CHARLOTTE, N.C. -
The N.C. Department of Transportation will
begin installing an advanced warning system on the I-277 Outer Loop between
Tryon Street and I-77 in Charlotte from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4,
weather permitting.
The system will detect traffic data like
volume and speed, alerting motorists to backups that frequently occur on the
ramp from I-277 Outer to I-77 North.
Consolidated Power Inc. of Mooresville was
awarded the $188,000 project. Its crews will mill and replace the existing
pavement markings on the Outer Loop between Graham Street and I-77 North, and
will install the detection warning system, consisting of two Microwave Vehicle
Detection (MVD) units and two flashing LED beacons.
The MVD units will collect traffic data and
send it to a processor on site, where it will be analyzed. The result will be a
message to activate one or both of the flashing beacons within the project
location. Once traffic reaches speeds below 20 miles an hour, the first beacon
near the I-77 North exit ramp will activate. If traffic continues to back up
toward Tryon Street, the second beacon will be activated. Additional signage
warning motorists of slow or stopped traffic will also be installed
The contractor may close a lane on I-277
between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Friday, and two lanes may be closed
after 11 p.m. on those weeknights. Lane closures are also possible on the
weekends when traffic volumes will be lighter. The completion date for the
project is Dec. 4.
