The N.C. 73/U.S. 21 intersection east of I-77 exit 25 has been re-engineered to eliminate some left turns. Here’s an N.C. DOT video explaining how drivers will use new intersection.

See a related story on the changes, “Intersection redesign to end left turns on NC 73 at US 21″

Can’t see the video? Go directly to the DOT page on YouTube.com.

Ty Burns

A letter from Davidson resident and bike shop owner Ty Burns

To the Editor:

I have given serious thought to the article that was recently published with regards to cycling in Davidson. (Feb. 17, 2012, Photo commentary: Is Davidson really bike friendly?”)

I am not sure any one person is truly an expert on whether Davidson is a bike friendly town.” But given that I live in Davidson, I own bike shops in Davidson, Huntersville and Mooresville, and I ride four to six days a week, I just might be in a position to offer a few thoughts. Read the full story

By CHRISTINA RITCHIE ROGERS
DavidsonNews.net

CHARLOTTE - The Red Line Task Force is looking to extend the deadline it set for reviewing plans for a commuter rail line north of Charlotte to give local governments, the state, Charlotte Area Transit System and Norfolk Southern Corp. more time to analyze financial and operational assumptions.

The task force had hoped to get feedback from the seven local governments along the line, CATS and the N.C. Department of Transportation by the end of March. The plan then would be revised and sent to back local governments for approval in June. But recent feedback from Norfolk Southern Corp., which owns the tracks between Charlotte and Mooresville, has thrown a wrench in the original plans. Read the full story

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s top official working on the Red Line Regional Rail Project has sent a written response to Norfolk Southern Corp. welcoming the company’s “active role” in the project and requesting a meeting where Red Line Task Force and railroad officials can “share new information” that will help planning the project. Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS and CHRISTINA RITCHIE ROGERS
DavidsonNews.net

Updated 5:18 p.m.
Norfolk Southern Corp. has taken another big swipe at the proposed Red Line Regional Rail Project, saying in a letter to the N.C. Department of Transportation Tuesday that while the company “stands ready to study” the project, it believes the current plan to bring commuter rail to the Lake Norman area is “fatally flawed” and based on outdated assumptions. Read the full story

When completed in 2014, the project will link I-77 north of Charlotte with I-85 northeast of Charlotte. (NC DOT map)

By JULIE ROSE
WFAE

Construction crews are well on the way to completing one of the most long-awaited road projects in the Charlotte-region. By the end of 2014, I-485 will finally offer drivers a continuous loop around Mecklenburg County. Read the full story

You mean you call that snow??

Today is Mardi Gras, which is French for Fat Tuesday, when Catholics and Protestants worldwide celebrate a last day of feasting before the customary fasting of Lent, which begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. This day also is referred to as Shrove Tuesday.  There will be wonderful parties from Rio’s Brazilian Carnival to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades.  Even our own Davidson United Methodist Church will have a Shrove Tuesday service presented by the Family Ministries Team to include gospel songs, spirituals and choruses in the Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m.

In keeping with Lent, Around Davidson has a note about Shrove Tuesday doughnuts from Minerva Bullock, complete with recipe.  We also have news of this Friday’s Jazz and Artist benefit to be held at Homewood Suites and a thought about bike lanes, turn lanes and safety.  And since the groundhog saw his shadow on Feb. 2, it is only fitting that winter dealt us a tiny taste of “the white stuff” two days ago. But you had to savor the moment because in a blink, the snow/ice mixture was gone! Read the full story

Cars parked in the bicycle lanes around town. (Scott Denham photos)

To the Editor:

Davidson claims to be a bicycling and walking kind of town, but some of our residents forget that. We in Davidson, unfortunately, know all too well the consequences of cars disregarding the rights of pedestrians and cyclists. Read the full story