Hawthorne Lane bridge over Independence delayed again. Here’s when to expect it open.

The long-delayed opening of the rebuilt Hawthorne Lane bridge over Independence Boulevard will miss its planned completion date in April, the Charlotte Area Transit System said Thursday.

The bridge, which will carry an extension of the Gold Line streetcar tracks, is now not expected to open before late July or early August, CATS said. It closed in mid-2017 for what was supposed to less than two years of work.

The long delays have vexed local residents and construction has forced at least one business to close, its owner has said.

“Community frustrations surrounding the bridge delay are valid and we understand their concerns,” the transit authority said. “These schedule delays only amplify the usual inconveniences of roadway construction.”

The $150 million project will extend the Gold Line eastward a half mile along Hawthorne Lane from Novant Presbyterian Hospital to Sunnyside Avenue, and westward 2 miles from the transit center to French Street.

Construction halted in early 2019 because steel girders for the project didn’t meet specifications.

CATS said Thursday that the contractor had been unable to acquire materials needed to adjust the girders or meet work schedules. The authority also blamed lane closures on Independence Boulevard due to holidays, special events and bad weather.

Much work remains, CATS said: Installation of the bridge’s deck, railings, streetcar track, overhead wiring for the electric-powered streetcars and construction of sidewalks and the median.

Major roadway construction for the Gold Line extensions is expected to be finished this summer, CATS said, but the remainder of 2020 will be devoted to minor items and testing.

This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 10:31 AM.