Intermodal Terminal At The Airport

On Dec. 9, Norfolk Southern Railway plans to open an intermodal facility in Charlotte, N.C., that will become the fourth new terminal along its Crescent Corridor.

The Charlotte Intermodal Facility will replace the Class I's existing terminal in the city. Adjacent to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, the 170-acre terminal will feature access to Interstates 485, 85 and 77, three loading tracks and 1,328 parking spaces.

NS is developing the 2,500-mile Crescent Corridor between New Jersey and Louisiana. Over the past 18 months, the railroad has opened new terminals along the corridor in Rossville, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., and Greencastle, Pa.

This is really big news for Charlotte, not only the downtown area, but also Charlotte Douglass Airport.  The current Intermodal yard is just south of NoDa on Brevard Street.  Over 500 tractor trailers a day either enter or leave that facility.  Lately, the traffic has decreased as the transition is in progress.

This will also hasten the work on the Blue Line Extension (BLE) for the LYNX light rail line going to UNCC.  Not only will the Parkwood Station be located here, but the tracks will parallel Brevard as it heads north.

The airport will get increased activity as the area continues to grow.  This is major transportation and distribution news.

Walkability Remains Important

There is no questioning the success of the LYNX Blue Line as it heads from downtown through the SouthEnd.  The wasteland that was once unused warehouses and vacant lots is all but gone as apartments and condo's rule the day.

Springing up along with these residential dwellings are restaurants, and shops, all because of the walkability factor that the rail line is providing.

Here is an article from RIS Media talking about the new demographics and how they are influencing choices that people are making about where to live.

Downtown is benefiting as well from not only the rail line, but also the walkability of the center city.  Look no further than the transformation of the Third Ward with Romare Bearden Park, soon to be completed BBT Stadium, the Childress Klein Apartments on Mint and MLK, Jr. Blvd, and a host of soon to be announced developments within blocks of there.

I divested myself from owning a car about 10 years ago and it has not been a problem for me to get around.  Others I know are reducing cars from 2 to 1 as they find that they are not using both anymore.

This trend is in full swing and will only increase as Charlotte continues to grow.