The Rail Trail Bridge is expected to link South End and Center City. | Rendering via Charlotte Rail Trail
Lace up those walking shoes. Yesterday, the City of Charlotte, Charlotte Center City Partners, and U.S. Bank celebrated the start of the Rail Trail Bridge Project. The new bicycle and pedestrian bridge will cross I-277, linking Center City and South End through the Charlotte Rail Trail.
Once complete, the $16.4 million 280-ft walkway will include a 16-ft-wide concrete path, and is expected to link the CATS Blue Line Brooklyn Village Station to the Rail Trail under the East Morehead Street bridge.
Once complete, walkers can stroll along the bridge between South College Street and South Boulevard.
Map via City of Charlotte
Driving nearby? The left lanes on the John Belk Freeway near College Street are closed for construction through February 2026. City documents note the bridge could be completed by mid-2028.
“This bridge has been a long time in the making,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson during a recent press conference. “For years, I-277 felt like a dividing line, a stretch of highway that made two communities feel a little too far apart. Today, that changes.”
Asked
Asked
What would you add to the Rail Trail Bridge?
A. Bike or scooter rentals B. History plaques about Charlotte C. Rail Trail maps D. Other
From sipping seasonal tea in the Quiet Room to giving your skin a touch of glow with a luxurious facial, you’ll feel the tranquility take over the moment you slip into the plush robe and reflexology sandals.
Pacific Life Insurance Co. will open its new East Coast hub at the upcoming Queensbridge Collective development in South End. The insurance company secured an 11-year lease and plans to create 301 new jobs over the next five years. Occupancy is expected by 2028.
Civic
Charlotte City Council voted to allow the installation of 30 digital kiosks throughout the city. The digital boards will include maps, business highlights, and safety announcements + could go up around Beatties Ford Road, South End, University City, West Boulevard, and SouthPark. (WCNC)
Development
The final beam is in place at the $1 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain. Opening in spring 2026, the first phase includes 1,350 slot machines, 22 table games, and a restaurant. The full complex, scheduled to open in 2027, will add a hotel, 4,300 slots, and 100 tables. (WCNC)
Community
Local nonprofit Leading on Opportunity has updated its economic mobility tracker, Opportunity Compass. The tool looks at 82 indicators — up from 33 — and measures the city’s progress on improving access and opportunity. (The Charlotte Observer)
Opening
Get ready for all-you-can-eat sushi. The OG Asian Eatery + KTV will open in the former Yiding Hot Pot, Sushi + More at The Centrum in Pineville. The restaurant will also have ramen, sake, and karaoke rooms — an exact opening date is TBA. (The Charlotte Observer)
Travel
Etihad Airways is launching its Charlotte flight early. The airline’s four-times-weekly service from the Queen City to Abu Dhabi will depart March 23, 2026, rather than May 4.
Drink
South End restaurant and cocktail bar Vinyl is getting ready for Halloween with new themed cocktails. To celebrate Halloween night on Friday, the team will host giveaways for costumed guests. What will you try first?
Try This
Speaking of Halloween... LaZoom still has a few seats available on their “Ghosted: Comedy Tour” on Friday, Oct. 31. The bus departs from Camp North End and travels through the Queen City, retelling stories packed with humor and surprises.
Sports
The rookies are shining on the court so far this season. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Holiday
Still need Halloween plans?Winston-Salem has 5+ spooktacular events on the calendar this weekend, from a Halloween Classics Candlelight Concert on Thursday to Downtown Kernersville Trick-Or-Treat and a Spirited Halloween Ball on Friday. Check out the full event calendar to plan a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway.*
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Seasonal
Got something big happening this winter? From new menus to limited-time promos, make sure your message lands in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers. Get started on our business promo portal with zero long-term contract.
Editor’s Pick
👑 Charlotte-themed costumes
When in doubt, Morris Costumes has costume rentals for every occasion.
Photo by CLTtoday
Show your Charlotte pride this Halloween by trying one of these three Queen City-themed costumes:
Queen Charlotte | Dress as a queen of 2025 or as the true icon and city’s namesake with a purple petticoat — don’t forget your crown.
A CLT sports fan | What better reason to keep representing our teams — paint your face to go above and beyond.
Family-sized Bo Box | Hear me out. A cream-colored shirt, brown pants, and a box full of fresh biscuits would go great together.
Keep an eye out for tomorrow’s newsletter, as I’ll be sharing several places you can visit to get a last-minute costume.
The Buy
A set of versatile mixing bowls that are on sale for a limited time. The bowls feature easy-to-open, air tight lids, making the transition from prep to storage a breeze. Use them for everything from kneading bread dough to mixing batter to putting together a salad for a potluck crowd.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The other night, I spent the evening singing along to the Jonas Brothers in Orlando with my best friend. ICYMI, the JoBros are playing at the Spectrum Center on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Should I see them again?
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