Charlotte, NC — Second Phase Planning
March 2016
Charlotte Magazine reports that the second phase of the Gold Line streetcar will run 2.5 miles west of uptown, from the Charlotte Transportation Center along Beatties Ford Road connecting to Johnson C. Smith University.
On the east side, it will extend a half mile northeast from its current terminus in front of the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and follow Hawthorne Lane to the intersection with Sunnyside Avenue in the Elizabeth neighborhood.
Phase 2 is estimated to cost $150 million with $75 million each coming from federal funding and the city. The city’s share will dip into unallocated and contingent capital accounts, so property tax increases will not be necessary. Word on whether th federal funds will be awarded is expected in the spring.
Construction is scheduled to start in late 2016 with completion and opening dates targeted for the end of 2019. When this second section opens, service will be provided by new modern streetcars and fares will be collected.
No fares are charged on the current Phase 1 operation.
The City's long range plan anticipates extending the line further west, beyond Johnson C. Smith to the Rosa Parks Place Community Transit Center, and east, along Central Avenue to area of the former Eastland Mall. However, no funding has been identified for this third phase. |