CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Citizens gathered in Cornelius during rush hour Friday to protest toll lanes on I-77.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to build 26 miles of toll lanes on I-77 through a public-private partnership. However, those against the project think it's unfair to people in the area, and they want lawmakers to stop it from moving forward.
"We have to do what we can, while we can, before it goes through," said Michelle Ferlauto, one of the protesters against the toll lanes.
The NCDOT is partnering with Spanish company Cintra to build the toll lanes, which will run from Charlotte to Mooresville. Cintra funds the majority of the project, then collects the toll revenue for 50 years. NCDOT officials say this is the best way to alleviate congestion.
Those opposed to the project say it's a bad deal for taxpayers.
"They have every ability to stop the tolls right now and give us the regular lanes that we need for the state's largest city," said Vallee Bubak, who volunteers with Widen I-77, the citizens group opposed to the tolls.
Widen I-77 filed a lawsuit earlier this year to stop the project. A judge denied a preliminary injunction in March, but Widen I-77 says the legal battle isn't over. They're continuing to fight for a permanent injunction against the project.
"So we're looking forward to a lawsuit later this year, and hopefully we'll be able to stop this nonsense," said Vince Winegardner of Widen I-77.
Cintra was supposed to secure funding for the project in January, but NCDOT extended the deadline three times without penalty. The new deadline for financial close is May 27. If both parties come to an agreement then, construction could begin on I-77 later this year.