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30 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now

We ranked the best restaurants in Charlotte this year.

Food and Drink

Charlotte restaurants have never had more national attention. But they’re also competing harder than ever for your dinner reservation.Why it matters: In a dining landscape increasingly shaped by national restaurant groups and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outside investment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/02/private-equity-maman-popup-small-business" data-vars-content-id="edb1777e-ad0b-4dae-b920-3978a34eb48f" data-vars-headline="30 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/02/private-equity-maman-popup-small-business" target="_self">outside investment</a>, every restaurant reservation has a ripple effect. Our annual list spotlights the very best locally owned spots.

Charlotte's lines are becoming a third place of their own

Line culture can signal social proof and status, but it can also create community — turning the queue into a third space of its own.

Culture

Charlotteans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="waiting hours in line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/bru-latte-coffee-pop-up-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="71d8efa6-a835-4019-9b83-45ab495a8035" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s lines are becoming a third place of their own" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/bru-latte-coffee-pop-up-charlotte" target="_self">waiting hours in line</a> for croissants, coffee, bagels and barbecue — often before doors even open.Why it matters: People aren&#x27;t just standing in line for what&#x27;s at the front of it. Line culture can signal status and taste, but it can also create community — turning the queue into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a third place" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/15/your-third-place" data-vars-content-id="71d8efa6-a835-4019-9b83-45ab495a8035" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s lines are becoming a third place of their own" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/15/your-third-place" target="_self">a third place</a> of its own.

College grads descend on Charlotte, packing U-Hauls and bars

Have you noticed the surge in fresh college grads?

News

It’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="like" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/02/private-equity-maman-popup-small-business" data-vars-content-id="6ddbe743-e468-4a3f-bbb6-5bb4f603b7d5" data-vars-headline="College grads descend on Charlotte, packing U-Hauls and bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/02/private-equity-maman-popup-small-business" target="_self">like</a> college move-in season. But instead of a tiny dorm, they’re moving into $3,900 South End apartments split among three roommates. Instead of the student union, they’re wrapping the block around Tyber Creek Pub.Why it matters: Welcome to Charlotte, grads. While nationally your peers are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggling to find work" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" data-vars-content-id="6ddbe743-e468-4a3f-bbb6-5bb4f603b7d5" data-vars-headline="College grads descend on Charlotte, packing U-Hauls and bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" target="_self">struggling to find work</a>, you&#x27;ve landed in an outlier market where employers are bringing young recruits in by the hundreds to start their first big-boy and girl jobs this summer.

WNBA player and sister to open cozy Concord coffee shop

Kayla McBride, a Minnesota Lynx guard, and her sister Karlee McBride-Webber will open 1122 Coffee Co. in downtown Concord this September.

A WNBA player and her sister are opening a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/03/top-charlotte-coffee-shops-to-work-from" data-vars-content-id="9fa7041d-56a3-43be-86da-85b7d05d5fdc" data-vars-headline="WNBA player and sister to open cozy Concord coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/03/top-charlotte-coffee-shops-to-work-from" target="_self">coffee shop</a> in downtown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Concord" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/19/spend-a-day-in-concord-20-things-to-eat-drink-see-and-do-2-294442" data-vars-content-id="9fa7041d-56a3-43be-86da-85b7d05d5fdc" data-vars-headline="WNBA player and sister to open cozy Concord coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/19/spend-a-day-in-concord-20-things-to-eat-drink-see-and-do-2-294442" target="_self">Concord</a> in September.Why it matters: Sisters and co-owners Karlee McBride-Webber and Kayla McBride, a guard for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Lynx" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/08/lynx-2026-season-depleted-roster" data-vars-content-id="9fa7041d-56a3-43be-86da-85b7d05d5fdc" data-vars-headline="WNBA player and sister to open cozy Concord coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/08/lynx-2026-season-depleted-roster" target="_self">Minnesota Lynx</a>, want 1122 Coffee Co. to feel like an extension of their home.

What Charlotte airport travelers will get instead of a direct light rail stop

Instead of a much-desired direct light rail stop, Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Douglas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/charlotte-airport-expansion-runway-firehouse-lounges" data-vars-content-id="44bc6aa6-7888-4807-955b-e44c3a709510" data-vars-headline="What Charlotte airport travelers will get instead of a direct light rail stop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/charlotte-airport-expansion-runway-firehouse-lounges" target="_self">Douglas</a> International Airport is planning to build a &quot;people mover&quot; that will be a roughly seven-minute ride between the future multibillion-dollar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silver Line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" data-vars-content-id="44bc6aa6-7888-4807-955b-e44c3a709510" data-vars-headline="What Charlotte airport travelers will get instead of a direct light rail stop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" target="_self">Silver Line</a> and the terminal.Why it matters: Many outspoken transit advocates and residents have made clear <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they&#x27;d much prefer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/08/27/silver-line-charlotte-douglas-international-airport-light-rail" data-vars-content-id="44bc6aa6-7888-4807-955b-e44c3a709510" data-vars-headline="What Charlotte airport travelers will get instead of a direct light rail stop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/08/27/silver-line-charlotte-douglas-international-airport-light-rail" target="_self">they&#x27;d much prefer</a> the light rail extend to the main terminal. But CLT officials say they do not support a direct stop &quot;as it impedes future terminal expansion plans,&quot; according to a Wednesday presentation to the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority.

Council scrutinizes I-77 repayment as deadline looms

Council questions whether I-77 repayment law is even legal.

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/10/mayor-rob-harrington-77-data-growth-council" data-vars-content-id="2ba50009-1ae9-4402-9b2f-14f74b242c17" data-vars-headline="Council scrutinizes I-77 repayment as deadline looms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/10/mayor-rob-harrington-77-data-growth-council" target="_self">leaders</a> are questioning the legality and constitutionality of the new law that could require a $64 million to $80 million repayment to the state transportation department if the city continues blocking the I-77 South widening.Why it matters: The provision, tucked into the state budget in July, triggered a 90-day clock for city leaders to either renew support for the controversial toll lanes or fork up millions in taxpayer dollars.

About half of Charlotteans support I-77 toll project, new poll finds

Half of Charlotte voters are OK with I-77 toll project advancing.

About <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="half" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/22/ferrovial-cintra-i-77-south-investors" data-vars-content-id="ecab4ab4-5ee8-42fe-8fd0-5d3dd443f08a" data-vars-headline="About half of Charlotteans support I-77 toll project, new poll finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/22/ferrovial-cintra-i-77-south-investors" target="_self">half</a> of Charlotte voters surveyed support moving forward immediately with the proposed $4-plus billion widening of I-77 South, according to a new poll commissioned by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CLT Public Relations." data-vars-click-url="https://www.cltpr.com/" data-vars-content-id="ecab4ab4-5ee8-42fe-8fd0-5d3dd443f08a" data-vars-headline="About half of Charlotteans support I-77 toll project, new poll finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cltpr.com/" target="_blank">CLT Public Relations.</a>Why it matters: The survey gauges how everyday Charlotteans — not activists or business leaders — feel about the toll lanes.<ul><li>And it shows people are generally in favor of the project advancing.</li></ul>

The company behind I-77 tolls already touted project to shareholders

Cintra listed I-77 South in its U.S. pipeline before Charlotte leaders voted against the project.

While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/10/mayor-rob-harrington-77-data-growth-council" data-vars-content-id="6d673a52-a688-4c25-a947-033464ad67f8" data-vars-headline="The company behind I-77 tolls already touted project to shareholders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/10/mayor-rob-harrington-77-data-growth-council" target="_self">Charlotte</a> leaders were still debating the Interstate 77 South toll lanes, the Spanish company that operates the northern expressway was already touting the project to investors.Why it matters: A May 8 investor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="presentation" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.ferrovial.com/en/investor-releases/" data-vars-content-id="6d673a52-a688-4c25-a947-033464ad67f8" data-vars-headline="The company behind I-77 tolls already touted project to shareholders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.ferrovial.com/en/investor-releases/" target="_blank">presentation</a> by Cintra&#x27;s parent company, Ferrovial, includes I-77 South in its U.S. pipeline, even as local opposition threatened to derail the project over concerns that a foreign company was profiting from what critics see as a community detriment.

Mecklenburg County transit sales tax kicks in July 1

The revenue is generates will go toward major regional transportation projects, such as the Red Line.

Mecklenburg County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/mecklenburg-county-referendum-sales-tax-transportation" data-vars-content-id="223ea967-6edd-497b-b345-13824f4f1caa" data-vars-headline="Mecklenburg County transit sales tax kicks in July 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/mecklenburg-county-referendum-sales-tax-transportation" target="_self">new</a> 1% sales tax for transportation takes effect July 1.Why it matters: Shoppers will pay slightly more on clothes, furniture, electronics and other purchases. The revenue is expected to generate nearly $20 billion over 30 years for major regional transportation projects, such as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Line." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" data-vars-content-id="223ea967-6edd-497b-b345-13824f4f1caa" data-vars-headline="Mecklenburg County transit sales tax kicks in July 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" target="_self">Red Line.</a>

Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras

Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras.

Some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/10/04/red-light-runners-keep-evading-charlotte-leaders-priority-list-309772" data-vars-content-id="90d3b218-0983-497b-a593-ff16e8ff37bc" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/10/04/red-light-runners-keep-evading-charlotte-leaders-priority-list-309772" target="_self">Charlotte</a> drivers who have gotten used to running red lights may soon face a costly reminder to stop.Why it matters: Charlotte will install red light cameras at 10 high-injury intersections as part of a one-year pilot aimed at reducing traffic deaths, following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="34 fatalities" data-vars-click-url="https://tableau.charlottenc.gov/t/Public/views/VisionZeroDashboard/StandardView?%3Aembed=y&amp;%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&amp;%3Aorigin=card_share_link" data-vars-content-id="90d3b218-0983-497b-a593-ff16e8ff37bc" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tableau.charlottenc.gov/t/Public/views/VisionZeroDashboard/StandardView?%3Aembed=y&amp;%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&amp;%3Aorigin=card_share_link" target="_blank">34 fatalities</a> in just the first half of this year.

Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?

The 6-5 vote directs Charlotte's CRTPO rep to challenge the project.

In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stunning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/10/new-i-77-renderings-test-charlotte-opposition" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/10/new-i-77-renderings-test-charlotte-opposition" target="_self">stunning</a> late-night vote Monday, Charlotte City Council rescinded support for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/06/ncdot-west-end-reconnecting-communities-i77-toll-lanes" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/06/ncdot-west-end-reconnecting-communities-i77-toll-lanes" target="_self">I-77 South toll lanes</a> project in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its current form." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">its current form.</a>Why it matters: The 6-5 decision could significantly delay the highly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scrutinized" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/13/council-member-graham-on-i-77-designs-tear-it-up" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/13/council-member-graham-on-i-77-designs-tear-it-up" target="_self">scrutinized</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">state</a> project&#x27;s path forward — or even kill it.

NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support

NCDOT has real plans to reconnect Charlotte's West End.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The N.C. Department of Transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">The N.C. Department of Transportation</a> unveiled &quot;feasible&quot; plans to reconnect Charlotte&#x27;s West End across I-77 to the rest of the city, including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highway cap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/17/charlotte-i77-freeway-cap-parks" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/17/charlotte-i77-freeway-cap-parks" target="_self">highway cap</a> and new green spaces. Why it matters: The agency is effectively using those long-sought reconnection projects as a bargaining chip to preserve support for widening the same <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">highway</a> that divided the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically Black neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" target="_self">historically Black neighborhoods</a> decades ago.

Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts

City council's transportation committee voted unanimously to hold a separate, deeper discussion with the full body on I-77.

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/27/i77-south-toll-lanes-traffic-increase" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/27/i77-south-toll-lanes-traffic-increase" target="_self">city</a> staff and NCDOT on Monday pitched their case for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">the I-77 South toll lanes</a> — touting new bike lanes, sidewalks and streetlights — as council members signal they may take action against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" target="_self">the project</a> soon.Why it matters: Despite staff&#x27;s efforts to frame the project as a rare chance to rebuild interstate crossings, elected officials are clearly ramping up behind-the-scenes efforts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rescind or reconsider support." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/20/i77-south-toll-lanes-pause-north-carolina-ncdot" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/20/i77-south-toll-lanes-pause-north-carolina-ncdot" target="_self">rescind or reconsider support.</a>

NCDOT's own forecast shows I-77 toll lanes could increase traffic up to 44%

I-77 South widening could increase traffic by 44%.

The N.C. Department of Transportation&#x27;s own projections show that building the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="9348844b-4993-4378-9dc6-24d023eae21a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT&#x27;s own forecast shows I-77 toll lanes could increase traffic up to 44%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">I-77 South toll lanes</a> could increase traffic volume on the interstate by up to 44%, according to an email exchange obtained by Axios.Why it matters: The state is moving forward with spending $600 million in public funds for a highway widening that will primarily improve travel times for people who can afford to pay.

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