NC: South End construction will bring shutdowns for Blue Line, section of Rail Trail

Construction will interfere with public transit services and temporarily shut down part of a popular walking path in South End throughout the spring and into the summer.

The Charlotte Area Transit System is starting multiple projects in South End this month, including the construction of a new light rail station, a new section of the Rail Trail and a new railroad track crossing. All of that work will impact access to the LYNX Blue Line light rail and the 11-mile pedestrian and bicycle path that runs along it, including temporary shutdowns.

CATS is scheduled to host two public meetings for residents who want to learn more about the projects, an in-person event 5 p.m. Monday at The Charlotte Urban Design Center’s South End Studio and a virtual meeting on the CATS YouTube channel at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

What’s planned in South End?

The new South End Station will be built between Remount Road and Tremont Drive, according to CATS’s project website. The new station is slated to open some time in 2028.

CATS is also building a new railroad track crossing between the South End Publix and Cortland South End apartment complex as well as a new Rail Trail section behind the South End locations of Autobell and Cannon Pharmacy.

Work is also scheduled on the sidewalks connecting to South Boulevard and Hawkins Street and on railroad tracks in the area.

Blue Line light rail impacts

A full light rail shutdown is “tentatively scheduled” for April 25 and 26, CATS spokesman Brett Baldeck told The Charlotte Observer. The Blue Line will also run on just one track in both directions in the area of construction on April 27 and 28, Baldeck said.

CATS will update riders on impacts through Rider Alerts, station signage, overhead announcements and the CATS-Pass app.

“While we aim to stay on schedule, we encourage riders to check the app and our website for real-time updates,” Baldeck said.

Additional rail shutdowns may be needed to facilitate construction later in 2026 and into 2027, CATS’s project website notes.

Rail Trail impacts

Construction will also limit access to the Rail Trail in South End.

The path will be closed on the west side of the railroad tracks from Remount Road to the Linea apartment complex in April, according to CATS’s website. But access will remain to businesses along that stretch. From May to July, the path will be closed on the west side of the tracks from Cortland South End to Linea, CATS says.

On the east side of the railroad tracks, the Rail Trail will be closed between the Trolley Barn Restaurant and Camden Southline apartment complex and between Remount Road and the 2400 South development from April to July. Access to Atherton Mills and Lofts will remain open between Tremont and the Trolley Barn Restaurant.

CATS plans to set up bicycle and pedestrian detours from Tremont Avenue to Remount Road using Hawkins and Dunevant streets on the west side and South Boulevard on the east side.

Private sidewalks and paths connecting to the Rail Trail will remain open to residents and businesses in the affected areas, as well as emergency vehicles, but will be closed to through traffic, CATS said.

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