April 1. By Dave Vieser. The NCDOT has approved funding for a new exit on I-77: Exit 27 where the interstate is crossed by Westmoreland Road. In order to provide the needed funds, a $10 toll is being imposed on all vehicles utilizing Exit 28 in Cornelius.

Crews will erect the toll booths on West Catawba next week and collection of the tolls will begin on April 15.

The tolls will be effective 24/7 and will be collected by “prisoner for life” inmates from correctional facilities in the state.

Any overage in the tolls collected will be applied to the widening of West Catawba Avenue. Currently, the widening project is scheduled to begin in the year 2045.

—This content approved by the NC Commission on April Fools Baloney (NCAFB)