Judge says I-77 toll lane project is constitutional

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) – A judge has ruled that the proposed toll lanes for Interstate 77 north of Charlotte are constitutional.

Local media outlets report Judge W. Osmond Smith issued the ruling Friday during a hearing.

The group opposing the project had wanted to postpone the hearing to wait for the Charlotte City Council to vote on the project. The council is scheduled to vote on Monday.

The Charlotte Observer reported that nine area lawmakers asked Mayor Jennifer Roberts and the city council to oppose the project included in the area transportation plan.

Gov. Pat McCrory last year refused to cancel the project, but did ask the regional transportation agency to vote on the proposal again. The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization is scheduled to vote on the plan on Jan. 20.

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