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BACKGROUND:
Chestnut Lane is an east/west connector (minor thoroughfare)
located in Union County, which extends from Weddington-Matthews
Road to Old Monroe Road. The Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MUMPO) Thoroughfare Plan shows Chestnut
Lane being realigned from a point along Chestnut Lane near Red
Barn Trail eventually intersecting with Weddington-Matthews Road
and Antioch Church Road creating a four-way intersection.
Currently Weddington-Matthews Road and Antioch Church Road form
a “Y” intersection.
The proposed
Chestnut Lane realignment (as shown on the Thoroughfare Plan) is
anticipated to help alleviate congestion and improve roadway
operations. Although funding is not available to construct the
new alignment, development pressures in the area have prompted
staff to examine the proposed realignment of Chestnut Lane as
outlined on the Thoroughfare Plan. Defining an alignment will
help to preserve the right-of-way as the area continues to
develop. There was also concern about the proximity of the
proposed realignment and potential impacts on Antioch Elementary
School. After evaluating the proposed alignment location, staff
concluded that it did not appear that the alignment would
negatively impact the school. A detailed engineer analysis
would need to be conducted to affirm staff’s conclusion.
ISSUES AND CONCERNS:
Peak hour A.M. and P.M. traffic is steadily increasing in
the study area due to escalating development. Several
subdivisions have been built in the area over the last five
years and more are under construction. The vast amount of
vacant land along with its proximity to I-485 and Mecklenburg
County has enticed developers to consider the area for
development.
Left turn
movements from Antioch Church Road onto Weddington-Matthews Road
are difficult to accomplish during peak hours and traffic backs
up at the intersection. In addition, intersection turning radii
make it difficult for buses to make right turns from
Weddington-Matthews Road onto Antioch Church Road.
Also, existing
curves along Weddington-Matthews Road are difficult to maneuver
and site distances are also a concern.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT:
The Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO)
has begun work on a Transportation Study that will determine the
most appropriate future roadway network for this area. An
integral part of this process is the solicitation of public
input. MUMPO encourages public participation in the
transportation planning process and employs the assistance of
citizens to ensure that the overall transportation system
reflects the desires of the public If you would like further information, please contact Barry Mosley of
the MUMPO staff at (704) 336-8314 or via e-mail at:
bmosley@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
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