Pedestrian bridge between South End and Uptown could start construction soon
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Rendering: Courtesy of City of Charlotte
The City of Charlotte is finalizing a $16 million construction contract for the long-planned pedestrian bridge connecting Uptown and South End.
Why it matters: This transformative project is finally moving forward after years of delays. It will create a safer, seamless connection on the Rail Trail and help merge Charlotte's most urban neighborhoods, which often seem in competition with each other for nightlife crowds and office tenants.
The latest: Charlotte City Council voted Monday night on a contract with Blythe Construction, Inc.
- Work is anticipated to be complete by spring 2028, according to the council agenda.
Zoom in: The 280-foot-long bridge, with its 16-foot-wide bike and walking path, will cross Interstate 277 between Carson and the Brooklyn Village light rail stations.
Flashback: The project — funded in part by the city, N.C. Department of Transportation and Mecklenburg County — was first announced in 2019 as an $11 million endeavor. Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank, which entered the Charlotte market in 2019, is contributing $1 million toward the bridge.
- Originally estimated to open by late 2022, the timeline was revised several times for various reasons, from rising costs to bureaucratic red tape.
The big picture: This project is just one on a lengthy list of public-private partnerships that have been drawn out, such as the nearby Brooklyn Village redevelopment.
- Another example, Charlotte Gateway Station, is critical for the city's connectivity yet has no clear timeline.
Editor's note: We've updated this story with details about the project's funding.