2017 Brings New Construction on the I-77 Express Lanes 

2017 is a busy year for construction of the I-77 Express Lanes from uptown Charlotte to Mooresville. Bridge works, direct connectors construction, roadwork and traffic shifts are part of the construction landscape that drivers will see as they travel along this 26-mile corridor of I-77.
 
The northern segment of the project from Exit 28 in Cornelius to Exit 36 in Mooresville has seen a great deal of progress. Permanent concrete safety barriers at Exit 28 in Cornelius and Exit 35 in Mooresville are taking shape. These walls will divide the I-77 northbound and southbound lanes. In Davidson, construction for the new Griffith Street bridge at Exit 30 is underway. The new and improved bridge will contain bike lanes and sidewalks when it is complete.
 
Crews are building a pedestrian crossing just north of Exit 23 (Gilead Road) in Huntersville for a future greenway connection planned by the Town of Huntersville. Traffic control activities and re-striping started from south of Exit 23 in Huntersville to the I-485 interchange. Placement of the temporary safety concrete barrier is next for this area. Gravel placement and asphalt operations continue in earnest between the Stumptown Road overpass in Huntersville and Exit 28 in Cornelius.
 
Construction activities in the south segment of the I-77 Express Lanes project are increasing between the I-85/I-77 interchange and the Brookshire Freeway-277/I-77 interchange. Crews are demolishing the first half of the Oaklawn bridge as part of construction for a new and improved bridge that will contain bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides. The new bridge will be longer on the east side, providing space under Oaklawn Avenue for a future greenway connection planned by Mecklenburg County.
 
Detours on I-77 southbound and northbound are currently in place for the next few weeks for the final demolition of the Oaklawn Avenue and LaSalle Street bridges, and the removal of the pedestrian bridge north of LaSalle Street. Crews are also constructing the cut and cover underpass just north of the I-85/I-77 interchange.
 
Traffic shifts are also in place on I-77 from the I-85/I-77 interchange to uptown Charlotte to provide crews with the space needed to conduct roadwork. Please pay attention to the signs and keep your attention on the roadway at all times.
 
As construction work expands, more local companies continue to join the project. Many bid opportunities and diverse work are available at this time. Please visit our website and click on the contract opportunities tab.
           
To stay informed about upcoming lane closures, job openings, bid opportunities and construction updates, please visit our website. You can also sign up to receive project news and updates, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook to find the most up to date information.
 
We appreciate your patience as we continue building mobility options for the Charlotte and Lake Norman region.

Arriving Safely 

With nearly the entire 26-mile I-77 Express Lanes project under construction, please stay alert at all times when traveling through a construction zone to help everyone arrives at their destination safely.

Here are some helpful reminders from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration while driving in a construction zone:
 
Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions
•  Dedicate your full attention to the roadway
•  Avoid changing the radio station, using a mobile phone, eating or other distractions that can remove your concentration from the road

Keep Your Headlights On

Pay Attention to the Road
•  Watch brake lights on vehicles ahead
•  Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react

Merge into the Proper Lane
•  Merge well before you reach the lane closure
•  Be aware that traffic patterns can change daily

Don't tailgate    
•  Follow other vehicles at a safe distance

Obey the Posted Speed Limit
•  Workers may be present just feet away
•  Fines may be doubled for moving traffic violations
•  Be prepared to slow down further if conditions indicate the need

Change Lanes Safely
•  Change lanes only where pavement markings indicate, and only when traffic conditions permit

Expect the Unexpected
•  Workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane without warning
•  Other vehicles may slow, stop, or change lanes unexpectedly

Be Patient

Meet The Team 

Sugar Creek Construction is excited to announce two new additions to its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.

Rachelle Latimer

Michael McKoy