Downtown Urban Trail Updates
The Downtown Greenway in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a 4-mile multi-use paved trail encircling the city's center, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and educational institutions. The final segment, known as the Western Branch, extends from Spring Garden Street to Smith Street, with an extension north to Hill Street.
The Final Section of the Downtown Greenway runs paralell with Cedar St behind Wafco Mills and Historic Wafco Mills.
Trifrog
Construction Timeline:
Contract Approval: In September 2023, the Greensboro City Council approved a $14.95 million contract with Yates Construction Co. for the Western Branch.
Construction Start: Construction began in early 2024, with an expected completion date of June 2025.
Features of the Final Segment:
Trail Specifications: The 12-foot-wide trail includes buffers between the path and roadways, enhanced landscaping, lighting, benches, bicycle racks, drinking fountains, trash and recycling receptacles, and public art installations.
Community Impact: The completion of the Western Branch will create a continuous loop around downtown Greensboro, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic development in the area.
Current Status:
As of November 2024, construction is ongoing, with completion anticipated by June 2025. The Downtown Greenway continues to host events and programs to engage the community and showcase its offerings.
For more information and updates, visit the official Downtown Greenway website.
Current Status:
As of November 2024, construction is ongoing, with completion anticipated by June 2025. The Downtown Greenway continues to host events and programs to engage the community and showcase its offerings.
For more information and updates, visit the official Downtown Greenway website.
TriFROG, or Triad Friends of Greenways, is a coalition based in the Triad region of North Carolina, encompassing Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. This organization unites various local groups and individuals to advocate for the maintenance and enhancement of local greenways. Their mission is to persuade decision-makers to prioritize the upkeep and improvement of these trails, emphasizing their economic, health, and community benefits.
Key Objectives:
Maintenance: Addressing issues such as root damage, cracked pavement, and standing water to ensure safety and accessibility.
Directional Signage: Improving signage to aid navigation and enhance user experience.
Connectivity: Closing gaps between greenway segments to create a seamless network for users.
Accessibility: Ensuring trails are accessible to the elderly, young children, and individuals with disabilities by addressing inclines, stairs, and other barriers.
TriFROG collaborates with local organizations and community members to amplify their advocacy efforts, aiming to bring about positive changes with a unified voice.
For more information or to get involved, visit their official website.
Trifrog
11-22-2024 Construction is going very well on the Western Branch section of the Downtown Greenway.
As a reminder again – the western branch section of the downtown greenway is an active construction site and is closed for public use. Please help us spread the word about this.
Parts of Spring Garden Street were closed November 18th near the construction site crossing and the Morehead Park Trailhead Parking Area. This will be closed for approximately 6-8 weeks. There are detour routes advertised and posted. This is the end of the utility upgrades happening along the corridor.
Various lanes of West Market Street from Mendenhall Street to Cedar Street will be closed daily from 9am to 4pm starting Monday, December 2nd, until Friday, December 20th because of DG construction.
I am happy to report that the diesel pump has moved away from the residential areas. They have finished installing the northernmost culvert between Guilford Avenue and Smith Street. They are in process of installing the 2nd culvert between Guilford Avenue and Friendly Avenue and are moving quickly. When they complete that one – they will move on to the 3rd culvert that is between Market Street and McGee Street. This is quite a process to watch – with the stream diversion and the digging out. I have attached a few photos.
The team working on the additional landscaping for the Western Branch has continued their work. They issued the RFP on November 1st and we had 5 firms express an interest in submitting. Those submissions are due December 31st and the committee will get back together in late January to review.
The Market + Branch public art commission is underway. We had 2 artists visit in November and have 2 more coming in December. I encourage you to come to the public talks on these dates:
December 5 at 5:30 at the Greensboro History Museum with Pete Beeman
December 12 at 5:30 at the Greensboro History Museum with Adam Buente
Rails to Trails
Greensboro, North Carolina, boasts a comprehensive urban trail system that includes notable rail-trail conversions, transforming former railway corridors into multi-use paths for recreation and transportation.
Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway
The Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway is Greensboro's primary rail-trail, repurposing the former Atlantic & Yadkin Railway corridor. This paved trail extends approximately 7.5 miles, connecting various neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas. Starting near Lake Brandt, it traverses through Bur-Mil Park and continues southward, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding woodlands. The greenway provides opportunities for walking, biking, and wildlife observation, featuring bridges and boardwalks over Lake Brandt.
Downtown Greenway
The Downtown Greenway is a 4-mile urban loop encircling downtown Greensboro, designed to promote active transportation and connect communities. While not a rail-trail, it intersects with the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway, enhancing connectivity within the city's trail network. The greenway features public art installations, landscaping, and amenities such as benches and bike racks, fostering a vibrant urban environment.
Bicentennial Greenway
The Bicentennial Greenway is a 14.5-mile paved pathway connecting Greensboro to High Point, NC. Although not entirely a rail-trail, it includes segments that follow former railway lines. The trail weaves through residential neighborhoods, mixed forests, parks, and natural areas, linking to amenities including shopping areas and schools. It connects with the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway, further integrating Greensboro's trail system.
Trail Connectivity and Expansion
Greensboro's trail system is designed to interconnect various greenways and trails, providing residents and visitors with extensive routes for recreation and commuting. The integration of rail-trails like the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway into the urban trail network enhances accessibility and promotes sustainable transportation options. Ongoing efforts aim to expand and maintain these trails, ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable for all users.
For detailed maps and information on Greensboro's trails and greenways, visit the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department's official website.
In early November of 2024, two Wafco Board of Directors walked with the project managers from the city of Greensboro NC as well as numerous vendors working on this section of the Urban Trail.
