08/11/2026
The Statesville City Council voted 7-1 Monday to reaffirm its support for the proposed I-77 South express toll lane project, a decision that could prevent the city from being required to reimburse the state for more than $1 million already spent on the project.
The vote came despite strong opposition from some residents attending the meeting, with several vocal disruptions occurring as council members considered the issue.
Statesville’s decision comes ahead of a Sept. 23 vote by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), which is expected to consider the future of the project.
Plans to add express toll lanes along I-77 South have generated significant debate throughout the Charlotte region. Several municipalities had previously withdrawn or rejected their support, but recently enacted state legislation has changed the financial stakes for communities opposing the project.
Under the new law, municipalities that take action to halt the project could potentially be responsible for reimbursing the North Carolina Department of Transportation for money it has already invested in planning and development.
That possibility has prompted some local governments to reconsider their earlier positions. Cornelius and Monroe have already voted to restore their support for the I-77 South project.
While Monday’s vote keeps Statesville officially behind the proposal, debate over the toll lanes and their potential impact on drivers and communities throughout the region continues.