Storm Damage Still Affecting City Streets And Transit

It could be a week before full light rail and streetcar service is restored in Charlotte, due to damage caused by Hurricane Michael last Thursday. Meanwhile, the city says at least 50 streets remain completely or partially blocked. 

Service on the Lynx Blue Line has been limited since a tree near 12th Street fell on the overhead lines that power the trains. Charlotte Area Transit System says it will continue running buses for at least another week between New Bern Station south of uptown and 36th street to the north. Trains are running between I-485 and New Bern Station, and 36th Street and UNC Charlotte.

CATS also says buses will continue to replace the Gold Line streetcar, which is also affected by storm damage.   

Meanwhile, as of Monday afternoon, city crews had reopened 216 roads that were blocked during the storm by falling trees and power lines. But at least 29 streets around the city remain impassable and 21 others are still partially blocked.  

A city spokeswoman said city crews must wait for utility work before they can move in to clean up trees and debris. She said where roads are blocked, emergency vehicles have access by alternate routes.