Cruising down Tryon Street to NoDa, you’ve likely crossed Matheson Avenue en route to Mattie’s Diner. Matheson is currently a four-lane road with little-to-no sidewalks — leaving cyclists vulnerable to passing cars. The street offers a great view of the city and rail lines, but safety was always a concern. That’s about to change.

Charlotte city leaders approved nearly $13 million to transform the road into two lanes, between North Tryon Street + Jordan Place. The 0.6 mile project will incorporate bicycle and pedestrian paths along the north and south sides of the street. A three-foot-wide curb will also be added, separating the bicycle track from the road.

The redevelopment of Matheson Avenue would be from N. Tryon St. to Jordan Pl.
| Rendering provided by City of Charlotte

The Matheson Avenue Street Conversion is part of the city’s bicycle program for safer streets, creating redesigned roadways and connections across the city. People living nearby told WCNC Charlotte the area is difficult for pedestrians and change has been needed for years.

The revamped road will make cycling and walking safer while also creating a stronger link between N. Tryon St. + the Lynx Blue Line, the Cross Charlotte Trail, and NoDa.

"I've gotten lots of letters of support for this from the NoDa Business Association and other residents," says Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson. "This will really give a facelift to the Matheson bridge in a way that has been much needed over the years."

The proposed changes to Matheson Avenue will include reducing automobile traffic from four lanes to two and creating space for bike lanes.
| Rendering provided by City of Charlotte

This redevelopment is one of two projects in the pipeline to create a safer, bike-friendly area of the city. Matheson Avenue's restructuring will eventually expand to The Plaza, further down the street from Jordan Place. That project is in the design phase.

Construction is expected to start in the summer or fall of 2024.