Charlotte city leaders celebrate kickoff of new pedestrian Rail Trail bridge connecting Uptown and South End

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The highly anticipated Rail Trail Bridge Project will soon be underway after city leaders celebrated the official kickoff on Tuesday Morning.

The new pedestrian and bicycle bridge will connect Uptown and South End from the CATS Blue Line Brooklyn Village Station to the existing Rail Trail under the East Morehead Street bridge.

“This is how we build a city that works for everyone, where people can move safely and comfortably on foot, by bike, or by transit; where walkable streets and connected pathways bring neighbors closer together; and where mobility isn’t limited to those with cars, but accessible to all,” Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson said.

The $16.4 million project will include a signature bridge with multiple structural arches, cables and lighting, along with upgraded walkways and approach areas on both sides of I-277.

“This bridge will be an important link between our region’s primary employment and entertainment hubs: Uptown and South End,” CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners, Michael Smith, said. “Closing the gap in the Rail Trail with this iconic architecture will knit together neighborhoods, expand the CBD and enhance hospitality connectivity.”

Charlotte city leaders say this is a major step toward improving safe, multimodal connectivity and upgrading the overall experience for those who work and live in Center City.

The project is set to be completed in 2028.

For more information on the project, click here.

Renderings of the new pedestrian bridge: