Light Rail Extension Plan Connects Uptown with Matthews

Proposed Silver Line Route
Proposed Silver Line Route

Charlotte Area Transit System has published a long range plan for expansion. The highlight of the plan is the Silver Line which would connect Charlotte from I-277 to Central Piedmont Community College’s Levine Campus in Matthews. The 13-15 mile route would run alongside Independence Boulevard then transition to the median on Monroe Road. The line would then follow Matthews Township Parkway before terminating at CPCC’s Levine Campus.

The plan was proposed during a city council meeting this week. Proposed cost is around $2 billion and is slated to be part of the 2030 transit plan. If approved, extension plans for eventual connection of the Silver Line to Charlotte Douglas International Airport is likely. The plan should also include ways to integrate the Blue and Silver Lines more fully into Uptown Charlotte.

lightrailtrainThis plan is a long range one, and the line would not be expected to open soon. The planning and site work together could take 10-13 years after funding is approved. This means it could be 20 years until riders would be able to commute using the line. For example, the Blue Line Extension up to UNC Charlotte has been underway since 2006 and is slated to open late next year.

This means that now is a great time to be investing in real estate in the Matthews area and anywhere along the proposed Silver Line. If you are looking for a home for yourself, there are many great options between Matthews and Uptown. You could also look for investment property, either commercial, or residential to hold. This could give you great benefit as the areas along the line should steadily rise in value as the plan is adopted and work begins.

If the Silver Line takes off like the Blue Line through SouthEnd, there is great potential for community investment. The Silver Line could also ease traffic for anyone commuting via Independence Boulevard and Monroe Roads. This could make neighborhoods not directly on the line more attractive as you would be able to park and ride, or have a more pleasant commute with less traffic.

If you or someone you know is thinking about purchasing real estate in the area, contact our expert Realtors to help you make the most of your money.