Charlotte’s $16.4M Pedestrian Bridge Over I-277 to Begin Construction
Key Takeaways
- The $16.4 million Charlotte pedestrian bridge will link Uptown and South End across I-277, improving access to the Charlotte Rail Trail and CATS Blue Line.
- Originally planned for 2022, the project now targets a spring 2028 completion, following delays and rising costs.
- Construction will span two and a half years, with nighttime lane closures and two full weekend highway shutdowns for bridge installation.
Construction of a long-awaited pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting two Charlotte, N.C., neighborhoods is set to begin in the coming days, marking a major milestone in the city’s infrastructure and mobility network.
The $16.4 million pedestrian bridge will span Interstate 277, linking Uptown and South End via the Charlotte Rail Trail. The structure will also provide direct access to the CATS Blue Line Brooklyn Village Station, according to WCNC Charlotte.
Project Delays and Updated Timeline
The pedestrian bridge project has faced delays and rising costs, with initials plans targeting a 2022 completion at an estimated $11 million. The current timeline now projects completion in spring 2028, Axios Charlotte reported.
Over the two-and-a-half-year construction period, drivers on I-277 can expect traffic disruptions, including intermittent lane and ramp closures. According to Axios Charlotte, most closures will occur at night to minimize traffic impacts. Two full weekend closures of the interstate are planned to allow crews to install the bridge, though dates have not been announced.
Safety and Construction Sequencing
Construction will begin with the central bridge supports over the interstate, working outward toward both ends, Axios Charlotte reported. The city will issue advance public notice before any full closures.
Building over an active interstate requires complex safety measures and detailed sequencing, Dan Leaver, assistant division manager for engineering services with the City of Charlotte, told Axios Charlotte.
Bridge Design and Features
The new bridge will measure 280 feet long and 16 feet wide, featuring arches, cables, and aesthetic lighting to create a signature architectural landmark for the Charlotte skyline.
When complete, the I-277 pedestrian bridge will offer a safe, accessible route for cyclists, pedestrians, and commuters, helping reconnect communities divided by the interstate.
Sources: Axios Charlotte, WCNC Charlotte