Blue Line riders will board on one platform between New Bern and Bland stations for four weeks from Nov. 2 while CATS builds the new South End station.

Lynx Blue Line trains will share a single track through part of South End for four weeks in November and December. The Charlotte Area Transit System is building the foundation for the new South End station. Trains keep running, but riders at the affected stations will have to board from one side.

Updated Oct. 30: CATS confirmed the dates in an Oct. 26 rider notice, said frequencies will be adjusted at peak and midday hours, and added Rail Trail detours. It has not published added trip times.

CATS announced the schedule in an Oct. 9 news release. Most of the work is to install a grade beam and concrete foundation for the new station. The agency said the station sits near the recently opened pedestrian rail crossing by Publix.

A separate weekend closure on Nov. 14-15 covers concrete repairs at Archdale Station.

The dates and where to board

Dates Stations Board every train on the
Monday, Nov. 2, to Friday, Nov. 6 New Bern to Bland southbound platform (toward I-485/South Blvd.)
Monday, Nov. 9, to Friday, Nov. 13 New Bern to Bland southbound platform
Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15 Archdale to Scaleybark northbound platform (toward uptown and UNC Charlotte Main)
Monday, Nov. 30, to Friday, Dec. 4 New Bern to Bland northbound platform
Monday, Dec. 7, to Friday, Dec. 11 New Bern to Bland northbound platform

During each period, trains in both directions use the same track through the work zone. That means a rider heading uptown from Bland Street in early November boards on the southbound side. CATS said it will post directional signs at the stations and make audio announcements.

The release does not say how much longer trips will take. CATS asked riders to plan ahead and allow extra time, and said updated Blue Line schedules will be posted.

“These improvements along the Blue Line are essential investments that will benefit our customers for years to come,” said Brent Cagle, interim CEO of CATS.

Rail Trail detours

People walking or cycling on the Rail Trail beside the tracks will be detoured during the weekday blocks, CATS said in its Oct. 26 notice:

  • Nov. 2-6 and Nov. 9-13: the northbound track-side trail is closed between the new pedestrian rail crossing and South End Cannon Pharmacy at 2334 South Blvd.
  • Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 and Dec. 7-11: the southbound track-side trail is closed between the new pedestrian rail crossing and JETSET Pilates at 2161 Hawkins St.

Signs and barriers will point to an alternate path, CATS said.

What it means for you

  • If you ride through South End on weekdays in November or early December, check which platform you need before you reach the station. The side switches after Nov. 13.
  • Allow extra time. All trains share one track through the work zone, so a delay in one direction can hold up the other.
  • Check the schedule before you go. CATS said updated times will be on the CATS-Pass app and the rail routes and schedules page.
  • Sign up for alerts through CATS Rider’s Alerts.
  • Need help? CATS Customer Service is at 704-336-7433.

For other ways around the city, see our guide to getting around Charlotte. Current road and ramp closures are on our road construction and closures page. For the neighborhood itself, see our South End guide.