CONSTRUCTION OF THE LYNX BLUE LINE CONTINUES TO ADVANCE
 

Charlotte, N.C., February 21, 2007 ─ Construction of the Charlotte Area Transit System’s (CATS) LYNX Blue Line is in high gear as 85 percent of the roadbed and 70 percent of the station foundations are complete and 55 percent of the track is laid. “It’s a busy and exciting time as construction and testing of the light rail vehicles is advancing throughout the South Corridor and work on all components of the project is occurring simultaneously,” said Ron Tober, Chief Executive Officer of CATS.



Track laying along the line continues to progress. To date, 55 percent of track has been laid along the LYNX Blue Line.

“With the progress that we’ve made over the past few months, the LYNX Blue Line continues to be on track for a November 2007 opening,” said Tober.
 

Progress that has occurred to date includes:

      •         Completion of the Vehicle     

            Maintenance Facility

•         Arrival of 14 of 16 light rail vehicles

•         Testing of light rail vehicles underway

•         Track

o       100% of grade crossings have been installed

o       85% of roadbed preparation is complete

o       55% of the track is installed

Twelve of the 16 light rail vehicles have arrived and testing is underway.

For more information on the CATS’ LYNX Blue Line and other rapid transit projects visit www.ridetransit.org or www.charlottefuture.com.

Construction of the I-485 Garage is progressing with the installation of the North half of level 1.

•         Stations

o       70% of the station foundation work is complete

o       10 of 15 stations have platforms installed

o       Five of seven park and ride lots are under construction

o       Canopy structures installed at New Bern and Scaleybark stations

•         Traction Power

o       All nine substations are manufactured and tested with six on site and operational

o       Vehicle Maintenance Facility, maintenance yard, and test track are fully operational

o       90% of poles are installed from Scaleybark north 

o       Overhead catenary wires that power light rail vehicles are in place from Tremont Avenue to the Woodlawn Road bridge

•         Train Control /Communication

o        All signal houses are manufactured, tested, and delivered to Charlotte

o        All communications cabinets are manufactured, tested, and delivered to Charlotte

o       30% of signal cable is installed

o       Installation of the Rail Operation Control Center is progressing with all consoles installed

•         I-485 Parking Garage

o       South half up to level 3 deck installed

o       North half of level 1 installed