Transforming Charlotte's Streets: What the Sales Tax Will Deliver
Charlotte stands at a pivotal moment in its transportation history. The approved sales tax represents the largest single investment in our city's street infrastructure, promising to reshape how residents move through their neighborhoods and across the city.
This comprehensive initiative dedicates a substantial portion of its resources to creating complete streets that serve all users - drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders alike. The investment will touch every corner of Charlotte, from bustling downtown corridors to quiet residential neighborhoods.
$7.8B
Total Investment
Over 30 years for streets
40%
Road Projects
Of total funding dedicated
The Largest Transportation Investment in Charlotte's History
$7.8 Billion Investment
Unprecedented funding over 30 years that will fundamentally transform Charlotte's transportation landscape
22 Strategic Areas
Investment zones strategically distributed across the city to ensure equitable development
Multiple Times Current Funding
Several times larger than current capital funding levels, enabling transformational change
This investment represents a generational opportunity to address decades of infrastructure needs while building for Charlotte's future growth. The scale of this commitment demonstrates the city's dedication to creating a transportation system that serves all residents effectively and safely.
Hundreds of Projects, Citywide Impact
264 Miles of Improvements
Road widenings, complete streets, sidewalks, and bike facilities that will create safer, more accessible corridors throughout Charlotte
60 Miles of Shared-Use Paths
Greenway-style connections providing safe, family-friendly alternatives for walking, biking, and rolling
43 Miles of New Streets
Street extensions and new connections that will improve traffic flow and provide better access to neighborhoods
76 Miles of Streetlighting
New lighting infrastructure to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in underserved areas
Making Dangerous Streets Safer
Charlotte's commitment to safety extends to every intersection and crossing. These improvements target the most dangerous locations where crashes frequently occur, implementing proven safety measures that protect all road users.
95 Redesigned Intersections
Complete reconstruction of high-crash intersections with improved visibility and safer turning movements
58 New Crossings
Pedestrian and bike crossings at critical locations where people need to safely cross busy streets
239 Signal Upgrades
Modern pedestrian and bicycle signal technology that provides adequate crossing time and clear visibility
41 New Traffic Signals
Strategic placement of new signals to manage traffic flow and provide safe crossing opportunities
Technology & Innovation for Safety
Charlotte's streets will become smarter and more responsive through cutting-edge technology that improves safety and reduces congestion. These innovations represent the future of urban transportation management.
37 Miles of Fiber Optic Connections
High-speed communication networks enabling smart signals and real-time traffic management systems
Emergency Vehicle Priority
Signal systems that automatically adjust to give priority to emergency vehicles and buses, reducing response times
Intelligent Corridors
Coordinated signal systems that adapt to traffic conditions, reducing crashes and congestion through data-driven management
Connected Sidewalks and Bike Facilities
A City That's Walkable & Bikeable
Creating a truly walkable and bikeable Charlotte means filling the gaps in our pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. These investments will connect neighborhoods and provide safe, comfortable options for people who choose to walk or bike.
Sidewalk gaps filled across major corridors, ensuring continuous pedestrian connections
Bike Priority Network expanded with protected lanes and low-stress routes
Safer, more comfortable options for getting around without relying on a car
Improved access to transit stops, schools, and employment centers
60 Miles of Greenway-Style Connections
1
Multi-Use Trails
Dedicated paths for biking, walking, and rolling that are separated from vehicle traffic
2
Family-Friendly Design
Safe, comfortable routes that parents feel confident using with children of all ages
3
Community Connections
Strategic links between neighborhoods, schools, jobs, parks, and other key destinations
These shared-use paths represent more than just transportation infrastructure - they're community assets that promote health, recreation, and social connection. By providing safe alternatives to driving, these paths will help reduce traffic congestion while improving quality of life for Charlotte residents.
Lighting the Way
76 Miles of New Streetlighting
Proper lighting is essential for safe streets, especially for pedestrians and cyclists who are most vulnerable after dark. This comprehensive lighting program will bring safety and security to areas that have been underserved.
Nighttime Safety
Well-lit streets enable safer walking and biking after dark, extending mobility options throughout the day
Crash Reduction
Improved visibility reduces nighttime crashes and helps prevent crime in previously dark areas
Equity Focus
Priority given to historically underserved neighborhoods that have lacked adequate lighting infrastructure
Investments Where They're Needed Most
Equity is at the heart of this investment strategy. By focusing resources on areas that have been historically underinvested, Charlotte is working to ensure that all residents have access to safe, reliable transportation options regardless of their neighborhood or economic circumstances.
High Injury Network Focus
Prioritizing corridors with the highest crash rates and most severe safety problems to maximize impact
Transit Access
Improving safe access to transit stops, employment centers, and schools in underserved communities
Historic Neighborhoods
Targeted investments in historically underserved neighborhoods to address decades of infrastructure gaps
Moving Toward Zero Traffic Deaths
1
Safety-First Design
Every project incorporates safety as the primary consideration, using proven design principles that protect all road users
2
Speed Management
Street designs that naturally encourage appropriate speeds through lane configuration, crossings, and traffic calming measures
3
Enhanced Visibility
Improved lighting, clearer sight lines, and better signage that help drivers see pedestrians and cyclists
4
Vision Zero Alignment
Direct support for Charlotte's commitment to eliminating traffic deaths through systematic safety improvements
Charlotte's Vision Zero commitment means that every traffic death is preventable and unacceptable. This sales tax investment aligns directly with that goal, implementing proven safety measures across the city.
What This Means for Charlotte
Safer Streets
Protection for everyone: drivers, walkers, bikers, and transit riders
More Choices
Multiple ways to get around the city safely and efficiently
Healthier Community
Infrastructure that promotes active transportation and physical activity
Better Connections
Neighborhoods linked to jobs, schools, and services
Greater Equity
Transportation access for all residents regardless of location or income
This historic investment will transform Charlotte into a city where transportation works for everyone. By prioritizing safety, equity, and connectivity, we're building the foundation for a more prosperous, healthy, and inclusive community for generations to come.