CATS confirms new LYNX Blue Line South End Station, schedules public meetings and construction impacts

New infill station planned between existing Blue Line stops

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has announced plans to build a new LYNX Blue Line station in South End, positioning it as an infill stop between the New Bern and East/West Boulevard stations. The project area is generally framed by Remount Road and Tremont Drive, a segment that has seen sustained growth in residential and commercial activity since the Blue Line opened in 2007.

The planned station is expected to open in 2028. Public outreach is scheduled to continue through a pair of meetings intended to share project updates and gather feedback from residents, riders and nearby businesses.

Public meeting schedule and participation options

CATS has set an in-person open house for Monday, March 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Urban Design Center’s South End Studio. A second meeting is planned as a virtual session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., hosted via the agency’s YouTube channel.

In addition to the March 2026 events, previous public meetings on the proposed South End Station were held in late August 2023, reflecting a multi-year planning process that has included design development and community engagement.

What construction includes beyond the station

The station project is coupled with related infrastructure work intended to address pedestrian and bicycle movement in the corridor and to create new connections to the Rail Trail network. Planned work includes a new railroad track crossing in the South End area and construction of a new section of Rail Trail, along with sidewalk and track work in adjacent streets.

Project materials and public reporting describe the overall effort as a combination of station access, pedestrian connectivity improvements and construction sequencing designed to keep transit operating where feasible while work proceeds.

Expected impacts: Blue Line operations and Rail Trail closures

CATS has advised that construction will affect both light rail operations and portions of the Rail Trail in South End during spring and into summer 2026, with detours anticipated for pedestrians and cyclists. Transit impacts include a full Blue Line shutdown tentatively scheduled for April 25–26, 2026, followed by single-tracking through the construction area on April 27–28, 2026. Additional shutdowns may be required later in 2026 and into 2027 to accommodate construction activities.

Rail Trail access is also expected to be constrained in multiple segments, with closures and detours planned between Tremont Avenue and Remount Road and in other nearby stretches. Access to businesses along affected areas is expected to be maintained, while through-travel on some segments may be limited.

• In-person meeting: Monday, March 9, 2026 (5–7 p.m.), Charlotte Urban Design Center’s South End Studio
• Virtual meeting: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (12:30 p.m.), hosted on CATS’ YouTube channel
• Target opening: 2028
• Key service impacts: tentative full shutdown April 25–26, 2026; single-tracking April 27–28, 2026

Residents are expected to have opportunities at the public meetings to review station plans, construction phasing and proposed detours, and to raise concerns about access, safety and service continuity during the buildout.