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Lights are now shining on Interstate 277 uptown after 10 months of repairs and years of frustration from Charlotte drivers.
The contractor had to replace almost the entire lighting system on the section of I-277 between U.S. 74 and I-77, also known as the Brookshire Freeway. The N.C. Department of Transportation spent $6.3 million on the contract to install new poles and new wiring.
“It looks a lot better,” said Jen Thompson, a spokeswoman for the N.C. DOT. “You'll see a big improvement at the interchanges.”
Many miles of Charlotte's interstates have spotty lighting. But the Brookshire was particularly bad because there was little ambient light.
The DOT planned two years ago to fix the problem with solar lights, but state engineers in Raleigh nixed that plan, saying the new technology wouldn't be bright enough.
The poor quality of interstate lighting in Charlotte has long made city leaders fume. The state has made some progress in fixing the lights, though a significant amount of work is left.
The state is still trying to fix some lights on Interstate 85 north of the I-77 exit, in addition to those on a large segment of I-77 in south Charlotte. Last year, the state replaced lights on I-77 at LaSalle Street, but thieves repeatedly stole the copper wire. The cash-strapped DOT has since halted some of the lighting work.
“I can put away my Pink Floyd album,” said Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, who complained that the Brookshire Freeway resembled the Dark Side of the Moon. “It's a good start. Now we have to move on to I-77 and I-85. It's gotten better. We're just looking for positive steps.”
Work will continue on the Brookshire for a few more weeks, Thompson said. Some of the green overhead signs are being improved with more reflective surfaces, making them easier to see at night.
