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People accustomed to using the Lynx light rail line to uptown destinations will be riding buses instead this weekend and on two weekends in March.
Charlotte Area Transit System officials say light rail service will operate Saturday and Sunday only from the I-485 station at the southern end of the line, up to Scaleybark Road.
Service north of Scaleybark, including all the uptown destinations, will not operate both days.
Instead, CATS officials say nearby bus lines will take passengers back and forth to uptown. The bus stops will be marked with “LYNX Connector” signs. The Lynx Connector will operate with limited stops between the closed light rail stations and Charlotte’s uptown.
Passengers who buy a light rail ticket can transfer to the bus. If you’re riding the bus only, the fare is $2, and exact cash is required.
The stations will be closed because crews are installing a vehicular grade crossing that will connect Poindexter Drive to South Boulevard and Youngblood Avenue.
“Installation of a new grade crossing is being done in order to add an east-west connection and enhance the local street network, given the amount of residential development taking place adjacent to the light rail line,” said Tina Votaw, CATS’ transportation planner.
Regular service will resume Monday morning.
Similar disruptions of service are planned, weather permitting, for the weekends of March 9-10 and 16-17.
No construction is planned, and full service will be offered next weekend, during the CIAA tournament, when CATS typically experiences an increase in ridership on the light rail line.
