CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) gave NBC Charlotte a tour of the new Blue Line extension ahead of Friday's grand opening.
The light rail will allow riders to travel from uptown to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 22 minutes. The total length of the line will now extend from UNC Charlotte to I-485 and South Boulevard.
City officials proclaimed the billion dollar project was on time and under budget Wednesday.
"We're so excited about the possibilities the Blue Line extension will bring." said CATS CEO John Lewis. "But the number one issue that we want the public to know is pay attention to the new traffic patterns along North Tryon. Our trains are in that intersection. Please, anytime you see a flashing light, or gate going down pay attention."
Project engineers designed the Blue Line extension travel over busy roadways including W.T. Harris Boulevard and North Tryon Street via bridges, but the train has several crossings along the way to University.
NBC Charlotte has reported on crashes over the past two years in the South End and near 485 that have sent people to the hospital and cost the city millions of dollars in repairs -- even with insurance.
Still, anyone who has lived in Charlotte for just a few years knows about the remarkable progress being made in South End and elsewhere. The project director hopes the same development will occur along the BLE as well.
"When we have opening day, we want everyone to be safe and obey all of the signals, and all of the crossing signs and have a good time." said project director Jill Brim. "We will no longer have a Blue Line Extension. It will just be the Blue Line, 19 miles long for everyone to ride."
CATS projected 24,500 average weekday trips by 2035. Riders will also enjoy a variety of art projects highlighting the different stations including the Tom Hunter stop featuring artwork from Hidden Valley Elementary students and their concepts of "home."
The public can start riding up to UNC Charlotte starting at 10 a.m. Friday.