The city of Charlotte on Oct. 23 released this update on seven projects underway along the Blue Line Extension to improve connectivity between stations and nearby communities, whether traveling on foot, on bike or in a motor vehicle. The projects and several others comprise the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Program. Total cost of the projects will exceed $106 million when completed in the next few years.

J.W. Clay Boulevard streetscape

Map of J.W. Clay Boulevard streetscape plan.

Design is 90 percent complete, and real estate acquisition is expected to start in late 2018. During the real estate phase, the City acquires the property rights needed to build and maintain the improvements that were identified during the design phase.

City real estate agents will reach out to affected property owners with information on the City’s real estate acquisition process. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2021. Project website

Rocky River Road West streetscape

Real estate acquisition is almost complete and the site is being prepared for utility relocation. This will involve moving fences and clearing trees for utilities to make way for new poles, guy wires and overhead lines. Construction is expected to start in the fall of 2019. Project website

25th Street connection

This project is now in the utility relocation phase, during which utility infrastructure such as underground gas, water and sewer lines, as well as overhead power, telephone and television lines are moved as needed to make way for construction.

By the end of the year, the City will invite contractors to submit bids to construct the project. Construction is expected to start by mid-2019. Project website

Parkwood Avenue streetscape

Design continues on this project, which is expected to be complete in late 2018, after which real estate acquisition will begin.

During the real estate phase, the City acquires the property rights needed to build and maintain the improvements that were identified during the design phase.

City real estate agents will reach out to affected property owners with information on the City’s real estate acquisition process. Project website

North Tryon and 36th Street streetscape

Design is 90 percent complete, and real estate acquisition is expected to start in late 2018. During the real estate phase, the City acquires the property rights needed to build and maintain the improvements that were identified during the design phase.

City real estate agents will reach out to affected property owners with information on the City’s real estate acquisition process. Project website

Tom Hunter Road streetscape

Streetscape plan for Tom Hunter Road

Design is almost complete, and real estate acquisition is about to begin. During the real estate phase, the City acquires the property rights needed to build and maintain the improvements that were identified during the design phase.

City real estate agents will reach out to affected property owners with information on the City’s real estate acquisition process.

The project team will host an open house in late 2018 to share the design with the public.

Residents will receive a postcard containing meeting information once they are determined, and subscribers will be notified. Project website

Orr Road Extension

This project will start the bidding process in October 2018. During the bid phase, the City, through a competitive bidding process, procures the services of contractors as needed to build the project.

By state law, the lowest responsible bidder is awarded the construction contract. Construction is expected to start in early to mid-2019. Project website