News Summary
The Wilmington City Council has approved $3.7 million for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail, a key development in enhancing public transport and recreational paths. This 1.6-mile segment will connect Pine Grove Drive to Old Military Road, with construction expected to last nine months. The project includes ADA ramps, drainage systems, and improved pedestrian safety around schools. Plans for additional sections of the trail continue, alongside other initiatives to promote walkability in the city.
Wilmington – The Wilmington City Council has officially approved $3.7 million in funding for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail project during a council meeting on July 15, 2025. This decision marks a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to enhance its public transportation and recreational pathways.
Once the entire Greenville Loop Trail is completed, it will stretch a total of 4.4 miles across the southeastern quadrant of Wilmington. The newly approved funding will be allocated for the longest segment of the trail, which will measure 1.6 miles and will be paved with asphalt. This section is set to run from Pine Grove Drive to Old Military Road.
Wells Brothers Construction has been awarded the construction contract following a public bidding process, and the total project cost is estimated at $3,864,253. Funding for this amount has already been secured within the existing project budget, making the financial aspects of the project manageable.
Features and Improvements
The current phase of the Greenville Loop Trail will feature various improvements beyond just the trail itself. The second section will include ADA ramps to ensure access for individuals with disabilities, as well as essential utilities and drainage systems. A new traffic signal will also be installed at Bradley Creek Elementary School, enhancing pedestrian safety for students and their families.
Construction for this phase of the trail is expected to last approximately nine months, with completion slated for the spring of 2026. The first section of the trail, which comprises a one-mile stretch along Holly Tree Road from South College Road to Pine Grove Drive, was completed in 2023.
Future Plans for the Greenville Loop Trail
The Wilmington City Council has also announced plans to open bids for constructing the remaining two sections of the Greenville Loop Trail later this year. The third section will run along Greenville Loop Road from Old Military Road to Park Avenue. This phase will include a signaled pedestrian crossing at Oleander Drive for added safety. The final section of the trail will extend from Holly Tree Road to a planned roundabout at the intersection of Pine Grove Drive and Greenville Loop Road and is expected to be completed in conjunction with intersection improvements in 2026.
Additional Enhancements to Walkability
In addition to the Greenville Loop Trail, Wilmington City is working on a separate 0.7-mile multi-use path along Kerr Avenue. This path will enhance walkability by providing a direct route from the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus to nearby commercial areas north of Market Street, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025.
Importance of the Greenville Loop Trail
The mayor of Wilmington has emphasized the importance of the Greenville Loop Trail in the city’s overall trail system and noted the demand from citizens for such projects. He addressed the complexities involved in the Greenville Loop project, emphasizing challenges such as private property negotiations, utility realignments, and stormwater management. Greater pedestrian safety measures, especially around schools, are a priority in this project, aiming to improve safety and accessibility for residents.
The Greenville Loop Trail project is a part of Wilmington’s broader transportation bond projects package, which was authorized in 2014, totaling $55 million. The city continues to explore growth and development opportunities for additional trails and improvements beyond the current plans.
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Additional Resources
- Star News Online: Construction to begin on Greenville Loop Trail
- WECT: Second phase of Greenville Loop Trail set to begin
- WECT: Greenville Loop Trail project update
- WWAY: New crosswalk has opened in Wilmington
- Wikipedia: Greenville Loop Trail
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