NEWS

The official name is “delineators,” but you can call them “candlesticks.” That’s the descriptive term for the three-foot tall plastic poles lining the center of the new I-77 lanes for its 26-mile length from Mooresville to Charlotte.

David Hannon, chief operating officer for the project, said the poles are installed 10 feet apart, and serve to separate the general-purpose, no-toll lanes on the outside of the asphalt from the inside, toll lanes. There are 11 entry points to the toll lanes from the general-purpose lanes, primarily at places where the local roads cross the interstate.

Hannon said the current installation of delineators is only temporary, and they will be replaced with more durable models before construction is finished. They are attached to the road surface with an epoxy and are intentionally collapsible so that emergency vehicles can break through them to get to an accident scene on the inside lanes. He said the permanent delineators and will bounce right back up with even a direct hit from an 18-wheeler.

Hannon said that other express lane projects in Miami and Austin use similar delineators and require about ten percent replacement per year.

Hannon said that motorists who accidently hit and knock over delineators are advised to continue driving. However, if motorists believe the collision has damaged their vehicle, they can file a damage claim for review by emailing [email protected]. Hannon said I-77 Express is now undergoing tests and should open within a few weeks. In the meantime, motorists are invited to take a “virtual test drive” by visiting www.i77express.com to gain an understanding of how the mobility system works, including its dynamic pricing structure.

For questions about I-77 Express, fill out the form or call 980-337-2400.