Charlotte approves $50 million light rail study NEWSWIRE

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte City Council has approved a $50 million study of the proposed Silver Line extension of its LNYX light rail system.

The study will take two to three years, preparing for a project that may not begin construction until 2027 and begin service in 2030.

WCNC-TV reports the council voted 8-2 on Tuesday to approve the study. No plans are in place for funding construction of the route, which could cost up to $1 billion.

The proposed Silver Line would total 26 miles with 28 stations, reaching from Matthews, southeast of Charlotte, to Belmont, west of the city, and would serve Charlotte’s airport.

Charlotte currently operates a single light rail route, the Blue Line, which is 18.9 miles long with 26 stations.