Parent company that runs variable tolls on I-77N on shortlist for south lanes

CHARLOTTE — The developer in charge of the Interstate 77 toll lanes that run from Mooresville to Uptown Charlotte is one of four companies on NCDOT’s shortlist to potentially develop the planned I-77 South toll lane project.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) in August of 2025 asking developers interested in bidding on the contract to submit their experience.

Channel 9 obtained a list of the four companies NCDOT received qualifications from that includes 77SouthLink – a company that lists Ferrovial Construction US Corp and Webber, LLC. as the lead contractors for the project.

Ferrovial, a Spanish infrastructure company led the I-77 North toll lane project and is the parent company of Cintra, is the company that submitted the proposal.

NCDOT documents explain shortlisted companies are those determined to be the “…most qualified in response to this RFQ.”

>>DOCUMENT: Shortlist Proposers

A spokesman for the operator of the existing toll lanes, I-77 Mobility Partners which is a separate company than 77SouthLink told Channel 9 they are not involved at all in the proposed lanes.

“It is important to bear in mind that I-77 Mobility Partners LLC is a separate company from Cintra. Although Cintra is an investor in I-77 Mobility Partners, I-77 Mobility Partners has absolutely no involvement in the I-77 South project,” the spokesperson said.

The other companies on the shortlist include Carolina Connectors, I-77 Cross-State Connectors, and Queen City Infrastructure Partners.

Simply being on the shortlist does not mean Cintra or the other partners in 77SouthLink will be awarded the contract by NCDOT. That decision will come after the NCDOT receives and reviews actual proposals for the project.

“A preferred developer is anticipated to be selected in 2027 following a thorough evaluation and procurement process,” according to the NCDOT.

An NCDOT spokesperson told Channel 9, “NCDOT has shortlisted four strong teams as part of a competitive bid process, which began last August. The department is charging the teams to prioritize innovative solutions to reduce and eliminate impacts to the community wherever possible.”

Planning for the proposed southbound toll lanes has been in the works for several years and has caused pushback from the community and local leaders including Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

On Friday, Lyles posted on X a letter voicing concerns and calling for more discussions with local stakeholders.

“As you know, our community continues to have serious questions and concerns about NCDOT’s plans for the I-77 South Toll Lane Project … I believe that definitive action needs to occur in the short-term to further engage with community stakeholders,” that letter read in part.

Lyles also posted a letter from NCDOT Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson in response.

“We hear the concerns surrounding the project and are committed to doing things differently than they were done in the past,” Johnson said. The project procurement is just beginning, and private developer teams will not start their versions of the design until after shortlisting, which will take place this week. This effort will be ongoing through 2027 and will further minimize project impacts and bring creative ideas for community benefits.”

Vowing to fight

McCrorey Heights residents are vowing to fight a proposed project to add elevated toll lanes to I-77 following a statement from Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. Lyles said the city cannot stop the project because it was approved by a regional planning organization and is now under state jurisdiction.

McCrorey Heights serves as an urban retreat for its residents, even with its proximity to the busy interstate. Tyler Hamrick, a local resident, said the area provides a quiet environment for those who live there. “We try to go out on walks and enjoy the scenery and it’s pretty peaceful over here,” Hamrick said.

Sean Langley serves as the president of the neighborhood association. Langley criticized the recent communication from Lyles, suggesting the city’s position lacks accountability. “To then finally come out with a statement, that’s not leadership to us,” Langley said.

Langley noted that the community feels a sense of embarrassment regarding the city’s stance on the expansion.

“We’re very frustrated with our elected officials, we’re ashamed, we’re embarrassed,” Langley said. “The notice that the mayor sent out today is not reflective of this community.”

Spencer Clark is a resident who grew up in McCrorey Heights and questioned the mayor’s claim that the city is unable to intervene.

Clark noted the impact the project could have on long-term neighbors. “Just to uproot people that have been here 40, 50 years, our mayor is saying there is nothing they can do,” Clark said. “I’m pretty sure there is something that someone can do.”

Residents also expressed concern regarding the potential involvement of Cintra, the company bidding for the project.

The neighborhood recently underwent construction during an upgrade to the Oaklawn Avenue bridge.

Residents said they are not interested in another decade of work in their area. “We don’t want it,” Clark said. “There has to be another way, just has to be another way.”

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said it is listening to the concerns of residents and working toward solutions. Officials plan to present their findings to the Charlotte City Council on March 5.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

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