Changes Coming To Independence Boulevard; How Long Until Construction Starts?

CHARLOTTE – Big changes ahead for Independence Boulevard in East Charlotte, as the North Carolina Department of Transportation revealed on Tuesday. This improvement project will be broken up into two separate projects and changes include adding more lanes, new interchanges and new overpasses.

NCDOT communications officer Jen Goodwin tells WCCB’s Emma Mondo that expanding one of Charlotte’s busiest roadways, U.S. 74, is necessary.

“We know that this is an important route, and we know the community wants some improvements,” she says.

The improvement plan consists of two separate projects. One is focused on the west portion of Independence closest to Uptown. This plan will widen Independence from I-277 all the way to Idlewild Road.

It’ll also convert the existing bus lanes to two-way express lanes.

“It’s all part of that plan to make sure that people know that they can have a reliable travel time, but it’s going to be optional,” says Goodwin.

The second part of the project will be divided into ten different phases. NCDOT says the goal is to enhance the connectors throughout the Independence corridor before the construction starts.

“Those are all at different phases of development and design, and some are funded and some are not,” she says.

Dozens showed up to Tuesday’s meeting to get a glimpse of the plan. Some people who live along Independence have questions.\

“I’m trying to figure out what the blocked out means,” said one man as he saw his property blocked out on the future map. “They blocked out all these. Blocked out? What does that mean?”

Others are ready for change.

“It’s good to see something moving forward and especially addressing like the the biggest areas that really impact us day to day,” East Charlotte resident Lou Andre.