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NCDOT outlines next steps for revived I-77 toll lane project

CHARLOTTE — N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson outlined the next steps for the Interstate 77 toll lane project Friday morning.

The project was resurrected, and Friday was the first time NCDOT leadership spoke about it publicly.

There is a newly reopened community engagement center in Uptown Charlotte.

People can stop by on weekdays to share what they want to see in the design. They also can provide feedback on discounts they would like to see included, such as toll rate caps and free usage for cars with three or more people inside.

Charlotte City Council will appoint a working group to oversee the at least $300 million in community benefits that will come as a result of the project.

“One of the exciting things about this project, from an infrastructure development perspective, is you’ve got four really creative teams that will be looking at this project in their own way and coming up with their own designs,” Johnson said. “And figuring out ways that’ll minimize impacts on the community and provide the best benefit for the traveling public.”

Some of those community benefits could include grocery stores in west Charlotte or a recreation center for the Nations Ford Road area. Channel 9 Government Reporter Joe Bruno will break down where things stand on Eyewitness News, starting at 5 p.m. Friday.

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