Cornelius Advances with $74 Million Purchase for Red Line Commuter Rail Project

Cornelius Celebrates Progress on the Red Line Commuter Rail Project

Cornelius is buzzing with excitement as significant strides are being made in the Red Line Commuter Rail Project. This much-anticipated project, designed to better serve Cornelius and surrounding North Meck communities, took another step forward last week with the city finalizing a purchase that paves the way for future developments.

$74 Million Purchase Finalized

The Charlotte City Council voted decisively (10-1) to approve the purchase of the O-Line from Norfolk Southern for a cool $74 million. This acquisition includes about 22 miles of track and the surrounding land, marking a significant step towards realizing the potential of the Red Line rail service.

Commissioner Michael Osborne, a prominent advocate for the project, expressed his optimism about the future. “If approved by voters, the Red Line will provide an alternative source of revenue to the region as well as future transit options that we otherwise would never have,” he said. He went on to highlight how Cornelius stands to gain over $5 million annually, funds that would go a long way toward improving local roads.

Funding the Future

Currently, the town allocates less than $3 million each year toward servicing existing road bonds. This new revenue stream could be transformative for the community. Osborne noted, “It is rare that all of Mecklenburg (and 30 percent that don’t live in Mecklenburg) have a specific investment opportunity in our roads and our transit.” With a nod to the past, he assured residents that “this proposed legislation was created with guardrails to prevent repeating the mistakes of the past.”

On the Horizon: Sales Tax Referendum

The city also recently adopted a resolution supporting a sales tax referendum aimed at allowing voters to weigh in on a proposed one-cent increase in the countywide sales tax. Set for a vote in November 2025, the funds are earmarked for transit and road improvements—essentially a significant investment in the community’s infrastructure.

This resolution came shortly after a joint letter from the mayors of Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville expressed their backing for the sales tax proposal. However, uncertainties remain about how any opposition to the measure, such as that voiced by the town of Matthews, could affect the chances of placing it on the ballot, as the General Assembly in Raleigh must approve it.

The Red Line’s Role

What does the Red Line actually entail? It’s a vital component of the Metropolitan Transit Commission’s 2030 Transit System Plan and the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan. If everything goes according to plan, the Red Line rail service could offer as many as 42 one-way trips daily, connecting Uptown Charlotte with the northern communities of Mecklenburg County. Plus, the intent behind the agreement allows Norfolk Southern to continue its existing freight service operations, making it a win-win for both commuter and freight transportation.

Future Expansion Possibilities

Additionally, the terms of the agreement between the city and Norfolk Southern include options for potential expansion of the right-of-way into Iredell County and Mooresville, if those areas choose to participate. This could eventually widen the reach of the Red Line, enhancing transit accessibility for even more communities.

Looking Ahead

As Cornelius residents eagerly await the results of the sales tax referendum and further developments with the Red Line, there is a palpable sense of hope and renewal. It’s a new day for local transit, reflecting a commitment to learn from the past and invest in future opportunities. The journey towards better transportation is just beginning, and the community is ready for the ride.