IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         
Contact: Jean Leier (704) 432-0496         

CATS PRESENTS ALIGNMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR LYNX BLUE LINE EXTENSION

Charlotte, N.C., January 8, 2009 ©¤ The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) along with the City of Charlotte Planning and Economic Development departments have reviewed two alignment alternatives over the past several months for the LYNX Blue Line Extension.  The preferred alternative follows the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) right-of-way where the route would bridge over Sugar Creek Road and enter North Tryon Street at Old Concord Road.  The other option moves the alignment out of the NCRR right-of-way  just after bridging across Sugar Creek Road to connect to North Tryon Street at Dorton Street.  Both options follow North Tryon Street until the line moves onto the campus of University of North Carolina and ends just south of I-485 at North Tryon Street.

¡°Each alternative provides a unique opportunity for the LYNX Blue Line Extension and future development,¡± said Danny Rogers, CATS¡¯ Senior Project Manager.  ¡°We looked at all factors when reviewing the best options including cost, land-use, economic development opportunities, environmental and social impacts to determine the best alignment for the project.¡±

Please join CATS for two public meetings next week to learn the findings of the study and the recommended alignment option. 
Staff will also discuss the station site plans for the 13 proposed BLE stations.  A site plan for each station will be on display for comments and suggestions.  Historic resources identified within the project study area will also be available for review. 
Meeting times and locations are as follows:

Tuesday, January 13
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
101 West Sugar Creek Road
Fellowship Hall
6:00 ¨C 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 15
Oasis Shriners Center
604 Doug Mayes Place
6:00 ¨C 8:00 p.m.
 
*Please note that the same information will be presented at both meetings.

The LYNX Blue Line Extension is proposed to run from Ninth Street in Center City to I-485 in Northeast Charlotte.  To learn more about CATS and rapid transit planning call (704) 336-RIDE or visit www.ridetransit.org.