IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         
Contact: Judy Dellert-O'Keef (704) 432-0477
Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

LYNX BLUE LINE EXTENSION LIGHT RAIL PROJECT UPDATE

Charlotte, NC, September 23, 2009 - As the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) advances the LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) to the 30 percent level of design, staff wants to keep you informed through each step of the planning process.  The BLE team will host a series of public meetings to present an overview of the proposed project and recent changes. 

"This will be a good opportunity to see adjustments that have been made during this phase of the preliminary engineering design" says Danny Rogers, Senior Project Manager for the Blue Line Extension.  "One of the project modifications that staff will be describing is how the light rail will enter the UNC Charlotte campus.  The alignment has been shifted to accommodate for future development at the Charlotte Research Institute."  Staff will also share CATS' coordination efforts with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division and North Carolina Railroad and how CATS plans to use a portion of the intermodal yard.  Project maps and plans will be on display. 
CATS invites you to attend one of the upcoming public meetings. 

The same information will be presented at both meetings. 
 
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
101 W Sugar Creek Rd
Fellowship Hall
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Oasis Shriner's Center
604 Doug Mayes Place
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The proposed LYNX Blue Line Extension is an 11-mile extension of the LYNX Blue Line with 13 proposed stations, including seven park and ride lots.  The extended light rail would run from Center City Charlotte to I-485 at North Tryon Street.  The Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) approved the project to advance from a 15 percent level of design to a 30 percent design level. 
 
CATS will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons.  Translating services will be available upon request. Anyone requiring special services should contact CATS Customer Service at 704-336-RIDE (7433) at least one week prior to the meeting so arrangements can be made.

For more information about the meetings or bus routes nearest the meeting locations, contact 704-336-RIDE (7433) or visit www.ridetransit.org.