Closing the gap: Gem Street connection behind the Oak Street Mill

April 20. By Dave Yochum. Who said they aren’t making new roads in Cornelius? The Gem Street extension—perfect for anyone who wants to get from South Main Street to Cornelius Elementary and points nearby—is complete.

The new connection allows anyone on foot, in a car or on a bike to travel behind the Oak Street Mill across a gulch that has long prevented travel from the east side of old Cornelius south of Catawba to the west side on Smith Circle.

Gem Street Extension

Indeed, the new roadway lets you get from Hwy. 21 via Nannie Potts Lane to Hwy. 115 without using Catawba Avenue.

It’s a slightly circuitous route, but it will take some of the pressure of Catawba east of I-77.

The project included widening Willow Street which was previously only one-way. There’s a new sidewalk will be installed on this road as well

Assistant Town Manager Tyler Beardsley oversaw the project.

The project cost in 2021 was reported to be approximately $1.5 million, with funds coming from the town’s 2013 transportation bond issue.

The official ribbon cutting will be Thursday April 27 at 10 am.