August 17, 2026 — As major construction projects move forward along the I-85 and U.S. 74 corridors in Gaston County and western Mecklenburg County, Centralina Regional Council’s Integrated Mobility Center is taking steps to help residents and workers stay connected.
The Centralina Integrated Mobility Center has been awarded a Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (RIA) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau. The two-year grant will support regional transportation planning efforts focused on identifying practical commuter solutions during upcoming construction along this heavily traveled corridor.
This marks the second time Centralina has received the competitive federal grant, reinforcing the organization’s role as a trusted regional partner in transportation planning and infrastructure coordination.
Planning for the Real-World Impacts of Construction
Large-scale transportation improvements are essential to supporting growth and mobility across the region, but construction can also create significant challenges for daily commuters, employers and local communities.
The RIA grant will allow Centralina and its partners to proactively evaluate transportation options that can help reduce disruptions during construction. The effort will focus on identifying strategies that improve reliability, ease congestion and expand access to alternative commuting options.
“Our goal is to help commuters prepare for disruption while ensuring they are aware of reliable, affordable options to get to work and essential services,” said Geraldine Gardner, Executive Director of Centralina Regional Council. “This funding allows us to focus on near-term, real-life transportation challenges people and employers will experience during construction.”
A Regional Partnership Approach
Centralina will lead the initiative in collaboration with several transportation and local government partners, including:
Together, partners will assess a range of commuter-focused solutions, including shared mobility opportunities, employer-based transportation programs and coordinated regional responses designed to meet the needs of residents, workers and businesses.
A key component of the work will be engaging communities and stakeholders throughout the planning process to ensure recommendations reflect local priorities and real-world transportation needs.
Supporting Long-Term Regional Mobility
The grant builds on Centralina’s broader commitment to helping local governments and regional partners navigate complex infrastructure planning and funding opportunities. By bringing together stakeholders across jurisdictions, Centralina helps communities identify solutions that strengthen connectivity, improve quality of life and support sustainable regional growth.
Receiving this grant for a second time highlights the confidence federal partners have in Centralina’s ability to coordinate across the region and deliver meaningful outcomes that benefit communities today and in the future.
As planning efforts begin, Centralina looks forward to working with partners and residents to develop innovative solutions that keep the region moving during construction and beyond.
To learn more about Centralina Regional Council and its CONNECT Beyond program, visit www.connect-beyond.com
