Big changes are coming to the Lake Norman area, and they’re starting with a bang.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, a long-anticipated infrastructure project will break ground as construction crews begin building a massive new 10-lane bridge over Interstate 77 at Exit 36 in Mooresville. This is no ordinary upgrade. It’s part of a $249 million investment to widen and modernize 15 miles of N.C. Highway 150, a project that aims to relieve congestion, improve connectivity, and prepare the rapidly growing region for the future.
For longtime residents and newcomers alike, this is more than just another roadwork announcement. It’s a transformation decades in the making.
Why This Project Matters
If you’ve ever tried to cross I-77 at Exit 36 during rush hour, you know why this project is making headlines.
Mooresville, once a small, quiet town on the northern edge of Mecklenburg County, has experienced explosive population growth over the past four decades. From just 8,600 residents in 1980, the town has swelled to nearly 55,000 people. That’s more than a 500% increase, and the roads are feeling the pressure.
The area around Lake Norman has become a highly desirable place to live thanks to its scenic beauty, proximity to Charlotte, and strong local economy. But with popularity comes traffic. Gridlock on N.C. 150 has become a part of daily life for commuters, business owners, and families. The current bridge over I-77 simply wasn’t built for this kind of volume.
THE NUMBERS:
- 15 miles of N.C. 150 to be widened
- $249 million total project cost
- 10-lane bridge to replace the current structure
- 5.5-mile stretch already under active construction
- 2030 projected completion date
What to Expect Starting July 14
Beginning Monday, July 14, crews will close the right lanes permanently in both directions of I-77 near Exit 36. Traffic will shift toward the inside lanes, with two lanes remaining open each way. These changes mark the first phase of an extensive construction timeline that will unfold over the next several years.
Phase Breakdown:
- Eastbound Lanes First: Crews will start by building additional eastbound lanes on N.C. 150.
- Westbound Lanes Next: Once the eastbound lanes are complete, construction will begin on the westbound side.
- Final Phase: The old bridge will be removed, and a new 160-foot-wide bridge with ten lanes will be connected to the updated roadway.
- While overnight closures (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) will occur, access to and from N.C. 150 will remain open throughout construction. NCDOT and contractor Blythe Development LLC are working to minimize disruption while tackling this massive job.
How This Will Impact Lake Norman and Mooresville
The impact of this project is expected to ripple across the Lake Norman area, changing not just how we drive, but how we live, work, and grow as a community.
1. Reduced Traffic Congestion
This is the core goal of the project. With population growth showing no signs of slowing, traffic volume is projected to increase significantly over the next 10 to 20 years. The new 10-lane bridge and widened highway will help manage this influx, reducing bottlenecks and smoothing the commute for thousands of drivers.
2. Improved Safety
Traffic congestion isn’t just frustrating, it’s dangerous. Narrow, outdated roadways with heavy traffic can lead to higher accident rates. Modernizing these roads with wider lanes, better sightlines, and clearer signage will create a safer environment for all road users.
3. Economic Development
Better roads bring business. The improved infrastructure will support commercial development by making it easier for suppliers, customers, and employees to travel. This could lead to new shopping centers, office spaces, and dining destinations throughout Mooresville and nearby towns like Terrell and Sherrills Ford.
4. Real Estate Value
For real estate investors and homeowners, this is big news. Infrastructure improvements often lead to increased property values, especially in growing areas. As traffic becomes more manageable and access improves, demand for homes near the project corridor could rise.
What’s Next for N.C. 150?
The new I-77 bridge is just one part of a much larger plan to widen N.C. 150 between N.C. 16 in Catawba County and U.S. 21/N.C. 150 in Mooresville, a 15-mile stretch touching both Catawba and Iredell counties. The most active portion right now is the 5.5-mile section from Greenwood Road in Terrell to U.S. 21 in Mooresville.
Additional Improvements Will Include:
- Multiple new intersections and traffic lights
- Dedicated turn lanes
- Expanded sidewalks and pedestrian crossings
- Drainage and stormwater improvements
These aren’t just traffic updates, they’re upgrades to the entire transportation experience in one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing regions.
The Bigger Picture: Mooresville at a Crossroads
The Lake Norman region is growing fast, and not everyone is on board. Town leaders in Mooresville have recently begun pushing back on large-scale development proposals. With population numbers ballooning from under 10,000 in the 1980s to over 50,000 today, some residents say it’s time to take a pause.
This new bridge and highway project represents a turning point. It’s a response to past growth, but also a step toward shaping the future. Mooresville and its surrounding communities must balance the benefits of economic development with the need to preserve quality of life, natural beauty, and manageable traffic.
The bridge, quite literally, is a symbol of that balance, a structure meant to carry us forward, but built with the lessons of the past in mind.
Infrastructure isn’t flashy, but it’s foundational. The new 10-lane bridge over I-77 near Lake Norman isn’t just about easing traffic, it’s about laying the groundwork for a stronger, better-connected community.
As Mooresville continues to evolve, projects like this one will shape the way we live, work, and invest in our future. Whether you're a long-time resident, a curious newcomer, or a savvy real estate investor, understanding how these developments impact local home values, neighborhood desirability, and long-term growth potential is key.
That’s where we come in.
Wondering How This Will Affect Your Property Value?
The Temple Team is your trusted local expert when it comes to understanding how infrastructure, growth, and market trends influence real estate across the Lake Norman region. Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call us at: (704) 235-3000
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.thetempleteam.com
Let’s talk about what’s next for you, your home, and your future in Mooresville.
