Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gastonia approves $2.66 million municipal agreement with NCDOT for I‑85 aesthetic betterments
Summary
The council approved a municipal agreement committing municipal funds for aesthetic 'betterments' on the I‑85 widening project, including interchange and overpass finishes and landscaping; the city’s share was set at $2,660,610.42 in the municipal agreement.
The Gastonia City Council approved a municipal agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) committing municipal funding for aesthetic betterments tied to the I‑85 widening project.
City staff described the betterments as architectural and landscaping enhancements at three interchanges and three overpass bridges inside Gastonia city limits. Proposed treatments include brick veneer on visible abutments and retaining walls, powder-coated bridge railings, medallions (possibility of a city seal), enhanced signal mast arms, and enhanced landscaping at interchange ramps. Staff said any additional lighting for bicycle and pedestrian uses would be outside the municipal agreement and would carry added costs to the city.
NCDOT agreed to contribute a portion of the cost from a program that allocates a percentage of construction funds toward corridor betterments; that state participation reduced the city’s gross share. The municipal agreement before council set the city’s net participation at $2,660,610.42. Staff said the city planned to pay from the second issuance of previously approved general obligation bond proceeds and recommended making a single final invoice payment at project completion rather than an installment schedule.
Council members asked about the project timeline and whether different sections of the overall I‑85 widening would be constructed in phases. Staff said the section that runs through Gastonia (Section A) was scheduled later than other sections; NCDOT plans indicated the first construction contracts for the corridor could be let in mid‑2025 (with phased construction over several years) and that the Gastonia segments would likely be constructed toward the end of the corps schedule. Staff also noted that railroad bridges are typically not suitable for the same aesthetic treatments, although they will be rebuilt.
Council approved the municipal agreement in a recorded vote. Staff said Belmont had already approved its municipal agreement for the same program; Lowell and Gaston County were still evaluating participation.
City staff will coordinate with NCDOT on final design details and the invoicing schedule; upon project completion NCDOT will invoice the city for the approved municipal betterments.
