In Charlotte, NC, a positive vote by the metropolitan planning organization on Jan. 20 in favor of tolling a managed lanes network there removes administrative barriers to Cintra’s continuing its work on the I-77 HOV lane conversion project it started a year ago.

An earlier City Council vote also endorsed a regional network of congestion-priced express lanes. The positive vote came over the strident objections of anti-toll voters north of the city who will be the main beneficiaries of the $635-million project. Charlotte-Mecklenburg County is the third fastest growing region in the U.S. . . .