NCDOT

A crash occurred on I-85 in north Charlotte, according to NCDOT, causing serious backups. The accident was reported around 6:30 a.m. at Exit 41, Sugar Creek Road. Although most lanes have since reopened, traffic remains backed up for several miles.

A retaining wall collapsed near Hidden Hill Venue on Burkemont Road in Burke County, causing a landslide that threatens the roadway. Officials warn that additional rainfall could cause further movement, potentially making the road limited or impassable and delaying emergency response times. Burke County Emergency Management, the Fire Marshal’s Office, and NCDOT are actively monitoring the situation and urging residents to exercise caution.

The North Carolina Retail Merchants Association is opposing a proposal for NCDOT to fund two new community grocery stores in west Charlotte. This funding plan was originally connected to the state's effort to revive the I-77 South toll lane project. The association warned that this would create a dangerous precedent, potentially harming other grocery chains within the state.

Charlotte City Council publicly discussed the I-77 South toll lane project ahead of a CRTPO vote, with council members considering a state budget provision requiring repayment to NCDOT if they oppose the project. Some council members remain opposed, while others support revisiting the proposal, with key votes scheduled in August and September.

NCDOT has proposed a $300M community investment plan linked to the I-77 South Express Lanes project, aiming to address resident concerns. The department highlighted potential investments in communities if the project proceeds, as outlined in a letter from Secretary Daniel Johnson.

North Carolina's House Bill 1094, advancing through the Senate, introduces regulations for electric bicycles and personal delivery devices. The bill classifies e-bikes, allows local governments to set usage limits, mandates helmets for riders under 18 on faster e-bikes, and modifies rules for delivery robots to increase their size, speed, and operational areas. Additional provisions address license renewals, highway signage privatization, and ferry system audits.

A North Carolina state lawmaker is keeping a plan to reclaim tens of millions of dollars from the I-77 South widening project active despite it not being tied to a transportation bill. The decision follows a reversal on the toll plan due to a threat of repaying funds to NCDOT.

Monroe leaders reaffirmed support for the I-77 South expansion project, reversing a prior decision by Monroe's delegate to the CRTPO who had rescinded support. The project, which would add toll lanes from Uptown Charlotte to the South Carolina border, faces financial risks if pending legislation requires municipalities opposing it to repay NCDOT. Council members expressed concerns about the decision-making process and potential consequences for local funding.

A jackknifed tractor-trailer closed lanes on I-85 in northeast Charlotte around 10 a.m. on Saturday near Exit 46, according to traffic officials.

North Carolina lawmakers are considering modifying a decades-old ban on seawalls due to increased coastal erosion causing home collapses. Senator Bob Brinson introduced two bills to allow hardened structures and pilot shoreline stabilization projects, while Senator Julie Mayfield warned of potential negative impacts from such structures.