LYNX Blue Line Extension opening delayed seven months

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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CATS

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) will open in March 2018, seven months later than the previously scheduled opening of August 2017.

 

CATS attributed the delay to “construction coordination challenges.” CATS says the system also needs to go through remaining system integration testing, vehicle burn-in, signalization testing and safety reviews. The delay will not affect the original $1.16 billion budget with the agency saying the project remains under budget.

“CATS is truly eager to deliver the next phase of the 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan to the Charlotte region. The Blue Line Extension will provide key connections between Uptown Charlotte and UNC Charlotte and we are grateful for the public’s patience as we work to do that. A strong transit system that offers a variety of mobility options is important for the economic well-being and quality of life in a growing region like the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. We are committed to moving the region forward with this light-rail project,” said John Lewis, Jr., CEO of CATS.

Construction of the extension is at 91 percent completion and officials expect test trains on the alignment in spring 2017. CATS says it pursued every available option of schedule compression in an attempt to deliver the BLE to the Charlotte region by the August 2017 schedule. Contract incentives and additional staff added to construction contracts in 2015, done to mitigate early delays due to utility relocation, construction, weather, etc., were valuable investments that kept the project from extending past the March 2018 required opening. The agency says despite its mitigation efforts, the ambitious schedule and ongoing construction coordination continue to be a challenge, but reiterated its commitment to working with contractors to identify any time-saving activities that will allow the system to open earlier than March 2018, which is a requirement of the Federal Full Funding Grant Agreement with the Federal Transit Administration.

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