Community leaders demand urgent action on I-77 traffic crisis

During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the ongoing construction and traffic issues on Interstate 77, particularly in District 3. A local representative, who has been a long-time resident and driver on the highway, emphasized the urgent need for improvements, citing the impact on emergency services and the safety of constituents.

The representative highlighted the necessity of addressing medical emergencies during construction, questioning how emergency vehicles would navigate the area amidst anticipated disruptions. They expressed frustration over the lack of detailed plans shared with the community, particularly regarding the potential effects on local neighborhoods and the need for heavy construction on aging bridges.

With a state allocation of $600 million earmarked for improvements along an 11-mile stretch from Brookshire to Carowinds Boulevard, the representative sought clarity on traffic studies and the proposed timeline for the project, estimated at five years. They raised concerns about traffic congestion, noting that I-77 has become increasingly hazardous, particularly in high-accident zones.

The representative also called for transparency regarding additional traffic barriers and measures to prevent the issues experienced on I-77 North from recurring on the southern stretch. They underscored the importance of community engagement and communication, urging for more information to be shared with local leaders and residents to address their concerns effectively.