Permanent Road Closure on West Boulevard for Taxiway Project

Construction signs set up on West Boulevard to inform drivers about the upcoming permanent road closure.

News Summary

A segment of West Boulevard in Charlotte, NC will be permanently closed starting January 3, 2025, to facilitate the South End Around Taxiway project at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This construction is part of a $1 billion investment to enhance airport efficiency, particularly benefiting airlines and travelers during peak periods. Traffic management plans, including detours and traffic signals, will minimize disruptions as the project progresses from January to April 2025.

Permanent Road Closure on West Boulevard: What You Need to Know

In a significant development for transportation in Charlotte, North Carolina, a small segment of West Boulevard will officially shut down beginning January 3, 2025. This closure will affect the stretch between Piney Top Drive and Steele Creek Road, paving the way for a pivotal construction project at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Impact of the New Taxiway Construction

The closure is necessary to facilitate the South End Around Taxiway project, a crucial undertaking for the Fourth Parallel Runway Program. This new taxiway, designated as Taxiway P, will measure an impressive 10,000 feet in length and 150 feet in width, situated just west of runway 18C/36C. The completion of this taxiway is scheduled for the year 2027, enhancing the airport’s functionality and efficiency.

Traffic Management and Detour Routes

With the impending closure, officials have developed a comprehensive plan to manage traffic flow in the area. Detour routes will be clearly indicated, ensuring that local residents and commuters can navigate around the construction site safely. The primary detour routes include:

Byrum Drive for travel between Steele Creek and Yorkmont roads.
Shopton Road for travel between Sandy Porter and Beam roads.
West Arrowood Road for accessing Sandy Porter Road and South Tryon Street from the south.

In addition to detour routes, traffic signals will be installed along alternative routes to promote a seamless traffic flow throughout the construction period, which is expected to last around four months.

Funding and Importance of the Project

This expansive aviation project is backed by a substantial investment exceeding $1 billion, funded through a mix of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds, bonds, and passenger fees. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is not just crucial for the local community; it stands as the seventh busiest airport globally in terms of departures and arrivals. The expansion of taxiway facilities is expected to improve air traffic management and accommodate the growing number of flights.

Holiday Travel Surge at Charlotte Douglas

In light of the upcoming changes and construction efforts, the airport is preparing for a surge in passenger traffic during the winter holiday season. From December 20 to January 5, nearly 3 million passengers are projected to pass through the airport, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year. Over this period, Charlotte Douglas expects to handle around 25,000 flights, reflecting an 8% increase in air traffic from last year.

Conclusion

The permanent closure of West Boulevard is a collective step towards enhancing the aviation infrastructure of the Charlotte area. As the airport bolsters its capabilities, the local community can anticipate both challenges and opportunities stemming from this significant project. With effective traffic management measures in place, the transition will aim to mitigate disruptions while ultimately improving access to one of the region’s key transport hubs.