For a portion of the Indian Trail Town Council meeting Tuesday night, it seemed like a sanctioned parade for the proposed Monroe Bypass. Officials from state, county and local organizations raved about how the 19.7-mile toll road that would run from Stallings to Marshville would boost economic viability on U.S. Highway 74. They made a good case for the bypass, spouting facts about long commute times, heavy tractor-trailer use and how local businesses would benefit. But the opposition to the scrutinized bypass proposal wasn’t invited to speak at the council meeting, making the job easier.

Tagged with: Indian Trail Town Council Monroe Bypass Southern Environmental Law Center

State and federal transportation officials are putting the final touches on a second draft environmental report on the proposed Monroe Bypass, as nearby towns debate the project’s merits. Meanwhile, a lead bypass construction contractor continues to collect payments even though all work on the project has been suspended – and even as the company and four of its employees face federal fraud charges not related to the bypass work.

Tagged with: Fairview Town Council Federal Highway Administration Greg MIller Greg Tucker Indian Trail Town Council John Styx Cuthbertson trucking Kevin HIcks Monroe Bypass Monroe City Council N.C. Department of Transportation Southern Environmental Law Center Stallings Union County Board of Commissioners Weddington