City Celebrates Rail Trail Bridge Project Kickoff
Published on October 28, 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 28, 2025) –The City of Charlotte, in collaboration with Charlotte Center City Partners and U.S. Bank, celebrated the official kickoff of the Rail Trail Bridge Project this morning. The event marked the beginning of construction on a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will span I-277, connecting Uptown and South End through the Charlotte Rail Trail.
Once complete, the bridge will link the CATS Blue Line Brooklyn Village Station to the existing Rail Trail under the East Morehead Street bridge, creating a seamless route for residents, commuters and visitors to connect between South End and Uptown.
"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 aesthetic lighting, along with upgraded walkways and approach areas on both sides of I-277. The design team includes Schlaich Bergermann Partner, Thomas and Hutton and Depeña Studios.
“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.”
This project is made possible by multiple funding partners, including the City of Charlotte, U.S. Bank, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Mecklenburg County, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, ArtPlace America, Asana Partners, Crescent Communities, Portman Holdings and Whole Foods.
“At U.S. Bank, we are heavily invested in the continued growth of Charlotte,” Executive Vice President and Head of Business Banking for U.S. Bank, Dee O’Dell said. “Contributing $1 million to the new pedestrian bridge was just another reflection of our commitment to the city. We are excited to see this project begin, and we can’t wait to see it reach completion and bring together two thriving parts of the city.”
The project represents a major step toward improving safe, multimodal connectivity and enhancing the overall experience for those who live, work and play in Center City. For more information, visit the Rail Trail Bridge project page.