Popular CLT airport overlook is closing, but you can still watch planes take off and land
The popular overlook at Charlotte Douglas International Airport closes for good next week, but fret not, picnickers and plane watchers: A temporary spot is about to replace it.
Known as one of the “7 Wonders of Charlotte,” the overlook has afforded stunning views of plane takeoffs and landings, with the uptown skyline as a backdrop.
The overlook’s permanent departure is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 3, along with the Long Term 1 parking lot exit, because of the airport’s North End Around Taxiway Project.
The project includes airfield improvements ahead of the airport’s plans for a new runway, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
The runway, which could be completed by 2027 according to the airport’s latest projections, would run through the old overlook site at 7300 Airport Overlook Drive.
How long has the airport had an overlook?
The current overlook opened in 1989.
The original airport airstrip, Morris Field, also was popular for watching flights, according to the airport. At the time, the old terminal on Yorkmont Road had a rooftop dining room and an area with viewfinder, according to CLT.
Now what?
Beginning Monday, passengers parked in Long Term Lot 1 will exit onto Beacon Drive and drive north to a traffic light on Wilkinson Boulevard, airport officials said.
And starting Oct. 8, Old Dowd Road between Marshall Drive and the roundabout on Rental Car Road also will permanently close because of the taxiway project, according to airport officials.
Old Dowd Road from Marshall Drive to Wallace Neel Road will close for two months, airport officials said.
Drivers headed to the airport from West Boulevard will have to turn left onto Wallace Neel Road and continue to Wilkinson Boulevard.
Temporary overlook debuts soon
The North End Around Taxiway construction project originally kept the existing overlook at its present site until a new permanent one opens in a few years. The project now requires the closure of Airport Overlook Drive, eliminating access to the overlook.
The new temporary overlook is scheduled to open Oct. 17 near the corner of Old Dowd Road and Airport Overlook Drive, not far from the current overlook.
Drivers headed to the temporary overlook must use Wilkinson Boulevard to Marshall Drive. Signs will direct drivers to the overlook.
‘Spectacular’ permanent overlook
A permanent airport overlook is under design, officials said.
The site is on airport property near Old Dowd Road, and will feature “spectacular airfield, skyline and terminal views, modern amenities, paved parking and an expanded food truck staging area,” according to the airport announcement.
This story was originally published September 27, 2022 at 4:19 PM.