After years of delays, frustration, Hawthorne Lane Bridge reopens to drivers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Christmas came early Monday for many in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood.

After years of delays and frustrations, the Hawthorne Lane Bridge is back open.

The bridge has been closed to motorists since 2017. The project came to a halt in 2018 after a contractor ordered the wrong size girders for the bridge.

Once work resumed, it was originally expected to open in March 2019, but additional delays pushed the projected opening to April 2020.

In August, neighbors and nearby businesses were excited when the bridge partially opened to pedestrians and bicyclists.

On Monday, city officials said there may be occasional sidewalk and lane closures for work on the lighting, handrails and pavement markings.

Next month, the city is also scheduled to begin testing the streetcar, but residents will be notified in advance of any temporary closures.

The bridge is part of the city’s 10-mile Gold Line streetcar extension, which will eventually connect Johnson C. Smith University to Plaza Midwood.

‘It’s really exciting': Hawthorne Lane Bridge reopens to cyclists, pedestrians

Cox Media Group