CATS is building a $30M+ South End Station so you stop jumping the tracks
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Rendering: CATS
The years-in-the-making South End Station and pedestrian crossing, between Publix and the Cortland apartments, will start construction this spring and open in 2028.
Why it matters: It's become common to see pedestrians jumping the fence and endangering themselves while walking across the light rail tracks, as development and the population have boomed in this area between the New Bern and East/West stations since the Blue Line opened in 2007.
What to expect: The Charlotte Area Transit System's estimated $30-35 million plans, funded by a mix of local and federal dollars, also include filling a gap in the Rail Trail with a new section built behind Autobell and Cannon Pharmacy.
- Rail service will shut down three times during construction, with work rolled into routine preventative maintenance. The first closure is scheduled for April 25 and 26. The Blue Line will single track in the area of construction on April 27 and 28.
- The Rail Trail will also have to close from April to July.
By the numbers: The roughly $34 million budget covers construction, design and management, property rights and related costs, such as landscaping, utilities, ticket machines and permits.
What's next: CATS is hosting an open house on the project and construction impacts on Monday, March 9, at The Charlotte Urban Design Center in South End from 5-7pm.
- A virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, on the CATS YouTube channel at 12:30pm.
Editor's note: We've updated this story with additional details.