North Carolina has officially broken ground on a giant new 10-lane bridge over Interstate 77, the biggest milestone to date in the state's initiative to upgrade and widen its highway system. The project is one of several underway at the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) aimed at boosting capacity, safety, and freight efficiency on one of the state's most clogged highway corridors. 

The bridge will be a major connector in the Charlotte metro region, reducing traffic in one of the Southeast's fastest-growing areas. While final design and cost specifics continue to emerge, the structure will include general traffic lanes, HOV or express lanes, and pedestrian and bike infrastructure, making it one of the largest new bridge projects in the Carolinas.

The new I-77 bridge project is the latest large-scale infrastructure improvement in other parts of the state, such as the multi-phased I-26 Connector in Asheville. That project also features an eight-lane flyover and upgrades to Patton Avenue and the French Broad River crossings. According to WLOS, it is all part of a $1 billion investment to upgrade Western North Carolina's interstate system. 

In addition, WLOS recently reported on how cost-saving measures implemented in the I-26 project have resulted in more than $125 million in savings, a fiscal model NCDOT would like to copy on future multi-billion-dollar infrastructure constructions, such as the I-77 bridge.

The project follows heightened debate over freeway use and traffic safety in North Carolina. Another new proposal would ban larger trucks from using the left lane on interstates such as I-77, with the aim of speeding up traffic and limiting collisions at peak times. The I-77 bridge is supposed to serve regional commuters as well as long-distance freight traffic. With built-in multimodal design, planners expect the bridge to encourage walkability and local access, fitting into NCDOT's overall transportation modernization strategy.

The construction of the bridge will open up opportunities for various contractors and subcontractors. Companies interested in getting involved should keep track of bid notices via NCDOT's procurement portal. The state has placed greater emphasis on inclusive contracting practices, such as its 2025–2027 DBE participation targets in Jacksonville. 

North Carolina has also witnessed tremendous state and federal investment in road improvements. In the early part of the year, Contractor News indicated that Balfour Beatty won a $242 million contract to improve U.S. Route 70, more proof that the state continues to lead transportation spending in the Southeast. 

While construction increases on the I-77 bridge, NCDOT officials claim it will be an example of coordinated, high-capacity facilities planned to accommodate the state's future transportation demands.