Baloney-I guarantee there is more traffic flow south on I-77 from Statesville to Charlotte than there is west on I-40 from Statesville to Hickory. For years Mooresville High School was one of the fastest growing schools in the state because Charlotte parents were fleeing Char-Meck schools and relocating in southern Iredell county. I'd bet a huge percentage of those who live on Lake Norman in Iredell, Lincoln and Catawba counties commute to work in Charlotte.
Greater Hickory Metro (Alexander,Burke,Catawba,Caldwell,Iredell)
Whoops! That second link was an accident. The other two make the point..