The Hawthorne Lane bridge over Independence Boulevard won't open this month as scheduled. Charlotte Area Transit System says work is behind schedule again and the bridge won't open until late July or early August.
The bridge is being rebuilt as part of the $150 million Gold Line streetcar extension. Work stopped in January 2019 when workers discovered that steel beams were manufactured with the wrong curvature.
The project restarted last September and CATS said at the time the bridge would be open by April.
CATS said Thursday its contractor has had trouble sticking to its schedule and getting needed materials. It also blamed "lane closure restrictions" on Independence Boulevard because of holidays, special events and bad weather.
The Hawthorne bridge closed for the construction in July 2017. The extended closure has brought complaints from residents and businesses.
"Community frustrations surrounding the bridge delay are valid and we understand their concerns. These schedule delays only amplify the usual inconveniences of roadway construction," CATS said in a statement Thursday.
