Charlotte, NC — Streetcar EIR Finds No Major Impacts

Rail Transit Online – May 2011

An environmental impact report on the proposed 10-mi. (16.1 km) Charlotte streetcar line along Beatties Ford Road from Interstate 85 to Eastland Mall via downtown has found no major adverse effects. Some visual pollution would result from traction power poles and catenary and moderate noise and vibration would occur during construction.

The environmental work was carried out by consultant URS Corp. along with preliminary engineering that will bring project design to the 30-percent level. Following a public comment period, the report will be forwarded to the Federal Transit Administration which is expected to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact, allowing final design to begin on the initial 1.5-mi. (2.4 km), $37-million segment from Presbyterian Hospital to the Charlotte Transportation Center. Revenue service isn't expected to start until at least 2015.

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