State lawmaker speaks against I-77 toll lanes

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — The issue over a proposed toll road project along a stretch of Interstate 77 continues to heat up.

In Mooresville on Sunday, the citizens' group wideni77.org, which opposes the move, turned out to encourage leaders to find another way to deal with the congestion.

North Carolina Department of Transportation has proposed a $550 million widening project that would extend 27 miles, rebuild multiple bridges and add toll roads.

The widening project will stretch from Uptown Charlotte to Mooresville. NCDOT and elected officials have said there is no other choice but to accept toll lanes.

At least two state lawmakers have spoken against the plan, saying toll roads will place a heavy burden on the everyday citizen.

"If we're talking about toll lanes, we're not really talking about the people wanting to drive to the airport in Charlotte. We're talking about the people who have to get up and go to work every day," said Rep. Robert Brawley of Iredell County.

The Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization is expected to take a vote on this issue Wednesday.

WSOC