July 30. By Dave Yochum. The Red Line is gaining steam on two separate tracks: Charlotte City Council is expected to close on the Red Line in September and it appears likely NC legislators will allow Mecklenburg County to put a one-cent sales tax on the ballot in November of 2025 to help fund the undertaking that has been more than 20 years in the making.

The transaction with Norfolk Southern—owners of the rarely used tracks and rights of way—should occur in about a month, according to Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam.

Mayor Washam

“Initial funding for that should come from Charlotte for that purchase,” he said.

Final planning and the push for the Red Line through our communities has been a major challenge for Washam over the past three or four years.

‘Near the finish line’

“We are near the finish line with many substantial and successful negotiations now in place,” Washam said, explaining that Cornelius is playing a major role in this process as well as with the General Assembly.

The ride from Uptown to Mooresville would take about 45 minutes, virtually a guaranteed length of time—unlike traveling on I-77.

“We are hopefully nearing legislative action to allow Mecklenburg County citizens to vote on a funding mechanism that will not only bring the Red Line but will provide a major resource of funds to build our much-needed local roads,” Washam added.

Plans for the Red Line stalled in 2013 when Norfolk Southern would not even discuss using their tracks. That’s all changed, with active negotiations under way.

Red Line with 10 stops

There would be 10 stations in all:

Charlotte Gateway Station (Uptown at Trade and Graham streets)

Derita (near West Sugar Creek Road)

Harris/NC 115

Eastfield

Hambright

Huntersville (near Veterans Park)

Sam Furr (the last stop in Huntersville)

Cornelius (Catawba Avenue and South Main Street)

Davidson (Jackson and Depot street)

Mount Mourne (near Lake Norman Regional Medical Center)