CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina transportation leaders held a meeting to hear from the public on how they can improve traffic flow on Independence Boulevard from Uptown Charlotte to Matthews.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation held a meeting from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at East Mecklenburg High School for public feedback. The department is working on a new plan to reduce congestion from Interstate 277 to Interstate 485.
The current U.S. 74 widening project proposal includes adding an express lane and one general-purpose lane from west of Idlewild Road to I-485. Once complete, there will be one toll lane and three general-purpose lanes along Independence.
The proposed project also includes improvements to interchanges along Independence Boulevard to reduce congestion for drivers getting onto the highway. The $900 million project is projected to break ground in 2027.
"Every interchange is probably going to be touched in some way and it’s going to be redone in some way," NCDOT Spokesperson Jen Goodwin said. "We may remove traffic signals from the remainder of the corridor out toward I-485 and what goes in its place is probably going to be some kind of a bridge to help keep folks moving."
One of the changes will happen on Sam Newell Road near the Windsor Square Shopping Center. The department plans to add a bridge over Independence and do the same on Sardis Road North to improve traffic.
"You’re going to have so much less congestion with those bridge overpasses going into Charlotte and coming out of Charlotte," Matthews resident Ted Picano said. “My thoughts on Independence were originally to stay off of Independence at all costs.”
While changes to routes parallel to Independence are expected to begin as early as 2027, there's still no timeline for widening Independence itself as the department works to secure funds.
"Let’s get the funding and let’s get it done," resident Nell Baylor said. "Absolutely necessary, yes."
NCDOT also proposed adding express lanes along U.S. 74 from I-277 to Idlewild Road. The proposal would convert 5 miles of bus lanes into express lanes with a direct connector to Albemarle Road. If approved, the $105 million project is expected to start in 2029.
Those interested in making a public comment outside of Tuesday night's meeting can do so through this NCDOT webpage, by email at US74-Improvements@publicinput.com, or by phone at 984-205-6615 when you enter project code 1306 to leave a message.
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