6NEWS

CORNELIUS, NC -- A new study on Interstate 77 could provide short term solutions to an enduring traffic problem in northern Mecklenburg and southern Iredell counties. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is taking a closer look at the highway between exits 23 and 36.

When traffic on Interstate 77 backs up, it really affects the small communities from Huntersville, through Cornelius, Davidson and even Mooresville. That’s because drivers looking for an alternate route crowd the small city streets causing problems for commuters, school buses and emergency crews. That’s why the towns can’t wait for the state to fix the problem.

During daylight hours it's difficult to find a time when Interstate 77 is not congested between exits 23 and 36.

"Lunch hour is bad. You can sit and sit," said driver Josh Saunders.

Commuter Brandon Thompson said, “Either way you go you’re backed up and that's about it, 20 - 30 minutes either way."

At the Huntersville town limits, the highway squeezes down from three lanes to just two. Drivers blame the slow traffic on losing that lane, as well as short merge lanes and beautiful lake views. And there are as many possible solutions as there are possible causes.

"If you couldn't see everything going on out on the lake people might go by without slowing down," said Saunders.

"I think they ought to plow it all and put in soy beans. They'd be better off," says driver Lynn Williams who adds that he’s only half kidding.

Cornelius Mayor Gary Knox is tired of guessing and it will be at least six years before the State starts widening the Interstate. That's why he's commissioned the NCDOT to study the 13 miles of highway this year.

"We need to find some things that will help us all exist mutually through this period of time," said Knox.

Possible solutions could include programmable signage and a slower speed limit. The state's report should be complete in a few months and those possible solutions could be in place sometime next year.

Any changes to the highway would likely be paid for by the towns, but drivers and town officials agree any affordable solution is worthwhile.