On Monday, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) announced that it will build a permanent airport overlook that will open next year. The new viewing point comes after the previous overlook closed last year to make way for a new runway at the airport.
The airport said the new overlook will provide views of the airport’s center runway, playgrounds, shaded areas, and more amenities for the community. Construction on the new viewing point is pending approval from the Charlotte City Council.
Same views, different location
Since 1937, CLT has had four dedicated overlooks around the airport. According to the airport, the most recent location closed to the public on October 3, 2022, after serving the community for nearly 35 years. The overlook closed for the construction of a new taxiway on the airport’s north side and a fourth runway at the airport that will be parallel to three others at the airport.
As a result, a temporary overlook was built and opened at the corner of Old Dowd Road and Airport Overlook Drive. The airport said the temporary location will remain open to the community until the new overlook opens in 2024.
CLT states the permanent overlook will still be on the airport’s property.
“The new Overlook remains on Airport property just west of the previous location off Marshall Drive. It will maintain the spectacular airfield, skyline and terminal views enthusiasts have enjoyed for decades.”
Several amenities
Designers reportedly considered the community’s hopes, as the new overlook will have several features for people and animals. Plane spotters can take in breathtaking views of the airport’s 18C/36C runway and, eventually, the fourth runway that will be constructed. In addition, there will be picnic tables and benches along with shaded areas from trees.
Paved parking will be available with 145 spots, and LED lighting will keep the parking lot, and pedestrian areas lit overnight. Restrooms with baby changing stations and relief areas for pets will also be available. Additionally, people who wish to travel to the overlook by bike can keep it at the overlook’s bike racks. A staging area for buses will also be included.
Children will be occupied with two age-specific playgrounds, and another staging area will be available for food trucks and 10 covered picnic tables.
A static aircraft display will be featured for the aviation geek, along with exhibits that will feature the state’s aviation history.
Photo: Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Lastly, the overlook will include a dedicated memorial for USAir Flight 1016. The tragic accident occurred 28 years ago when the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 crashed just short of the runway due to wind shear. 37 people died from the severity of the impact and the fire that was started.
Airport officials are patiently awaiting approval from the Charlotte City Council to begin construction on the new overlook. The airport said crews are tentatively scheduled to start building the overlook in the late summer or early fall. The location has a projected opening in late Spring or early summer of next year.
