The City of Gastonia continues to make progress on transportation improvements funded through the $75 million General Obligation (GO) Bonds approved by voters in November 2022, with projects focused on improving everyday travel and preparing the community for safer growth.
Nearly 70% of voters supported the bonds, which are helping fund improvements for people traveling by car, on foot and by bike. To date, the City has issued $33.19 million in bonds, with another $41.81 million available for future projects.
Improving Streets and Roadways
Street resurfacing and repairs remain a key focus of the bond program. Since 2023, the City has resurfaced 157 lane miles of streets.
An additional 28 lane miles are planned for resurfacing in 2027. Once completed, the City will have resurfaced approximately 185 lane miles of streets.
The City has completed beautification improvements to pedestrian crosswalks at four Franklin Boulevard intersections.
Enhancing Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility
The City is continuing to work to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility throughout Gastonia.
The Southeast Gastonia Area Transportation Study (SEGATS) was completed in February 2026. The study examined transportation impacts along Union-New Hope Road and Union Road, from New Hope Road to Beaty Road.
Pedestrian safety improvements on Remount Road are expected to begin with the next issuance, while designs are underway for three intersections:
- Hudson Boulevard and Highway 321
- Hudson Boulevard and Union Road
- Union Road and Garrison Boulevard
The City received a $2 million grant for the USDOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) to conduct a study on improving connectivity across the railroad “ditch” in downtown Gastonia. GO bonds will be used to cover the $500,000 local match for the grant.
Connecting Neighborhoods Through Greenways
Greenway projects are expanding opportunities for residents to walk, bike and connect with destinations throughout the community.
The Catawba Creek Greenway Extension opened in January 2026, followed by the Highland Branch Greenway in April 2026. The Highland Branch Greenway will eventually connect Rankin Lake to Gastonia Technology Park, Gaston College, and Dallas Park.
The Avon Creek Greenway Extension opened in October 2026. With this new extension, the City will have a total of 13.23 miles of greenway within the city limits.
Improving Access to Parks and Schools
Additional projects will focus on improving traffic flow and access to community destinations.
Traffic flow improvements have been completed on Clay Street at York Chester Middle School and near Hunter Huss High School along Edgefield Avenue and Lynhaven Drive.
Parking lot and traffic flow improvements at Martha Rivers Park and along Riverwood Parkway are expected to begin in fall 2026 and wrap up in spring 2027.
Funds were also used for paving and pathway projects at Linwood Springs Park, which is scheduled to open in March 2027, adding another community destination for residents to enjoy.
Planning for What's Next
Looking ahead, the City will continue to leverage bond funds to secure state and federal dollars for local projects that improve transportation infrastructure and neighborhood connectivity.
The GO bond program reflects the City's continued investment in streets, pedestrian infrastructure, greenways and access to parks and schools. For more information about the City's transportation bond projects, visit the City of Gastonia's website.
###
Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.