Town of Matthews rejects plan to widen major road to four lanes

Matthews city officials are declining a recent proposal from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to widen East John Street.

John Street in Matthews is sandwiched between Highway 51 on one end and Interstate 485 at the other, creating a mind-numbing bottleneck.

The proposed project would widen that street into a four-lane, median-divided roadway.

However, town officials have said, “No, thank you,” to the state’s suggestion, as well as to its money.

“Nobody wants to turn this into some superhighway,” said resident Christopher Trester.

Trester helps coordinate major events like Matthews Comic Con and the Labor Day festival, Matthews Alive.

“We’ve created a very lively place down here,” Trester continued.

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Late last week, Matthews Town Commissioners unanimously voted to reject the project that was proposed.

“Our studies have indicated it would have minimal impact if it was built as four lanes, as far as improving traffic,” said Mayor John Higdon.

Higdon said they would rather go for a $25,000 federal grant from the United States Department of Transportation. In which the town would have to match 20% and would consist of one lane in each direction, with a turning lane along the 6.5-mile stretch.

“If we get this grant, we’ll be able to build this corridor as we desire,” Higdon elaborated. “We wanted to have a safer alternative, with bike lanes and more pedestrian crossings.”

Much of that traffic, locals say, is due to drivers commuting between Charlotte and Union County.

“It’s a much quicker option to get off of Monroe Road or John Street and go over to Independence Boulevard,” said Trester.

Projects like the McKee Road and Greylock Ridge extensions, as well as Monroe Road in Union County being built with four lanes, are expected to help relieve congestion like this.

Higdon said municipalities can apply for that grant once a year, and it usually takes a couple of tries before they’re successful.

He continued that going with NCDOT’s plant would take longer, but they are assisting the town with the grant applications.

NCDOT statement:

“NCDOT fully supports local priorities and will continue to work with the Town of Matthews to identify context-sensitive solutions that meet the needs of their citizens. We are partnered with Matthews on their federal grant efforts and we remain committed to continue to work with the Town on a final design that will serve all transportation modes the best way possible and to protect the walkable integrity of the Town.”

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