Improvements coming to Hickory/Main Street

By Dave Vieser — Work on long-needed improvements at the Hickory/Main Street intersection in Cornelius, including the installation of traffic signals, has been delayed for months, but a contract for the project is now expected to be awarded in June, according to Deputy Town Manager Wayne Herron.

The intersection is located next to Mama’s Pizza and an entrance to Harris Teeter Antiquity.

Until now, most of the work at the site has involved property acquisition and utility relocation.

Why the delay?

“It was actually due to the transfer of the Norfolk Southern rail line to the city of Charlotte,” said Herron. “The city had to inspect each of the crossings, including the Hickory Street crossing. That lengthy process is now almost completed, and NCDOT expects a contract for this project to be awarded in June.”

Eventually, the intersection improvements will include turn lanes, curb and gutter, 8-foot sidewalks and a signalized intersection with mast arms. The project is expected to improve safety and mobility for drivers in all directions.

The new signalized intersection will include an emergency vehicle preemption system to prioritize emergency traffic exiting Fire Station 1 when necessary.

Estimated completion was late 2025 but is now spring 2028.