NC transportation secretary says canceling I-77 toll project, finishing lanes could cost $800M

RALEIGH, N.C. — Channel 9 has learned it could cost $800 million to cancel the Interstate 77 toll lane contract and to finish the road project.

That's $500 million more than state auditor’s original estimate in 2015.

North Carolina Secretary of Transportation Nick Tennyson released the new estimate in a letter to lawmakers.

• CLICK HERE to read his letter

The $800 million total is: $300 million to cancel the contract, per State Auditor’s report and $500 million for NCDOT to then finish the project.

The $800 million total is canceling the contract and rebuilding the lanes.

He said the North Carolina Department of Transportation does not believe Cintra defaulted on the contract.

NCDOT has not commented on Tennyson's letter.

A bill to kill the I-77 toll lane project is currently in a Senate transportation committee.

House Bill 954 passed the house with overwhelming support.

It would command state transportation officials to cancel the contract for the I-77 tolls.

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