The station and the park and ride are both located along Crump Road and connects directly to the intersection of South Boulevard and Sharon Road West via a pedestrian bridge that goes over both the Blue Line and Norfolk Southern tracks. Another walkway, going north, leads to the Snyder's-Lance entrance gate.[1][2]
History
The station was part of the overall planning and construction of the LYNX Blue Line; starting in 1999, it was approved in February 2000 and construction began on February 26, 2005.[3][4][5] The station officially opened for service on Saturday, November 24, 2007, and as part of its opening celebration fares were not collected. Regular service with fare collection commenced on Monday, November 26, 2007.[6]
Station layout
The station consists of one island platform and four covered waiting areas; other amenities include ticket vending machines, emergency call box, and bicycle racks. The station also features several art installations including bas-reliefs entitled Skyrocket Oak by Alice Adams, drinking fountain basins designed to look like dogwoods, the North Carolina state flower, by Nancy Blum, bark motifs on both the pavers and shelters by Leticia Huerta and the painting of the bridge and retaining walls by Marek Ranis. The most notable art installations at the station are its two, 18 feet (5.5 m) tall, stainless-steel sculptures at the intersection of South Boulevard and Sharon Road West created by Cliff Garten.[2][7]
Adjacent to the station is the park and ride, which features a 188-space surface parking lot and two bus bays. Parking is free for patrons for either bus or light rail and is limited to 24 hours.[1]
^ abValle, Kristen (November 18, 2007). "Sharon Road West - An emphasis on walkability". The Charlotte Observer. p. 11M.
^Whitacre, Dianne (January 25, 1999). "Meeting to help decide when, where trains will be comin' down track". The Charlotte Observer. p. 1C.
^Whitacre, Dianne (April 27, 2000). "$8.2 million will get the ball rolling on light rail". The Charlotte Observer. p. 2B.
^Whitacre, Dianne (February 27, 2005). "Celebration marks start of work on light rail line". The Charlotte Observer. p. 2B.
^Harrison, Steve; Valle, Kristen (November 25, 2007). "Light rail, heavy traffic: Thousands wait in lines for a free ride on 1st day". The Charlotte Observer. p. 1A.
