CHARLOTTE, N.C. — State lawmakers call for deadline enforcement on I-77 toll lane project
If Cintra doesn’t meet Oct. 31st deadline it could face fines.
It’s less than a month away from the projected deadline date for the I-77 toll lane project, but there’s a chance the project might need yet another extension.
Per the contract, if Cintra extends the construction to pass the Oct. 31st deadline they could face a $10,000 fine per day for any further delays.
NBC Charlotte spoke to frustrated drivers who say at this point the construction is never-ending.
“The traffic has been ridiculous," said driver Blake Craighead. “I think the construction has gone on way more than they told us it would.”
Originally the plan was to complete the toll lanes by January this year. NCDOT says that date was extended due to additional work being added including pavement rehabilitation and direct connectors added at Lakeview Road and Hambright Road.
In a formal letter, North Carolina lawmakers Senator Natasha Marcus and Representative Christy Clark called on Governor Roy Cooper and state transportation leaders to “not let Cintra off the hook.”
In the letter, they say there has been enough time to complete this project and further delays without consequences are unacceptable. Some drivers shared those same thoughts.
“Makes me mad as a taxpayer and also someone who lives here and has to deal with this," Craighead said. In a statement, Cintra said they are in close contact with NCDOT and construction partners as they work towards a fall opening. No specific word when that might be.