If you live in Belmont, South Gastonia, or along S. New Hope Road, you have probably heard about the proposed Catawba Crossings and the LYNX Silver Line. Big mobility projects like these can reshape commutes and influence where buyers focus next. In this guide, you will get a clear, local view of what each project is, where planning stands, and how the timing could affect Gaston County home values. You will also find practical steps for buyers and sellers. Let’s dive in.
The projects at a glance
Catawba Crossings
- A proposed 4 to 6 lane boulevard with two new bridges that would connect S. New Hope Road in southeastern Gaston County to Steele Creek Road near I-485 by Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The goal is to add a new river crossing, ease congestion on Wilkinson Boulevard, and improve regional access with bike and pedestrian features. See the official project materials.
- Status: Feasibility study completed. The project is unfunded and must be prioritized in NCDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Program before moving forward. If programmed late in the 2025 to 2034 cycle, construction could land in the mid 2030s, with opening in the mid to late 2030s. Review schedule context.
LYNX Silver Line
- A planned 26 to 29 mile light-rail line running from Belmont through Uptown Charlotte to Matthews or Indian Trail, with roughly 29 to 31 stations in the preferred alternative. Belmont is planned as a commuter-style station near Wilkinson Boulevard retail nodes. Explore the CATS Silver Line page.
- Status: Planning and a transit-oriented development study are complete, and design has advanced. The line is not fully funded and remains in pre-project development, with phasing under discussion. See current planning details.
How the two interact
- Both projects would improve access between southeastern Gaston and western Mecklenburg. Catawba Crossings is a roadway concept; the Silver Line is rail with TOD planning. Timelines are uncertain for both because each depends on funding and environmental clearance. Project coordination is noted in public materials.
What this could mean for housing
What research says about transit and roads
- Multiple studies show homes within about a half mile of rail stations often see price premiums when good service and supportive zoning are in place. A 2022 meta-analysis finds average uplifts that range from single-digit to double-digit percentages depending on local context and station type. Read the meta-analysis summary.
- Effects vary. Station design, walkability, and parking policies matter. Some locations close to noisy or at-grade tracks can see smaller or mixed impacts. See discussion of factors that shape outcomes.
- New bridges and arterials tend to reduce travel times and expand development options, especially on previously hard-to-reach land. That can raise land values but may also spread growth if zoning allows low-density patterns. Learn about local debates and tradeoffs.
Belmont station area
- If the Silver Line advances and a Belmont commuter station is built, buyer interest typically grows within roughly 0.25 to 0.5 mile of the station, especially when towns adopt TOD zoning and pedestrian investments. CATS’ study outlines station typologies and TOD guidance.
South Gaston and S. New Hope corridor
- A new Catawba crossing that ties into S. New Hope Road could shorten trips to I-485 and the airport. That kind of access often boosts interest in nearby subdivisions and greenfield sites. The effect is broader than rail-driven premiums and can support larger master-planned communities over time. See the corridor context in the feasibility materials.
Timelines and realistic expectations
- In the short term (0 to 3 years), expect planning, public input, and early land-use moves like rezonings, not dramatic commute changes. Treat both projects as possible, not guaranteed. Track official updates here and here.
- In the medium term (3 to 10 years), funding wins, environmental approvals, and design milestones often trigger more visible market signals near stations and along planned corridors. Regional funding discussions and voter-approved measures can change the pace. Follow regional funding news.
- In the long term (10-plus years), operational service typically brings durable, localized premiums around stations and broader accessibility benefits along the new roadway. Exact outcomes depend on zoning, affordability strategies, and how towns manage growth.
Today’s baseline in Gaston County
- Gaston County’s median property value reached $235,000 in 2023, up about 13.7 percent year over year in that series. See DataUSA’s profile.
- Towns in the county show different price points. Belmont often trades above the county median, while other areas vary by neighborhood and product type. Use current, local comps when pricing or planning a move.
Buyer strategies
- Target walkable distances. If you value potential transit access, focus searches within about 0.25 to 0.5 mile of the planned Belmont station. Check station typology and any draft TOD plans on the CATS page.
- Validate timelines. Before paying a premium for “future access,” confirm the latest status: funding, environmental approvals, and whether phasing is confirmed.
- Think commute math. If Catawba Crossings advances, model time savings to I-485, CLT airport, and key job centers. Small daily savings can support higher demand in certain pockets.
- Plan for change. Station areas can evolve. Ask about planned sidewalks, bike links, and parking policies that shape how valuable a station will be for daily life.
Seller strategies
- Highlight access potential carefully. If your home sits near the planned Belmont station or along the S. New Hope corridor, emphasize current access and livability, then note future plans with links to official pages for validation.
- Time improvements to milestones. Consider larger upgrades or a hold-sell decision around clear triggers like STIP programming for Catawba Crossings or major funding and design approvals for the Silver Line.
- Prep for mixed buyer profiles. As access improves, you may see more interest from commuters seeking alternatives to Uptown drives or airport workers who want shorter trips.
What to watch next
- STIP programming and environmental clearance for Catawba Crossings. Project page.
- CATS design updates, station decisions, and any confirmed phasing for the Silver Line. Project page.
- GCLMPO meetings and documents on prioritization and funding. Regional MPO site.
- Regional funding measures that could accelerate or delay rail projects. Funding coverage.
- Broader rail connectivity plans that influence long-run regional demand. Southeast High-Speed Rail overview.
If you want a clear, local plan for buying or selling around these timelines, reach out. We will help you weigh today’s value against tomorrow’s possibilities, using neighborhood-level comps and a practical strategy. Connect with Jeremy Ordan to start a tailored conversation.
FAQs
What is Catawba Crossings in simple terms?
- A proposed boulevard with two new river bridges linking S. New Hope Road to Steele Creek near I-485 to relieve congestion and improve regional access, now in the feasibility and prioritization stage.
Is the Belmont leg of the Silver Line funded?
- No, the Silver Line is not fully funded yet; it remains in pre-project development with phasing under discussion and will need local and federal funding packages before construction.
How could a Belmont station affect nearby home values?
- Studies show homes within walking distance of rail stations often see price premiums when paired with strong service and supportive zoning, though results vary by context and station design.
Will a new river crossing raise prices countywide?
- A new crossing typically improves accessibility across a wider area, which can lift demand for subdivisions and greenfield sites, though local zoning will shape how and where growth occurs.
Which milestones should homeowners watch?
- Follow STIP programming and environmental approvals for Catawba Crossings, plus funding, design updates, and any confirmed phasing for the Silver Line on official project pages.
