.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-03-01-us-74-bus-lanes.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2024/2024-03-01-us-74-bus-lanes.aspx)

So that large gantry that they took down at the Albemarle Rd split and placed in the bus lanes will finally come back out?  I wonder why it was taken down.  One week it was up, the next it wasn't.  Independence is part of my semi-regular commute whenever I work close to Uptown and stay at my regular hotel in Matthews.


A fetal car accident was what took it down, a few weeks ago. It's been sitting in the bus lanes for a few weeks now. Construction has started on reopening the lanes.

I was hoping that wasn't the case, but I had a feeling that it might have been, considering how crazy everybody drives through there.  Must have happened over a weekend, or maybe during one week when I happened to not be working in Charlotte.