Dislodged road markers scatter across I-77 construction zone

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Drivers traveling on Interstate 77 for Easter weekend will have to be aware of a potentially dangerous situation. Channel 9 has spotted at least 21 raised pavement markers along the interstate.

On Wednesday, Channel 9 reported 15 of the raised pavement markers were found on I-77. North Carolina Department of Transportation officials said they were going to address the problem but since then more have been discovered on the interstate.

The markers were spotted near the travel lanes on the shoulder stretching from just before Exit 23 in Huntersville to Exit 36 in Mooresville.

A spokesperson for NCDOT told Channel 9 crews are on Easter break and won't return until next week.

But these markers have been around for a while.

Mooresville resident Casey Durham said he struck one in October and was left with $3,600 worth of damage to his car

"I had to replace my exhaust," Durham said. "When it came under my car, it sounded like it was ripping the bottom of my car out."

Durham said the state needs to be held accountable.

"I feel like part of NCDOT's goal and mission is to provide safety, and to maintain safe places and I feel like they dropped the ball," he said.

State Sen. Jeff Tarte has formally requested NCDOT to take out vehicle insurance to cover damages to vehicles from I-77 toll construction.

A spokesperson for NCDOT said that request is being reviewed.

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