CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) awarded more than $62 million in grants to fund 25 projects in Iredell, Mecklenburg and Union counties this week.
Among the projects is the highly anticipated East-West Connector in Mooresville, which will eventually connect Interstate 77 to Interstate 85. The project will give direct access to both interstates from the Lowe's corporate headquarters to I-85, making a much easier commute for drivers in southern Iredell County.
Phase I of the East-West Connector will include realigning Transco Road and a new railroad crossing at North Carolina 115. The road will be a four-lane highway with a divided median. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2022 and is estimated to finish by winter 2024, according to the town of Mooresville.
The CRTPO awarded $6.7 million toward the almost $40 million project. The town of Mooresville has already received more than $36 million in funding with plans in place to cover the rest of the job, according to the Mooresville Scoop.
Other major projects that received grants include:
- Improvements to the intersection of North Carolina 115 and Potts Road in Cornelius.
- Intersection improvements at U.S. 21 and Catawba Avenue in Cornelius.
- Sidewalk construction along Lawyers Road in Mint Hill from Piaffe Avenue to Thompson Road.
- Bridge replacement on Morris Field Drive in Charlotte.
- Traffic flow improvements and signal upgrades along Sardis Road, Rama Road, Idlewild Road, Mt. Holly Road and Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte.
- The purchase of two battery-powered CATS buses.
- Pedestrian access improvements to Hornets Nest Park in north Charlotte.
- Roundabout construction at New Town Road and Cuthbertson Road in Wesley Chapel.
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