The City of Gastonia is proud to share continued progress on projects funded by the $75 million in general obligation (GO) transportation bonds approved by nearly 70 percent of voters in November 2022. Since then, city staff and contract partners have completed over 100 miles of resurfacing of streets, repaired more than 140 manholes, installed miles of connecting sidewalks and greenways, studied all transportation aspects around schools and parks, evaluated miscellaneous congested intersections, and completed various roadway studies in preparation for the next issuance of bonds.
Recent Highlights:
- Existing Street Infrastructure Improvements:
- There has been 105 miles of streets resurfaced, and 140 manholes repaired that’ exceeded a cost more than $20 million.
- The City is partnering with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for resurfacing Franklin Boulevard from Clay Street to Oakland Street, U.S. Hwy 321, Neal Hawkins Road, and others.
- The City will fund the redecoration of five (5) pedestrian crosswalks along Franklin Boulevard for increased visibility.
- Schiele Museum & School Connectivity: Driveway entrance improvements and connectivity between the Schiele Museum and the new Grier Middle School are now complete, including resurfacing of the Schiele’s parking lot.
- Greenway Expansions:
- Completed the Marietta Street Greenway, which connects Ferguson Park to Walker E. Reid, III Park and then leads through downtown to the beginning of the Highland Branch Greenway.
- The Highland Branch Greenway extension connects Downtown Gastonia to Rankin Lake Park and will eventually connect Gaston Technology Park, Gaston College, and Dallas Park.
- The Catawba Creek Greenway extends southeast over the Catawba Creek beside the NC National Guard on Robinwood Road. The City leveraged state funding to complete the project.
- The Avon Creek Greenway Extension is moving toward bid advertisement this fall, with completion expected by Summer 2026.
- Completed the Marietta Street Greenway, which connects Ferguson Park to Walker E. Reid, III Park and then leads through downtown to the beginning of the Highland Branch Greenway.
- Neighborhood & Park Projects:
- Bond dollars are being used to complete the parking lot and the pedestrian connectivity in the 140-acre Linwood Park. The park is scheduled to open in summer 2026.
- Parking lot and traffic flow improvements are being planned for Martha Rivers Park.
- Pedestrian Safety, Accessibility & Congestion Mitigation:
- Design work is completed for an improved Remount Road to address connectivity and safety.
- Completed corridor study for Neal Hawkins Road, which will include the private construction of Forbes Road extension to Hudson Boulevard.
- Completed overall study of areas around all schools and parks throughout the city.
- Completed a comprehensive intersection study throughout the city that establishes priority areas for improvements.
- The City has received a $2 million Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. These funds will be used to study how to improve connectivity across the existing railroad “ditch” downtown.
“These projects reflect not only the progress we’ve made, but also the exciting momentum we have moving forward,” said City Manager Michael Peoples.“The City will continue to leverage local dollars with state and federal funds to make safer, stronger connections for all who live, work, and visit here.”
What’s Next:
The City has issued less than half of the $75 million in bonds. To date, the City has issued $33.19 million of debt in 2023, leaving $41.8 million available for future improvements.
City leadership can now better prioritize future projects by utilizing recently completed studies that will improve mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents and visitors. These investments are creating a more accessible and connected city for generations to come.
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Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.