MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Matthews was awarded more than $17 million to improve safety along a major downtown corridor.
The federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program provided $17.4 million to improve safety, mobility, and accessibility along John Street. It will go directly towards the town’s John Street Safety and Mobility Enhancement Project.
Town leaders say the project will focus on 1.4 miles of East and West John Street and will transform the corridor into a safer, more connected “Complete Street” designed for walking, biking, riding transit and driving, while maintaining current vehicle capacity and supporting Matthews’ active downtown.
“This is a major investment in the safety of our community and the future of downtown Matthews,” said Mayor John Higdon. “John Street is critically important to our town, and this funding allows us to make meaningful improvements that help residents, visitors, and businesses thrive, now and for generations to come.”
The town is partnering with the N.C. Department of Transportation and the Charlotte Area Transit System to deliver a comprehensive package of safety and mobility improvements.
A year ago, town commissioners shot down an NCDOT proposal to widen East John Street, citing impacts on the corridor’s pedestrian traffic. Construction is underway to widen the road from near Interstate 485 east of downtown into Union County.
The project also reflects the town’s ongoing commitment to transportation safety and the Vision Zero goal of eliminating transportation-related deaths and serious injuries by 2034.
Matthews is among the areas of Mecklenburg County that will see the Better Bus system created by the transit tax referendum.
Additional details about project design and timeline will be shared as the project moves forward.
