During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical traffic safety concerns along Interstate 77 and its intersections with local roads, particularly focusing on the crash rates that are reportedly double the statewide average. The conversation highlighted the challenges posed by outdated road designs, particularly at the West Boulevard exit from I-277, which has been a point of congestion.

Council members expressed frustration over the design of the roadways, noting that many of the plans were created decades ago by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and have not been updated to reflect current traffic patterns. The discussion emphasized the need for a comprehensive redesign to improve safety and traffic flow, especially in areas where multiple lanes converge and create hazardous merging situations.

The meeting also touched on the Brookshire exit from I-485, where officials noted the complexity of the intersection and the need for clarity regarding whether the roads are state-maintained or city roads. This distinction is crucial as it affects maintenance responsibilities and potential redesign efforts.

Concerns were raised about the long-term impact of these traffic issues on Charlotte residents, with estimates suggesting that improvements could take up to eight years to implement. Officials acknowledged the importance of addressing these challenges not only for local commuters but also for the significant number of travelers from South Carolina who rely on these routes.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration with NCDOT to explore potential redesigns and improvements that could alleviate congestion and enhance safety for all road users.