Rail

Heavy and light rail projects are increasing as society looks for ways to reduce traffic congestion. THC has negotiated easements and property from commercial rail services for highway crossing improvement projects as well as acquired property for expansion of city-managed light rail systems. THC understands the federal guidelines for acquiring rail property and it’s experience working with multiple railroads will ensure your railroad project will be completed on time and on budget.

Project Brief

LYNX Blue Line Extension, City of Charlotte/Charlotte Area Transit System
Charlotte, NC

The Blue Line Extension is an extension of the successful LYNX Blue Line light rail service. The 9.3-mile alignment extends from 7th Street Station in Center City through the NoDA (North Davidson) and University areas, terminating on the UNC Charlotte campus. THC served as the prime R/W consultant managing two additional acquisition firms and multiple ancillary services sub-consultants. The THC team provided acquisition and relocation services for 324 parcels, including 11 relocations and 15 displacees (business and residential). THC’s portion was the acquisition of 126 parcels with 54 condemnations (major metro corridor, mostly commercial), relocation of an adult entertainment establishment, and relocation of a 651-unit storage facility. The acquisitions included Fee Simple, various Permanent Easements, and Temporary Construction Easements. Relocations included residential, business, signs, and other specialty/personal property moves.

 

The City LYNX Gold Line Streetcar, City of Charlotte/Charlotte Area Transit System
Charlotte, NC

The City LYNX Gold Line is a 10-mile (37 stop) streetcar system that is an integral part of the 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan and is being built in phases. The full streetcar line will connect all current and future rapid transit lines, including the LYNX Blue Line light rail, LYNX Silver Line light rail, LYNX Red Line commuter rail, and provide a critical connection to the future Charlotte Gateway District and Multimodal Station. Phase 2 extends the current streetcar line from the Charlotte Transportation Center west to French Street in the Historic West End and east from Novant Hospital to Sunnyside Avenue in Elizabeth. THC is acquiring 35 parcels (partial takes) primarily for utility easements, due to the location of the Overhead Contact System (OCS) and fee simple strip takes for siting the Traction Power Substations (TPSS).