North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The City of Charlotte has finalized its purchase of the O-Line railroad from Norfolk Southern Corp. The deal comes after months of negotiations and planning for the Charlotte Area Transit System’s (CATS) Red Line Commuter Rail Project.
Last week, Charlotte City Council voted 10-1 to approve the purchase of about 22 miles of O-Line railroad right-of-way, track improvements, and property rights for $74 million. The council also approved the purchase of about 1.6 acres of land near the Charlotte Gateway Station for $17 million.
“This vote marks a historic achievement for our city,” Mayor Vi Lyles said. “Securing the O-Line for future commuter rail is a crucial step toward building a robust and efficient transportation network. I am deeply grateful to all the elected officials who helped make this vision a reality.”
Mike McClellan, Norfolk Southern’s senior vice president and chief strategy officer, said, “This transaction demonstrates our commitment to meeting the needs of our network, customers, and communities. It provides a significant opportunity to connect regional communities through an existing rail corridor, and reaching this agreement highlights the strong partnership between Charlotte and Norfolk Southern.”
The Red Line, part of the Metropolitan Transit Commission’s 2030 Transit System Plan and the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan, will connect Uptown Charlotte with northern Mecklenburg County.
Charlotte City Council District 7 Representative Ed Driggs, chair of the council’s Transportation, Planning, and Development Committee, said, “This is a significant moment for Charlotte and our region. I look forward to working with our partners in Mecklenburg County to enhance our transportation network.”
The commuter rail service will offer up to 42 one-way trips per day. The agreement allows Norfolk Southern to continue freight operations and includes an option for potential expansion into Iredell County and Mooresville, subject to local approvals.
City Manager Marcus Jones said, “I appreciate everyone involved, including the city council, staff, and Norfolk Southern leadership. Completing this acquisition is a major milestone for regional mobility, and I am excited about the next steps and our future accomplishments.”
The City Council also adopted a resolution supporting legislation for a sales tax referendum. If approved by the General Assembly, Mecklenburg County voters could decide on an additional one-cent sales tax for roadways and public transportation projects. This tax increase would enable the region to leverage federal grants for infrastructure investments, requiring a local funding match.
For more information about the Red Line, the sales tax referendum, and Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan, visit the city’s website.
