July 26, 2025

Wilmington City Council Approves Funding for Greenville Loop Trail

here-intlog
July 26, 2025
10:17 am
Milwaukee

News Summary

The Wilmington City Council has approved a $3.7 million funding package for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail, enhancing accessibility and recreational opportunities. This 1.6-mile segment will incorporate safety features and ADA ramps, promoting pedestrian and bicycle use. Construction is set to take around nine months, with future sections planned to further improve walkability in the city.

Wilmington – The Wilmington City Council has approved a significant funding package amounting to $3.7 million for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail project. This decision was made during a council meeting on July 15, 2025, marking a critical step towards the completion of a key infrastructure initiative designed to enhance accessibility and recreational opportunities in the area.

The funding supports the construction contract awarded to Wells Brothers Construction following a public bidding process. The overall budget for the Greenville Loop Trail project stands at $3,864,253, with the remainder of the financing already secured within the project’s existing budget. Upon completion, the entire Greenville Loop Trail will span approximately 4.4 miles across the southeastern quadrant of Wilmington, promoting both pedestrian and bicycle use.

The second section of the trail, measuring 1.6 miles, will be the longest segment of the project and will feature an asphalt surface. Building from Pine Grove Drive to Old Military Road, this segment will incorporate ADA ramps to ensure accessibility for all users. Additional improvements included in the project scope entail utility upgrades, effective drainage solutions, and a newly installed traffic signal near Bradley Creek Elementary School to enhance safety for pedestrians, especially children.

Construction work on this phase is expected to take around nine months, with an anticipated completion date set for spring 2026. The first section of the Greenville Loop Trail, a one-mile stretch alongside Holly Tree Road, was already completed in 2023, establishing a foundation for expanded trail access.

Future planning calls for bids on the remaining two sections of the Greenville Loop Trail to open later this year. The third section is planned to run along Greenville Loop Road from Old Military Road to Park Avenue, introducing a signaled pedestrian crossing at Oleander Drive. Meanwhile, the final segment will extend from Holly Tree Road to a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Pine Grove Drive and Greenville Loop Road, which will be built in conjunction with improvements scheduled for 2026.

Beyond the Greenville Loop Trail, city officials are also advancing plans for enhanced walkability in the area. A new 0.7-mile multi-use path is intended to connect the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus to commercial zones north of Market Street. This project is expected to commence in fall 2025, furthering the city’s commitment to improving transportation and recreational infrastructure.

Mayor Bill Saffo has acknowledged the intricate challenges involved in the Greenville Loop Trail project. These challenges include collaboration with private property owners, realigning utilities, and addressing stormwater management concerns. He highlighted the long-standing demand from the community for this project, exemplifying its significance within Wilmington’s broader trail system.

The construction of the Greenville Loop Trail is expected to include various safety enhancements, particularly a traffic signal and features that promote pedestrian safety in school zones, demonstrating the city’s focus on safeguarding its residents while enhancing mobility options.

Looking ahead, Wilmington continues to explore opportunities for additional trail development and infrastructure improvements, underlining its commitment to fostering a pedestrian-friendly and interconnected urban environment.