Construction projects could create traffic issues as CMS heads back

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools opens its doors back up for students Monday.

With the first day of class could come big traffic headaches, with more buses and more congestion.

Sinkholes, roundabouts and express lane construction will only add frustration to an already busy morning rush.

The closure on Hawthorne Lane will have an effect on commuters for years for those heading to Elizabeth Elementary, Piedmont Middle and Hawthorne Academy.

"In the past month, we've closed Hawthorne Lane Bridge for reconstruction and are currently doing underground utility,” said Juliann Sheldon, of Charlotte Area Transit System.

Hambright Road over I-77 closed in June for express lane construction for the next 15 months. Motorists heading to Alexander Middle, North Mecklenburg and Blythe Elementary could be affected.

Drivers heading to Tuckaseegee Elementary and West Mecklenburg High School may have to find alternate routes around the Tuckaseegee Road Stormwater project, which is closed west of Little Rock Road until Sept. 8.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation officials said the roundabout construction on Highway 51 at Idlewild Road that caused headaches for drivers for months will reopen.

The Mallard Creek Road at Johnston Oehler Road sinkhole will keep the roads closed until at least Sept. 4, NCDOT spokesperson Jen Thompson said.

The road closure is expected to have an impact on teachers, students and parents driving to Parkside Elementary and Mallard Creek High School.

Cox Media Group