Board authorizes Northeast Parkway full‑depth reclamation, approves pilot two‑way cycle track

The Matthews Board of Commissioners on Jan. 26 authorized a not‑to‑exceed contract for the Northeast Parkway full‑depth reclamation project and discussed a pilot two‑way cycle track.

Engineering Project Manager Creshawn Hardy presented the project scope: full‑depth reclamation (FDR) of Northeast Parkway from NC‑51 to Sam Newell, plus work on Windsor Square Drive. The FDR process replaces the failed pavement structure with a rebuilt base and new asphalt surface. The presentation included an option to convert the westbound right lane into a two‑way cycle track separated by pavement markings and bolt‑in vertical delineators; staff estimated the incremental cost for the cycle‑track delineation to be modest relative to full multiuse path alternatives.

Blythe Construction provided a bid for the work. The board moved to authorize the town manager to enter a contract with Blythe for the Northeast Parkway and Windsor Square full‑depth reclamation project with a not‑to‑exceed value that included a contingency (motion language used an approximate $3,499,760.58 figure); the motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners raised several operational concerns, including left‑turn queuing at the NC‑51 intersection, potential vehicular queuing and safety interactions where motorists currently jockey for position, and whether more robust delineation or later upgrades should be planned. Staff said the pilot approach leaves flexibility to upgrade or remove the delineators as traffic behavior or resident comfort dictates, and noted the project’s role in tying into future regional multimodal projects.