Construction leaders for new light rail stops in South End meet with subcontractors

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Those in charge of the new Blue Line stop project in South End met with subcontractors to talk about the opportunities available, while people living in the area say the improvements are needed.

Small business owners packed three rooms in the Mecklenburg County government center to hear about the different jobs needed to complete a new stop.

The project will add two stops between the New Bern station and the East/West station.

There will also be improved walkways and a path to get from the Hawkins Street side of the tracks to the South Boulevard side.

Leaders of the construction team told those in attendance that there is a need for companies to help with concrete grading work, installing metal railings, and installing fiber optic cable.

A brief moment was spent on the bidding process as well. This is all taking place as more apartments are being constructed in South End, and people moving in want increased public transit for their commute and getting around the area.

“Ever since I moved here, I’ve said there needs to be a train stop here,” said one woman during the November public input meeting. I work in Uptown so I take public transportation to work every day, and it’s lacking a stop.

“I think it will be perfect, I think it would be really convenient to get to Publix and back,” added another woman.”

Leaders of the project didn’t comment on camera about the meeting, but told subcontractors that the bidding process would start in a couple of weeks. The new stops are set to open in 2028.