Huntersville board expected to vote on I-77 resolution in special meeting

The Huntersville town board is expected to vote Monday on a resolution expressing concern about a change in the contract for the Interstate 77 toll lane project that would prevent more free lanes from being built.

The project, which would widen the popular commuter route from the Lake Norman area to Charlotte, has long been controversial. But local officials have said they only recently became aware of fine print inserted in the contract that would keep already-planned free lanes from being built there for 50 years.

Cornelius commissioners passed a resolution last week calling for a 90-day hold on the project.

The issue is slated to come up in a special meeting called for Monday evening. Mecklenburg County commissioners could take up the issue May 19.

Huntersville’s resolution would not call for a delay of the project but would express “concern” and call for a “full and complete explanation,” according to documents posted on the website of Widen I-77, a group that has long opposed the proposed toll lanes.

The board will meet at Huntersville town hall at 5 p.m. The agenda also calls for a budget work session.

This story was originally published May 11, 2015 at 9:05 AM with the headline "Huntersville board expected to vote on I-77 resolution in special meeting."