What does it mean to go Beyond 77?
As the main artery running through Charlotte, the 68-mile stretch of interstate between Statesville, NC and Rock Hill, SC serves a large community. The I-77 corridor is greater than just the interstate itself. It is a network of connections that allow us to mobilize our everyday lives. That’s why we conducted a massive study to identify strategies and solutions to improve mobility, and thus, the region.
Beyond 77 presents a plan that has been formulated with respect to resident perspective and has been vetted as the same. The final strategies and solutions are outlined in detail – including timing and coordinating parties needed.
The Beyond 77 study was completed in January of 2022. The Beyond 77 Task Force will begin implementing the study recommendations provided in the Beyond 77 Final Report in 2022.
Recommendations were Adopted by the CRTPO Policy Board on January 26, 2022
CRTPO, as the lead agency, will be using the outcomes of this study to begin implementing strategies & solutions in partnership with numerous stakeholders throughout the corridor and region.
Beyond 77 Corridor Study Final Report This report provides an overview and highlights of the planning process of this paramount initiative.
Strategic Users Implementation Tool
This online application is to allow planners, decision makers, and the general public to interact with each of the proposed recommendations – providing expanded detail on estimated cost, coordination, and the communities each serves.
Funding Alternative Strategies Tool
This online application is to explore short-term funding alternative strategies across multiple counties within the North Carolina portion of the Charlotte metropolitan area.
Appendices
- A1 – Marketing & Engagement Plan
- A2 – Marketing & Engagement Cumulative Report
- A3 – Committee Participation Tracker
- A4 – Needs Assessment & Study Strategies Technical Memorandum
- A5 – Plan Review Technical Memorandum
- A6 – Travel Demand Model Review & Modification Technical Memorandum
- A7 – Existing & Future Conditions Assessment Technical Memorandum
- A8 – Land Use Summary Technical Memorandum
- A9 – Preliminary Needs Technical Memorandum
- A10 – Rubric & Evaluation Process Technical Memorandum
- A11 – Funding Alternatives Strategies & Concepts Report
- A12 – Strategies & Solutions (S&Ss) User Guide and Individual S&S Sheets*
*Appendices to be uploaded soon
Vision Statement
Vision
The Beyond 77 Corridor Study will strengthen the multimodal network surrounding the interstate by providing a strategic, innovative, equitable, and comprehensive toolbox of effective strategies, policies, and programs that will guide future mobility for our diverse communities.
Guiding Principles
Guiding Principles
- Provide a range of local and regional mobility choices that are safe and equitable.
- Respect the natural and built environment.
- Strengthen the economic prosperity and resiliency of the region.
- incorporate innovative improvements into the existing system.
- Improve integration of the multimodal system with adopted land use policies.
Goal Statements
Goal Statements
- Supply safe and equitable mobility options for people and businesses to efficiently access jobs, essential goods, and services and activity centers.
- Provide transportation corridor improvements strategies that enhance safety for all users respond to resiliency issues such as weather events or security emergencies, and adapt effectively to ongoing climate change.
- Consider technology applications in all multimodal strategies to assist the public in making mobility decisions.
- Maximize opportunities to enhance freight connectivity and access to distribution hubs to improve the movement of goods.
- Integrate equitable and safe options for walking, bicycling, transit, motor vehicles, and other personal mobility modes throughout the region.
- Ensure recommended transportation policies and programs are sensitive to features of the built and natural environments, improve the quality of life for residents, and promote healthy living.
Why did we conduct a corridor study on I-77?
The Charlotte metro and surrounding regions are growing every day. Beyond 77 is a study designed to help address this dynamic growth, and create long-term transportation solutions within the I-77 study area. The I-77 study area is greater than just the interstate itself. It is a network of connections that allow us to mobilize our lives every day. Our goal is to develop a plan that improves your daily commute and ultimately moves this community forward.
CRTPO kicked off Beyond 77 – a study focused on improving the user experience on and around the I-77 corridor. We are looking at travel patterns, transportation needs and desires of local residents. Your involvement will directly impact the future of travel along the I-77 study area. The plan was adopted in January 2022.
Completed Corridor Study Phases
Phase I
Data Collection
You’ll tell us how you use the corridor.
January 2020 – August 2020
Phase II
Analysis
You’ll review areas of greatest need.
August 2020 – March 2021
Phase III
Solutions
You’ll choose preferred transportation solutions and weigh in on funding options.
April 2021 – September 2021
Phase IV
Recommendations
We’ll share the final recommendations you helped us create.
October 2021 – January 2022
Maps
GIS Explorer
During the early stages of the study, the team normalized thousands of data points gathered by governing bodies all over the corridor. That data was combined with quantitative data reported by members of the public during the Phase I study like their average travel time and mileage, their home zip code, their work zip code, and which main thoroughfares they used to get between destinations.
Together, the data sources informed a travel heat map, which indicated roads with greatest congestion. See these areas in place in the GIS Explorer.
Story Map
Browse our multi-layered Story Map that gives an overview past, present, and future of transportation in the region. The Story Map was created during Phase I to educate and inform the public on the existing conditions and next steps to move forward when creating Beyond 77’s vision.
Engagement
You’ve spoken. We’ve listened.
Over the course of the 2-year study, Beyond 77 set the record for public involvement in the Southeast, with more than 25,000 survey responses captured. In each of three phases, the public was invited to participate in quantitative and qualitative surveys.
Why public feedback matters:
While it is required of Transportation Planning Organizations to capture public comment when drafting recommendations, the CRTPO made a point to engage the public on a whole new level. Public involvement was the driving force of the final strategies and solutions.
Far too often does the public express resistance to a transportation plan once it’s already in effect. CRTPO engaged the public through digital and traditional advertising, events, and public relations over the 2-year study to drive engagement with the survey and events.
Public Response
Results at a Glance
Survey Responses
25,162
Events Held
20
Event Participants
431
Comments Received
3,012
Engagements on Social Media
189,776
Data Points Reviewed
867,282
Web Sessions
112,180
Review our findings
Steering & Advisory Committees
Committee Response
Early on, the Beyond 77 planning team engaged a Steering and Advisory Committee to provide consistent input through the duration of the study. See their impact below.
Committee Response and Workshops
Committee Meetings and Workshops
Steering and Advisory committees convened throughout the study to review findings and provide feedback. Below, you can find a description on the makeup of each and a log of their meetings and response.
9/30/2021
September Workshop Agenda (PDF)
September Meeting Minutes (PDF)
September Workshop Presentation (PDF)
September 30 Recording (YouTube)
7/22/2021 & 7/28/2021
July Workshop Agenda (PDF)
July Workshop Summary (PDF)
July Workshop Presentation (PDF)
July 22 Recording (YouTube)
July 28 Recording (YouTube)
6/24/2021 & 6/28/2021
Implementation Workshop Summary (PDF)
Implementation Workshop Agenda (PDF)
Implementation Workshop Presentation (PDF)
Implementation workshop recording (YouTube)
Implementation workshop recording (YouTube)
3/11/2021
Study Update Consolidated Generalized Agenda (PDF)
Study Update Steering Committee Meeting Summary (PDF)
Study Update Steering Committee Meeting Presentation (PDF)
Steering Committee Meeting Recording (YouTube)
Study Update Advisory Committee Meeting Summary (PDF)
Study Update Advisory Committee Meeting Presentation (PDF)
Advisory Committee Meeting Recording (YouTube)
9/30/2020 & 10/6/2020
Innovation & Technology Brainstorming Workshop Summary (PDF)
Innovation & Technology Brainstorming Workshop Agenda (PDF)
Innovation & Technology Brainstorming Workshop Presentation (PDF)
Innovation & Technology Brainstorming Workshop Session Recording (9/30/2020)
Innovation & Technology Brainstorming Workshop Session Recording (10/6/2020)
8/3/2020 & 8/4/2020
Vision & Needs Workshop Summary (PDF)
Vision & Needs Workshop Presentation (PDF)
Vision & Needs Workshop Session Recording (8/3/2020)
Vision & Needs Workshop Session Recording (8/4/2020)
6/2/2020
Existing & Future Conditions Assessment Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Existing & Future Conditions Assessment Meeting Summary (PDF)
Existing & Future Conditions Assessment Presentation (PDF)
Existing & Future Conditions Assessment Videocast (YouTube)
4/7/2020
Spring 2020 Update Memo (PDF)
11/5/2019
Data Kick Off & Review Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Data Kick Off & Review Meeting Summary (PDF)
Data Kick Off & Review Meeting Presentation (PDF)
9/13/2019
Kick Off Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Kick Off Meeting Minutes (PDF)
Kick Off Meeting Presentation (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions & Project History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between I-77 and the I-77 Corridor?
The I-77 corridor is the 68-mile stretch between Statesville, NC and Rock Hill, SC. The corridor spans three miles from each side of Interstate 77 which includes the Interstate itself. Interstate 77 is simply the interstate, from shoulder to shoulder.
What is the purpose of the study?
The study aims to go beyond 77 and provide solutions to improve mobility in the area around the interstate to provide greater connectivity in our region.
Will you be getting rid of the toll (managed) lanes?
The study will NOT be eliminating the existing or proposed managed lanes on I-77, they are under the administration of NCDOT.
Is this study connected to the I-77 South toll (managed) lanes proposal?
No, the Beyond 77 Study is not involved in any way with the unsolicited proposal that was received for the I-77 South toll (managed) lanes.
Initial visioning and plans for the Beyond 77 project began nearly a decade ago – and are in no way a response to this newly surfaced unsolicited proposal.
How long will it be until your recommended solutions are implemented?
Some recommendations will be able to be implemented in a couple of years and are considered short-term (2022-2025). Other recommendations are considered long term (10-30 years out).
Who will pay for the improvements?
Part of the study itself is to propose funding solutions that will pay to make the recommended improvements. These funding solutions could range from increasing motor vehicle taxes to an increase in vehicle registration fees. We are currently evaluating options.
How can I engage with the study beyond the surveys?
The study was completed on January 26, 2022. We welcome the public to follow us on Facebook @BeyondI77, and email us.
How can I be alerted with survey updates?
The study was completed on January 26, 2022. If you are interested to hear more about implementation, follow us on Facebook @BeyondI77.
Who funded the study?
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) funded the corridor study through a federal grant administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
Are Beyond 77 and CONNECT Beyond the same?
Beyond 77 and CONNECT Beyond are independent. CONNECT Beyond focuses on transit issues and solutions in Mecklenburg County as well as 11 nearby counties – like York and Lancaster in South Carolina. Beyond 77 focuses only on communities between Statesville and Rock Hill along the I-77 corridor and evaluates all forms of transportation, including but not limited to public transit.
Project History
- The Phase II survey closed on September 16, 2020.
- The study website, Beyond77.com, and survey when live on January 16, 2020; officially launching the public engagement campaign for Beyond 77 – move us forward.
- Three stakeholders meetings were held on December 17, December 18 and January 28 at the Charles Mack Center in Mooresville, CPCC Harper Campus in Charlotte and Center City Partners in Charlotte, respectively.
- The marketing plan was reviewed and approved by CRTPO staff on December 2, 2019.
- Data collection and the Phase 1 kickoff meeting was conducted on November 5, 2019 at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.
- Project plans, phases and tasks were reviewed and approved by CRTPO staff and the technical committee following the kickoff meeting.
- The I-77 Corridor Study official kickoff meeting was conducted on September 13, 2019 at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.
- Atkins Engineering Inc. was selected as the prime consultant; the four subconsultants are CDM Smith, DRMP, BowStern and the Conti Group.
- On October 22, 2018, Charlotte City Council approved the execution of a municipal agreement with NCDOT to accept funding and negotiate the consultant contract.
- Technical scoping meetings were held with the Technical Coordinating Committee members from varies municipalities along 77. A draft technical scope and study area was outlined during these meetings and used to develop the advertisement of the RFQ for the study, which closed on August 7th.
- In Winter of 2017, interest meetings with elected officials from jurisdictions along the corridor and stakeholder agency leadership were held. The attendees provided meaningful feedback and expressed their thoughts on the significance of the study.
- The draft project limits are from Statesville, NC at exit 54 (US-21) to Rock Hill, SC at exit 77 (US-21) which is approximately 68 miles.
- The study will be funded using $2 million of NCDOT State Planning and Research Funds and is anticipated to be completed within 2 years.
- A major focus of the study area will be the parallel network and the east west connections along the corridor as well as other modes of transportation.
- The I-77 Corridor Study will comprehensively capitalize on past efforts and generate a vision for the overall system as well as identify strategies for achieving the vision through an ongoing collaborative community engagement process.
Contact
Agustin Rodriguez, PE
Beyond 77 Project Manager
For questions regarding this corridor study, please contact us at email@crtpo.org.