MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Officials are rejecting a plan to widen E. John Street into a four-lane in downtown Matthews.
The Matthews Board of Commissioners voted recently to request that the proposed NCDOT project be removed from the State Transportation Improvement Program.
According to a Facebook post on Friday, the decision comes from years of public feedback opposing the project and studies showing a three-lane design would better fit the town’s vision of a more walkable and bikeable downtown.
“Matthews has long advocated for a more context-sensitive solution, prioritizing pedestrian safety and maintaining the historic downtown charm,” the post reads.
Despite those efforts, NCDOT recently informed the town that the four-lane plan remains the only option for the allocated funds, which prompted the Board’s action last month.
The town plans to pursue a federal RAISE grant, with the help of NCDOT, to fund a redesigned three-lane roadway with improved sidewalks, multi-use paths, medians and turn lanes.
