I-77 is getting a new $36M Charlotte-area interchange. How to weigh in on the project
Interstate 77 in the Charlotte area is getting a new $36 million interchange that a town planner in the region calls a “generational project.”
What began as a dot on a map-full of transportation wishes in the Charlotte region is finally nearing reality, Mooresville Transportation Planner Will Washam told The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday.
The planned Exit 38 at Cornelius Road sprang from the town’s vision a couple of decades ago for economic development north of traffic-clogged N.C. 150 Exit 36, Washam said. A new connector road and business parks opened, and other development ensued in the planned Exit 38 area, he said.
And the state Department of Transportation has construction scheduled to begin in 2029, with acquiring the right of way set to start in 2027, Mooresville Interim Town Manager Jim Landon told the Mooresville Board of Commissioners on Monday night.
The project is generational because it’s expected to be around for decades, having an indelible impact on Mooresville’s economic future, Washam said.
While Exit 38 is state-funded, Mooresville Planning and Community Development will host an open house “to review and receive feedback” on NCDOT design concepts for the interchange, Landon told the board.
“The town is being a partner in a way with DOT” as plans for the exit progress, Washam said.
Besides encouraging more business development, Exit 38 is expected to further ease congestion in the town, Washam added.
Exit 38 would be near the intersection of Bluefield Road and Cornelius Road.
Two-lane Bluefield Road runs roughly parallel to the interstate for 2 miles, from N.C. 150 to Cornelius Road.
Cornelius Road stretches from Perth Road at Lake Norman to U.S. 21 and a Mazeppa Road connector route to major industries in town.
The open house will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Nov. 13, at Mooresville Public Library West, 614 Brawley School Rd.
This story was originally published November 8, 2023 at 6:00 AM.