Charlotte Could Be In For A Major Public Transportation Upgrade

CHARLOTTE, NC.–  Charlotte could be in for a major public transportation upgrade. The city is rolling out a series of proposals — including an underground tunnel and light rail routes to the airport.

CATS held a public meeting to show those options to the community and get feedback. They focused on two possible routes that would run on Wilkinson Boulevard in West Charlotte, all the way to Belmont.

CATS is looking at ways to give people access to Charlotte Douglas Airport. They are looking at routes from Uptown Charlotte all the way to Gaston County. One option is straight down Wilkinson Boulevard to Belmont or going through residential areas along Freedom Drive, Tuckaseegee Road and Allegheny Street.

“Our entire region is growing at a very rapid pace. So in order to plan appropriately we need to have options to address conjunction and mobility we need to start the conversations very early,” says CATS senior transportation planner  Jason Lawrence.

The Belmont city manager says 65,000 people commute from Gaston County to the Charlotte region. He thinks light rail is a better option for commuters rather than being stuck in traffic.

“Obviously very early on in the planning stages, but I think it’s great that CATS is considering expanding light rail system outside of Mecklenburg County.” says Belmont City Manager  Adrian Miller.

CATS says the cost and funding for these projects is

still unclear. CATS also showing the public a possible tunnel through Uptown that would connect the silver line and the west corridor.