Leaders Approve Grant For Tolls In I-77 HOV Lanes

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C.,None — Would you pay to drive in the HOV lane on I-77? Would you pay to drive in the HOV lane on I-77? Yes No

Local transportation leaders approved a grant for tolls in the high occupancy vehicle lanes on Interstate 77.

Mecklenburg County transportation planning leaders approved the $5 million grant for the project on Wednesday. It will go toward a plan to turn current HOV lanes in northern Mecklenburg County into high-occupancy toll lanes.

It could make traffic flow smoother during the morning commute.

Drivers who are alone in their cars would pay a toll to drive in the HOV lanes, but the lanes would still be free for cars with two or more people.

The amount of the toll has not been determined.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has also applied for a $25 million to $35 million federal stimulus grant, but the decision on that funding is not expected until later this year or early next year.

WSOC