CHARLOTTE - The empty bus lanes on Independence Boulevard will be open for use soon, thanks to a $1.37 million contract the N.C. Department of Transportation awarded to Albemarle contractor NJR Group, Inc. in December 2023. The city of Charlotte is funding the project, and the Department is providing project oversight.
When the city built the Hawthorne Lane bridge several years ago, the structure's center pier was relocated approximately seven feet into the eastbound bus lane to maximize space under the bridge for future express lanes and light rail in the area.
Since future express lanes are still several years away, NCDOT has been working with Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) to assess what modifications are needed to make the bus lanes usable, determining the existing eastbound bus lane opening must be relocated closer to the interchange with the John Belk/Brookshire Freeways.
The contractor plans to start Monday with 75 consecutive calendar days to complete the required improvements once work commences. The majority of the work will take place in the bus lanes behind existing barrier walls.
Any lane closures on Independence Boulevard will be permitted between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Drivers should approach the work zone with caution, reduce speed and stay alert.