Portion of South End Rail Trail Closes Temporarily

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A busy stretch of the popular South End Rail Trail in Charlotte, North Carolina will be closed temporarily starting on April 19 due to construction on a new $30-35 million light rail station and pedestrian crossing. The closure will impact local businesses in the area and force pedestrians and cyclists to take detours until the trail reopens in sections through May and July.

Why it matters

The Rail Trail is a heavily trafficked area, especially during warmer months, and the closure will disrupt foot traffic and impact nearby businesses. However, the new light rail station is a long-planned project to accommodate the growing development and population in the South End neighborhood since the Blue Line first opened in 2007.

The details

The Rail Trail closure will run from Tremont Avenue, just past The Line, to Remount Road, where businesses like Stable Hand and SPOONS acai bowls are located. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is overseeing the construction of the new $30-35 million light rail station and pedestrian crossing between Publix and the Cortland apartments. CATS is also filling a gap in the Rail Trail with a new section behind the Autobell car wash.

• The Rail Trail closure will begin on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
• The trail is expected to reopen in sections through May and July 2026.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.