The LNTC received information this week that NC DOT has included almost $65 million in their 5 year work plan for the addition of managed, or HOT lanes on I-77 from downtown Charlotte to Catawba Avenue, at Exit 25.

District 10 Engineer Barry Moose provided details that these funds are slotted in year 2015, but said work would likely begin sooner.  Final approval of these dollars will occur in July of 2011, he said. 

The revenue picture for this improvement and widening of I-77 comes from the actual tolls, which are estimated to generate about half or $32 million, with the remainder coming from reallocated funds and savings from lower construction costs on other projects.  Ultimately, the vision for NC DOT and MUMPO and the LNTC is to widen I-77 all the way to I-40 just north of Statesville.