North Carolina officials mark start of Charlotte Gateway Station project

North Carolina state and local officials gathered in Charlotte last week to mark the groundbreaking of the Charlotte Gateway Station project.

The project's first phase will include construction of 2,000 feet of track, signals, five new bridges and a rail platform, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) officials said in a press release.

When completed, the station would provide intercity passenger-rail service to Charlotte for the first time in several decades.

The project's first phase is partially funded by a $30 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. Also providing project funding are state and local dollars.

Crowder Construction Co. has been awarded the contract for the first phase of construction, which is expected to be completed by 2022.

"The Charlotte Gateway Station will help better support North Carolina's economy and provide people safe, reliable and appealing transportation alternatives," said NCDOT Secretary Jim Trogdon.

NCDOT, city officials and other local stakeholders are seeking a private partner for the development of the full station district.

"Collaboration is at the center of this project," said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

A formal request for proposals process is expected to begin later this summer. A private partner could be selected as early as December, according to NCDOT.