Charlotte Gateway Station

CHARLOTTE, NC – Friday, Charlotte officials broke ground on the Gateway Station. The project will return the passenger train service to downtown for the first time since 1962. However, it will take roughly four years for the first train to roll into the station. The groundbreaking plan marks the start of work for tracks, signals, structures, and passenger platform along the rail tracks. The 17-acre site will run along the train tracks between the Bank of America Stadium and Ninth Street.

The first phase, which is estimated to cost roughly $80 million, will include a $30 million federal grant and $48.75 million pledge from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The city of Charlotte has also pledged $33 million for the project. The beginning phase of construction is expected to be completed by 2022. A station building for passengers will be required before rail service can resume. The construction of the building will depend on the city of Charlotte partnering with a private developer, and that construction timeline is unclear. Officials estimate the earliest passenger rail service to begin in 2024.

“Charlotte continues to thrive with new development. As a member of the Transportation Committee, I am thrilled that the construction of the Gateway Station will add to the rich and vibrant culture of the city of Charlotte. I will continue to work towards the progress of transportation as it relates to Charlotte and the state of North Carolina,” said Senator Joyce Waddell.