FAQs

Project Overview

The express lanes are managed travel lanes that run adjacent to I-77’s original general purpose lanes. By converting the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to express lanes, more vehicles can travel more quickly through the north corridor. During each trip, motorists are be able to decide if they want to use the optional tolled express lanes, the free general purpose lanes or a combination of both to allow for a more efficient commute. In addition, the express lanes feature variable prices that fluctuate based on supply and demand to ensure a predictable, higher-speed commute and allow traffic to flow at a minimum of 48 mph during peak travel times. Transit vehicles, emergency vehicles and identifiable high occupancy vehicles with three or more people may use the lanes free of charge with the North Carolina Turnpike Authority’s NC Quick Pass. Motorcycles that are not pulling trailers may use the lanes free of charge.

All drivers benefit from I-77 Express. The express lanes provide users with an undeniable choice to access a reliable travel alternative based on their daily schedules and needs. Drivers choosing not to utilize the express lanes will also experience traffic congestion relief because of the new capacity added to the roadway.

No. You can choose to pay for a quicker, congestion-free drive on the express lanes and take advantage of the average minimum travel speed of 48 mph. Or you can drive at no cost on the general purpose lanes that are adjacent to the express lanes.

The express lanes have a total of 11 entry and exit points along the 26-mile corridor.  Toll charges are applied when the driver enters each tolling segment.  For a look at the different entry and exit points, click HERE.

Toll segments vary in length from the shortest segment being approximately one mile, between Sam Furr and Catawba Avenue, to the longest segment running for approximately five miles, between Sunset Road and Gilead Road.

I-77 Mobility Partners, LLC financed, developed, designed, constructed, and operates and maintains the 26-mile I-77 Express Lanes Project as part of a public-private partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

In addition to the tolled express lanes, I-77 Mobility Partners is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the general purpose lanes and bridges within the project’s limits.

No. All drivers who use the I-77 Express corridor benefit from the toll lanes. Tolls collected for the express lanes are also used for the operations of the non-tolled general purpose lanes and bridges, to ensure all I-77 Express drivers enjoy a smooth drive, no matter which lane they choose for their trips. Plus, all drivers within the I-77 Express corridor limits have access to complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance.

Public-Private Partnerships (P3)

A public-private partnership (P3) is a contractual agreement formed between a public agency and a private sector entity that allows for greater private sector participation in the delivery and financing of transportation projects, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Developing this project through a public-private partnership transfered the risk of future usage of the lanes to the private sector so that if the roadway underperforms, the public is protected. The public-private partnership model also took full advantage of the innovation and efficiency of private enterprise to reduce the use of tax dollars. Furthermore, the public-private partnership model set an incentive for customer service: the private developer will only be successful in the long term if the project provides a safe, reliable and valuable service to the community at a reasonable price.

Throughout the entire duration of the Comprehensive Agreement with I-77 Mobility Partners, LLC, the state of North Carolina through the North Carolina Department of Transportation will have full ownership of the project.

There are numerous safeguards built into the partnering agreements that eliminate risk to North Carolina and ensure that the state, taxpayers and local communities will always be protected as they continue to benefit from I-77 Express.

General Purpose Lanes vs. Express Lanes

Express lanes are designed for drivers who want the most reliable and time-saving trip to reach a destination such as work, home, a sporting event, or the airport. With traffic flowing at an average minimum speed of 48 mph or more, 24/7, even during rush-hour periods, you can anticipate less frustration and no stop-and-go driving.

Express lanes are adjacent to the general purpose lanes, but they have independent entrances and exits. Express lanes are both safe and easy to use.

Traffic delineator posts separate the express lanes from the adjacent general purpose lanes.

Using the Express Lanes

The express lanes are an option for drivers who want more reliable travel times. Motorists can determine for themselves if the time that they will save traveling on the express lanes is worth the toll that they will pay to use them. Each driver can choose the combination of express lane and general purpose lane travel that is the best option for his or her trip.

The express lanes are open to all types of vehicles with two axles. This includes passenger vehicles, SUVs, motorcycles, pickup trucks, vans, and extended vehicles. Extended vehicles also include two-axle vehicles pulling a one-axle trailer. Learn more about the accepted and prohibited vehicle classes for I-77 Express HERE.

You may use NC Quick Pass, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority’s all-electronic toll collection program. For customers without an NC Quick Pass cameras will capture an image of your vehicle’s license plate, and NC Quick Pass will mail you a bill. Learn more about NC Quick Pass here.

Toll rates fluctuate periodically based on the level of traffic in order to ensure that express lanes drivers travel at faster, more predictable rates of speed. As traffic levels and demand increase, the toll rate increases to keep vehicles moving. Once traffic volumes drop, the price goes down. Well in advance of each additional toll segment, a sign will display the price for further travel. Drivers can choose to continue in the express lanes and pay the toll fee for the next segment, or exit the lanes at no extra cost. It is important to note that every user will only pay the toll amount shown at the entry point even if the rate increases during the trip.

In the event of an emergency evacuation as declared by the governor, the new express lanes will add greater capacity to the I-77 corridor so that citizens can leave the area safely and quickly. During an emergency, NCDOT can suspend tolling immediately, independent of the timing of a formal emergency declaration. Emergency vehicles have unimpeded access to the express lanes at all times.

All customer information, including information for NC Quick Pass customers, is collected, stored and kept secure by the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (which operates under NCDOT). No social security numbers, medical information or birth dates is collected by the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, NCDOT or I-77 Mobility Partners.

Under the authority granted by the North Carolina Legislature in N.C.G.S. § 136-89.199, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority defines High Occupancy Vehicles for High Occupancy Toll Lane (HOT) lanes as motor vehicles without trailers, not larger than 22 feet in length, eight and a half feet in width and 12 feet in height, with three or more people in the vehicle that:

a) have set high occupancy vehicles status through switchable transponders;
b) have HOV-only transponders; or
c) have set high occupancy vehicles status through the NC Quick Pass HOV mobile application which is received at least 15 minutes prior to entering a toll segment.

Entrances and Exits

The express lanes are divided into toll segments with eleven dedicated entrance and exit points and two direct connector ramps to safely guide you into and out of the lanes. First, view the I-77 Express map by clicking HERE to determine which entrance and exit are best suited to help you reach your destination.

The express lanes feature two direct connector ramps from existing roads. One direct connector ramp can be accessed from Hambright Road, located between exits 19 and 23. The other direct connector ramp is located on Lakeview Road, between exits 16 and 18.

Once you choose to use the express lanes, dedicated entry points and signage will guide you directly into the lanes. When you choose to exit the lanes, dedicated exit points and signage will guide you out of the lanes and onto the general purpose lanes or direct connector ramps.

Toll Collection and Tollbooths

No. The express lanes are all-electronic and cashless. For customers with a NC Quick Pass account, tolls are automatically deducted from your pre-paid account. If you do not have a transponder, cameras will capture an image of your vehicle’s license plate. NC Quick Pass will mail a bill to the vehicle’s registered owner through the Bill by Mail program.

Understanding the Signs

Yes. Entrances are clearly marked by overhead signs with the term ‘Express’ lanes signs to avoid confusion. Also, prior to the entrance ramps, are signs that provide advance notice of the current toll prices to give drivers time to make a choice.

Yes. Each express lanes highway sign shows the current pricing for a specific segment in advance of the entrance point for that particular segment. Identifiable HOV3+ vehicles with an NC Quick Pass can use the express lanes for free.

Pricing

I-77 Express uses demand based, dynamic pricing to determine toll rates. Prices on the express lanes fluctuate based upon the supply and demand for the express lanes. Roadside equipment monitors real-time I-77 traffic conditions to adjust the prices periodically throughout the day based upon the average speed and number of drivers who want to use the express lanes. Prices may go up or down, depending upon the amount of traffic and the time of day, but drivers are notified of the price they pay on the toll pricing signs prior to entering any segment of the express lanes. Prices are less during non-peak driving times.

Demand-based, dynamic pricing allows rates to fluctuate based on a number of factors, including congestion levels in each lane and/or the time of day. In the event that the average minimum speed on the express lanes approaches 48 mph due to traffic congestion, the price for that segment of the roadway increases in order to maintain travel at an average minimum speed of 48 mph or faster.

Prices are clearly displayed on overhead signs in advance of each express lanes entrance and new toll segment. Pricing signs on I-77 Express reflect the toll rates for transponder (NC Quick Pass, E-ZPass, SunPass and Peach Pass) customers. These customers pay the lowest toll rates compared to Bill by Mail customers. The cost displayed is for each individual toll segment and not a collective price for the remaining segments.

You pay the rate that is displayed on the pricing sign as you enter the express lanes or a new toll segment, regardless of whether the rate changes while you are driving within a toll segment.

There is no incentive for the private operator to set rates at prohibitively high levels because that would deter drivers from using the lanes. Toll rates aref determined by demand in order to maintain reliable travel.

HOV3+ Travel

All identifiable High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV3+) vehicles with a HOV3+ NC Quick Pass transponder and at least three occupants can use the express lanes for free. Motorcycles do not require a passenger to use the express lanes for free.

Speed Limits

The express lanes’ variable pricing aims to keep the lanes flowing at an average minimum speed of 48 mph at all times, especially during rush-hour periods.

Currently, there is no regional policy for rebates.

Roadside Assistance

If possible, safely maneuver your vehicle out of the moving traffic and onto the shoulder. Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and phone 1-855-477-2018 for I-77 Express’ complimentary roadside assistance. For your safety, we recommend that you remain in your vehicle at all times. We have dedicated service vehicles staffed by friendly, professional crew members 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you with any roadside emergencies.

Call 1-855-477-2018 for complimentary I-77 Express roadside assistance such as changing a flat tire, jumping a dead battery or reporting a road hazard on the general purpose lanes, tolled express lanes or bridges. If you are in a traffic accident, please contact 911.

Toll and HOV3+ Enforcement

Tolls will be enforced by state and local laws allowing the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to collect from drivers using the express lanes.

The I-77 Express occupancy detection system is a customer-friendly process to ensure customers are using the HOV3+ discount appropriately by verifying the occupancy of vehicles declaring HOV3+ status. The system verifies the accuracy of a vehicle’s HOV3+ status using cameras to determine the number of persons in the vehicle.

I-77 Mobility Partners first announced the system installation in January 2020.

Cameras take photos of vehicles traveling in the express lanes. Images of vehicles claiming HOV3+ status are reviewed to verify occupancy and whether the HOV3+ status was accurately declared. If vehicles traveling in the express lanes improperly declare HOV3+ status, I-77 Mobility Partners alerts the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) to the misuse. NCTA then charges the appropriate toll for the trip to the vehicle’s NC Quick Pass account.

Tolls rates and demand for the express lanes are correlated, so misuse of the HOV3+ discount can reduce toll lane capacity and inflate dynamic toll pricing, unfairly increasing tolls for other vehicles in the express lanes.

Occupancy detection systems are becoming the industry standard to increase compliance with HOV3+ discount rules. The occupancy detection system enhances current enforcement efforts to ensure toll rates are fair and accurately reflect capacity in the express lanes.

Billing Questions and Information

Contact the NC Quick Pass Customer Service Center at 1-877-7MY-PASS (1-877-769-7277), or visit an NC Quick Pass Customer Service Center.

The toll rate you see on the overhead sign before getting into the express lanes is the toll rate you will be charged. Questions related to your invoice can be answered by visiting NC Quick Pass online, by visiting an NC Quick Pass Customer Service Center or calling 1-877-7MY-PASS (1-877-769-7277).

Pricing signs on I-77 Express reflects the toll rates for transponder (NC Quick Pass, E-ZPass, SunPass and Peach Pass) customers. These customers pay the lowest toll rates compared to Bill by Mail customers.

Getting a NC Quick Pass

Signing up for a NC Quick Pass account is quick and easy through the NC Quick Pass online application. You can also call 877-7MY-PASS (877-769-7277). Once you have opened your account, you can use the NC Quick Pass website to manage your account information, update or change your payment information, deposit funds, track usage, download statements or make payments.

The cost to open an account includes the initial pre-paid toll balance and, depending on the option selected, might include the cost to purchase a NC Quick Pass transponder.

Using a NC Quick Pass transponder is the fastest, easiest way to pay for tolls in North Carolina and other states that accept SunPass, Peach Pass and E-ZPass transponders. Plus, you can save money on North Carolina toll rates compared to the Bill by Mail rate, and enjoy discounted rates in some other states.

SunPass, Peach Pass and E-ZPass transponders are also accepted as a method of payment on I-77 Express. For customers without a NC Quick Pass, SunPass, Peach Pass or E-ZPass transponder, you can still use the express lanes. Cameras will capture an image of your vehicle’s license plate. NC Quick Pass will mail a bill to the vehicle’s registered owner through the Bill by Mail program. Please note, transponder customers pay the lowest toll rates.

Extended Vehicles

An extended vehicle is any two-axle vehicle that is more than 22 feet in length or any two-axle vehicle with a single-axle trailer.

Yes

For extended vehicles, the displayed toll rate is multiplied. The multiplier is determined by the time of day and traffic flow. To see the extended vehicle toll rate multipliers, click HERE.

To see extended and LOV specifications, as well as allowed and prohibited vehicles, click HERE.

No. Vehicles towing trailers, whether LOV or large tractors, cannot exceed a total of three axles (i.e. two axles for the vehicle, one axle for the trailer). Therefore, large tractor-trailers do not meet the requirement.

Extended vehicles do not need a transponder to use I-77 Express. If an extended vehicle has a transponder, the toll (i.e. multiplied LOV rate) will be deducted from the respective account just as it is with an LOV. If the vehicle does not have a transponder, the registered owner will receive a bill by mail with the multiplied LOV rate for extended vehicles. Get a transponder HERE.

Trailers

Vehicles using I-77 Express are only allowed to tow single-axle trailers. Multiple-axle trailers are prohibited.

Vehicles towing trailers, whether LOV or extended, are deemed extended vehicles.

Yes

For extended vehicles, the displayed toll rate is multiplied. The multiplier is determined by the time of day and traffic flow. To see the extended vehicle toll rate multipliers, click HERE.

No. Vehicles towing trailers, whether LOV or large tractors, cannot exceed a total of three axles (i.e. two axles for the vehicle, one axle for the trailer). Therefore, large tractor-trailers do not meet the requirement.

As long as the trailer has only one axle, any type of trailer can be towed.

You do not need a transponder to tow a trailer. If the vehicle you are using to tow the trailer has a transponder, your toll (i.e. multiplied LOV rate) will be deducted from your account just as it is when you are not towing a trailer. If you do not have a transponder, you will receive a bill by mail with the multiplied LOV rate for your usage as an extended vehicle while towing the trailer.

No, you will not be charged for the vehicle and trailer independently. You will be charged the extended vehicle rate for the combination of the two.

No. Extended vehicles cannot declare HOV status, regardless of the number of occupants.