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Matthews superstreet project canceled; group continues its fight

MATTHEWS, N.C. — The superstreet project that was planned as part of a widening project through Matthews has been canceled.

But the group against it isn't giving up its fight.

"It will not stop our group at all," said Renee Garner, the spearhead of the Preserve Matthews movement.

A superstreet, an intersection designed with U-turns, was part of the plan to widen 6.5 miles of John Street from Matthews to Indian Trail.

Garner met with 120 community members, triple the turnout they expected, Monday night to talk about how to combat the changes.

That's when the town of Matthews announced the superstreet was canceled.

"It was a strange coincidence," Garner said.

Channel 9 asked the North Carolina Department of Transportation if the organized effort against the project was the reason for the change.

"Probably to some extent, yes," NCDOT spokesperson Jen Thompson said.

Thompson said NCDOT is redrawing plans without the superstreet to address concerns.

"It's a good outcome in that a majority of the concerns outlined in the resolution are going to be addressed," Thompson said.

But the Preserve Matthews group remains opposed to a four-lane widening, so they plan to continue their fight.

"It didn't change our mind. It didn't change our approach,” Garner said. “We're still against a four-lane widening of the roadway."

"As local residents, we're excited that the NCDOT has at least heard us," David Johnson said.

Johnson said he supports changing the plan, especially since he's opening Brakeman's Coffee next Saturday. He even plans to offer discounts to bikers and walkers.

So he hopes the NCDOT will keep Matthews walkable.

"We want to keep this town pedestrian-friendly, so hopefully they will keep that in mind," Johnson said.

The NCDOT is finalizing the plans for the updated concept.

They are still on track to start in 2021.

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