The N.C. Department of Transportation released renderings to show local leaders what elevated I-77 toll lanes running through Charlotte would look like.
Why it matters: On top of displacement and environmental and equity concerns, aesthetics is a frequent criticism of the project. This is NCDOT's way of saying, "Look, it isn't that bad."
Their consultants also stressed this week that the project is needed to reduce the corridor's high crash rate, telling reporters to focus more on commuters than "responding to sensationalism."
What's next: Charlotte City Council is expected to take up a resolution tomorrow on the controversial project, potentially asking for a halt on "irreversible" work.
Some council members want time to explore transportation solutions beyond toll lanes for managing growth.
