SerpApi.Org
Work forges ahead on a $22.1 million road intended to provide a less congested drive between Cornelius and Huntersville at Lake Norman, Cornelius officials said during a community meeting about the project Tuesday night.
The state Department of Transportation is scheduled to open Northcross Drive Extension in June 2027, Deputy Town Manager Wayne Herron told about 30 residents and town officials at BoatYard LKN on Statesville Road near the project site.
The two-mile, two-lane road stretches from N.C. 73 near the Huntersville CATS Park and Ride to a roundabout under construction at Westmoreland Road in Cornelius.
A roundabout, which is part of the project, should open in December 2026, Herron said.
The roundabout will be near, but not a part of the $200-million, 54-acre Alexander Farms mixed-use community off Westmoreland Road and West Catawba Avenue, officials said.
Alexander Farms includes 70 active-adult rental cottages that are nearly fully leased, a community of 142 apartment homes opening in summer 2027 and 126,000 square feet of commercial-retail space.
45 mph speed limit
Northcross Drive Extension also includes a bridge over McDowell Creek Greenway.
The road will have a posted speed limit of 45 mph, and 35 mph near its start and end where homes and businesses are located, Cornelius officials said.
Sealand Contractors Corp. is building the road.
Northcross Drive Extension will provide another option for drivers on West Catawba Avenue at the lake, allowing them to avoid the more congested Interstate 77 exit 28, Cornelius Mayor Denis Bilodeau told the Observer at the meeting.
“But it’s not the final answer” to congestion in town, the mayor said.
He cited other projects including the unfunded Bailey Road Flyover over I-77 that would connect U.S. 21 to Northcross Drive, and plans for an I-77 exit 27 at Westmoreland Road.
U.S. Rep. Tim Moore secured $4.7 million in federal funding for the planned interchange, town officials said July 2.
The grant will pay for Exit 27’s planning and design phase. The town has a preliminary agreement with Atrium Health to fund 50% of the grant application and grant match, officials said.
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