Rail Trail Bridge

  • Project typeBridges, Transportation
  • Project budget$17 million
  • Project phaseBid

consultant rendering of Rail Trail bridge spanning I-277 during the day.

Above: Consultant rendering of the Rail Trail Bridge. For illustrative purposes only. Specific features and amenities could change.

photo of the project area before improvements

Project Overview

This project will provide a new bicycle and pedestrian connection over I-277 from the CATS Blue Line Stonewall Station to where the existing Rail Trail ends under the East Morehead Street bridge, north of Carson Street. The project will seamlessly provide Rail Trail users direct access to and from Center City and South End.

Project Goals

  • To provide connectivity to the Rail Trail and remove I-277 as an obstacle between South End and Center City

  • To provide a safe, direct, car-free route for bicyclists and pedestrians

Public Involvement

The project team will engage the community at various points in the planning, design and construction process. The following public meetings have taken place:

  • Nov. 21, 2019: Project kickoff at Charlotte Powerhouse Studio (now Charlotte Urban Design Center)
  • Dec. 7, 2021: Update meeting at Charlotte Design Center

Vicinity Maps

map of project area with a yellow line depicting the bridge spanning I-277

A map that shows the current route of the Rail Trail and the existing gap over I-277

The map above shows the current route of the Rail Trail and the existing gap over I-277.

A map that illustrates the approximate location of the future bridge, spanning Stonewall Street and I-277 near the Charlotte Convention Center

The map above illustrates the approximate location of the future bridge.