CHARLOTTE — The Silver Line might be decades away, but planning is happening right now for the light rail line from the airport to Bojangles Coliseum.
Getting the train into or closer to Matthews is still the goal. As part of the PAVE Act, the newly formed Metropolitan Public Transit Authority conducted a study on potential route adjustments and savings that could lead to the extension of the line.
Brett Wallace, with the engineering firm WSP, cautioned there wasn’t a magic bullet that would generate the funding necessary to commit to Matthews service.
“There are not a lot of huge changes that would generate hundreds of millions of dollars, but there are some opportunities there,” he said.
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Transit planners at WSP say the MPTA can save between $140-$170 million by removing two stations, consolidating another, and shifting the alignment of two more.
The changes aren’t dramatic, but some communities may not be happy to hear they are losing rail access.
“We really need to go out and test these with the community,” Silver Line senior project manager Andy Mock said.
It’s going to take a lot more cash to extend the light rail. WSP estimates it will cost $400 million to extend one more stop to Sharon Amity Road and $2.4 billion to get all the way to CPCC in Matthews.
The MPTA may have to seek new revenue sources or eliminate other projects.
Those decisions can’t happen until at least July 1, when the new law goes into effect, and this board has full authority to make those calls
“This body does not have the authority to change the transition plan, at least until after July 1,” said interim CEO Brent Cagle, Charlotte Area Transit System.
Potential changes to the Silver Line:
- Consolidate Remount/ Berryhill Stations
The Remount Road and Berryhill Road Stations are ¼ mile apart from each other. WSP says consolidating the two stations will save roughly $10 million. It will also make the Silver Line 6% faster.
- Remove Summit Station
WSP suggests eliminating the Summit Avenue Station outside of Uptown Charlotte. WSP says the station may struggle to garner significant riders or foot traffic due to its proximity to the existing Norfolk Southern line, the future I-77 tolls project, and a proposed North Carolina Department of Transportation rail yard. Eliminating the station will save about $11 million.
- 11th Street alignment
Currently, plans call for 11th Street in Uptown to be relocated to allow the 11th Street station to be put on the Uptown side of 11th Street. WSP says keeping 11th Street as it is and putting the light rail station on the north side of 11th Street will save $60-$67 million. A new pedestrian crossing would help passengers cross 11th Street. The move would make the 11th Street stop about 75 feet further from the Blue Line 9th Street station. It would avoid significant changes to Interstate 277 access.
- Remove First Ward Station
WSP is suggesting removing First Ward Station. It is currently proposed near 729 Davidson Street. Eliminating this station would save $45-50 million because this station is slated to be elevated. Residents would then be about a 10-minute walk away from the 11th Street station
- Shift Bojangles Coliseum station
WSP is suggesting moving the Bojangles Coliseum station from the front of the arena to the back of the arena near the highway. The move would save $20-$30 million.
VIDEO: Construction of new light rail station in South End to start next week
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