Charlotte to Straighten Dangerous SouthPark Road

City plans $3.5 million project to address sharp turns causing crashes

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:00pm

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The City of Charlotte is launching a $3.5 million project to straighten a section of Sharon Road in the SouthPark neighborhood after years of complaints about the sharp turns and frequent car crashes in the area.

Why it matters

Sharon Road is a major thoroughfare in the affluent SouthPark district, home to high-end shopping and dining. The dangerous curves have led to numerous accidents, property damage, and concerns about public safety from local residents and businesses.

The details

The project will involve realigning and smoothing out the sharp turns on a half-mile stretch of Sharon Road. City engineers say the current road design, with its abrupt 90-degree bends, has caused many vehicles to lose control, especially at higher speeds. The construction work is expected to take 12-18 months to complete.

  • The $3.5 million project is scheduled to begin in June 2026.
  • Construction is expected to last 12-18 months, with completion targeted for late 2027 or early 2028.

The players

City of Charlotte

The local government of Charlotte, North Carolina, responsible for infrastructure projects and public safety in the city.

SouthPark Neighborhood Association

A community organization representing residents and businesses in the affluent SouthPark district of Charlotte.

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What they’re saying

“We've been asking the city to fix this dangerous road for years. It's only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.”

— Sarah Wilkins, President, SouthPark Neighborhood Association

“Straightening out Sharon Road is a top priority to improve traffic flow and safety in this busy commercial district.”

— Mike Johnson, City Transportation Engineer

What’s next

The city will hold a public information session in May 2026 to discuss the construction timeline and traffic detours with local residents and businesses.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates Charlotte's commitment to addressing dangerous road conditions and prioritizing public safety, even in its most affluent neighborhoods. The improvements to Sharon Road should help reduce accidents and give drivers more control, benefiting both the local community and the many visitors to the SouthPark shopping district.