June 2. The N. C. Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting regarding the proposed project to widen West Catawba Avenue (S.R. 5544) from just north of Sam Furr Road (N.C. 73) to Jetton Road (S.R. 2151) in Mecklenburg County. The purpose of the meeting is to inform citizens of Cornelius and Huntersville of the proposed improvements and to obtain their comments.

The meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. June 21 in the community room at Cornelius Town Hall. Interested individuals may attend this public meeting at any time during the above hours. NCDOT representatives will display maps and be available to answer questions and receive comments. Please note that there will not be a formal presentation.

The proposed transportation improvements are needed to improve mobility and safety for motorists, public transit users, pedestrians and bicyclists. The proposed project is a continuation of Catawba Avenue improvements completed in 2009 between Jetton Road and I-77.

Existing traffic volumes already exceed the capacity of Catawba Avenue in the project area, and forecasted volumes for 2035 far exceed roadway capacity. Increasing development along this roadway will result in longer travel times, dangerous passing situations, and increased accidents.

This project will require the acquisition of additional right-of-way and is proposed to be constructed in such manner as to not require detours. Project information can be found online at www.ncdot.gov/projects/publicmeetings/.