March 21. Motorists may have already seen the covered “lanes shift ahead” signs which I 77 Mobility Partner’s installed last week on the interstate north of Exit 28. It means that those dreaded shifts in the interstate lanes to allow construction crews more room to work will soon commence between Cornelius and Davidson, going across the Lake Norman viaduct.

“The covered signs have been put in place by the general contractor in preparation for construction work that will begin in the next several weeks in that area on the I-77 Express Lanes project,” confirmed spokeswoman Jean Leier. The lane shifts implemented from Exit 28 south have been a source of numerous complaints especially regarding the manner in which the former lane markings were gouged out by construction crews.

Moving the traffic several feet to the right allows crews to begin preparing the land in between the north and southbound lanes for an added lane in each direction. Jersey barriers will also be installed.