Light rail construction to affect North Tryon traffic
Work to extend the CATS Blue Line onto campus continues, and beginning in the next days and for the next several months, construction will impact the UNC Charlotte campus, particularly at Institute Circle. As with all construction, weather may change the projected schedules for the below phases of the project.
North Tryon Street, southbound traffic
Beginning Monday, Feb. 29, through Tuesday, March 2, all southbound North Tryon Street traffic from Institute Circle to J.W. Clay Boulevard will detour via Mallard Creek Church Road to Interstate 85 to W. T. Harris Boulevard. Southbound lanes will close overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the installation of the pedestrian bridge between the CATS parking deck and the J.W. Clay station elevator tower.
Institute Circle
For approximately two weeks starting March 2, work will continue on the Blue Line Extension along North Tryon. This includes closure of the median crossing at Institute Circle for the installation of an on-grade train crossing.
During this closure, traffic will not be allowed to enter or leave campus at Institute Circle.
In addition, pedestrian traffic across North Tyron will not be allowed. All pedestrian traffic will detour to the intersection at J. W. Clay Boulevard, which will remain open in all directions during the median closure at Institute Circle. This is anticipated through March 16.
J.W. Clay Boulevard
Upon the completion of work at Institute Circle, the J.W. Clay intersection will close for two weeks to continue the grade crossing installation in the North Tryon median.
During this time, right turns on to or from campus will be allowed at J.W. Clay. Institute Circle will be open to traffic entering and leaving campus.
North Tryon Street, northbound traffic
On or about April 1, northbound lanes between J.W. Clay Boulevard and Institute Circle will close until May 1.
During this period, only local traffic will be allowed in the northbound lanes between W. T. Harris and J.W. Clay, and only campus traffic will be allowed to turn right at J. W. Clay. All other local traffic will be detoured left onto J. W. Clay.
Additionally, Institute Circle will remain open except for right turn into campus.
Click here to view maps provided by the city.
Drivers and pedestrians should remain alert in construction areas and be aware of all signage in work zones. Consider alternate travel plans to accommodate any delays during the normal work day.