Charlotte leaders officially kicked off the long-awaited Rail Trail Bridge Project this morning, marking a major milestone in the city’s effort to better connect Uptown and South End.
The $16.4 million pedestrian and bicycle bridge will span I-277, linking the CATS Blue Line’s Brooklyn Village Station with the existing Rail Trail beneath East Morehead Street.
City officials describe the project as a transformative step toward safe, car-free mobility and a more connected Center City. The new bridge will feature multiple arches, cables, and artistic lighting, creating both a functional and architectural landmark for Charlotte’s skyline.
Once complete, the bridge will allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel freely between Uptown and South End without navigating traffic-heavy routes. City planners say it also removes I-277 as a barrier between two of Charlotte’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
Construction crews are expected to finish the project by 2028, with additional upgrades to surrounding walkways and approach areas.
