Local

Three new security checkpoints open in Uptown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A lot of work has gone into securing the areas around the Democratic National Convention.

Three new security checkpoints opened Tuesday in Uptown Charlotte.

One of the checkpoints was located on West Sixth Street near North Tryon Street. It opened at 6 a.m. and all morning a Channel 9 news crew watched cars roll up and have their vehicles checked by U.S. Secret Service agents.

At one point, a long line of cars backed up on North Tryon as officers used K-9 units to check vehicles heading closer to the convention areas.

"I think it's great. I think it's very important. I think we cannot leave anything to chance," said local resident Laura Young.

Those planning to attend DNC events said the checkpoints were comforting to see.

"I also think for the citizens that live here and those individuals that have come in from out of state, there should be a feeling of safety," said Eliza Vaughn, who works Uptown.

Two other checkpoints opened at South College Street between East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and East Third Street. The other was at East Sixth Street between North Alexander Street and North Myers Street.

Additional security checkpoints are slated to open Thursday closer to Bank of America Stadium.