Opponents of the controversial I-77 toll lanes were dealt another blow in their efforts to stop the project.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals handed down a ruling Tuesday, agreeing that the project is constitutional.
[READ: NC Court of Appeals ruling]
The judges support an earlier decision made by a Mecklenburg County judge.
The group Widen I-77 contends there was an unconstitutional transfer of power from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to I-77 Mobility Partners, the company building the lanes.
NC Court of Appeals rejected Widen I-77's argument GA unconstitutionally delegated tax authority to NCDOT- "tolls are not taxes" @wsoctv
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) May 2, 2017
Widen I-77 officials released a statement saying they are deeply disappointed. They said they will meet as a group to discuss their next options.
The group has spent about a year fighting the project that adds toll lanes on I-77 from uptown Charlotte to Mooresville.
With ruling, last chance to stop #I77tolls will likely be up to @NC_Governor after independent review is finished this summer @wsoctv
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) May 2, 2017
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