After months of building retaining walls and relocating utilities, construction crews have begun the most intense phase of the Blue Line Extension project involving North Tryon Street – moving traffic lanes outward to create space in the median for two light-rail tracks. The Blue Line Extension will run on existing railroad right of way from downtown to where it meets North Tryon Street at Old Concord Road. From there to campus, the tracks will run in the median.

However, much of the median must be widened to fit the tracks. That process, in turn, will require moving the traffic lanes further out. That rebuilding will last well into 2015. What to expect Rebuilding the highway will result in motorists having to cope with some rough construction roadway, CATS says. At times the temporary travel lanes will extend beyond the edge of existing pavement. Drivers may also have to deal with narrowed and shifted lanes, as the road relocation progresses. Pedestrians also will find temporary sidewalks and detours, CATS says.

“Everyone who uses North Tryon will need to be far more alert to warning signs, detours and directions from construction flaggers,” their update advises. Keep safe and keep informed with these aids CATS has created several information services to help you stay informed on traffic matters. These include:

• Facebook page
• Twitter: @BLEupdates
• BLE Website
• Interactive construction map
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_3Q4T5F4vY
• Newsletters: To subscribe to BLE newsletters via email click on the “Notify Me” image at the top right of any BLE webpage
• Email: Send questions and comments to bluelineextension@charlottenc.gov
• Phone: Reach CATS customer service for light-rail and other transit matters at: 704-336-RIDE (7433)