In the past, Franklin Boulevard has been considered the heart and soul of Gaston County. It cannot be over stated that Franklin Boulevard represents the core image of the City of Gastonia. In the past, this corridor has been the most vital geographic area of the community. Today, the corridor is experiencing a resurgence of development in some areas while other areas are facing the effects of economic decline and aesthetic deterioration. The future of the Franklin Boulevard corridor is paramount to the continued vitality of the City of Gastonia and Gaston County. Through improvements of all transportation modes, aesthetic quality, and traffic flow along this corridor, vitality and an improved image can be promoted for Gastonia and Gaston County.

Franklin Boulevard is the most significant thoroughfare in Gaston County, as it runs from the Catawba River / Mecklenburg County in the east to Interstate 85 and into Cleveland County on the west. Improving appearance, character, and usability of all transportation modes are requirements of this study.

Executive Summary

Existing Conditions

Redevelopment Scenarios

Master Plan

Transportation Strategy

Presentation