Wilmington City Council Allocates Funding for Greenville Loop Trail

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Construction workers enhance the Greenville Loop Trail, facilitating better connectivity in Wilmington.

News Summary

The Wilmington City Council has approved $3.7 million for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail project. This funding will enhance the city’s transportation network and improve walkability in the southeastern quadrant of Wilmington. Construction will last nine months and is expected to be completed by spring 2026. The trail will feature ADA accessibility and safety improvements, promoting outdoor activities and neighborhood connectivity. Future sections are also planned to expand the trail network.

Wilmington City Council Approves $3.7 Million for Greenville Loop Trail

The Wilmington City Council has approved $3.7 million in funding for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail project, a significant step forward in enhancing the city’s transportation network. This funding decision took place during a council meeting on July 15, 2025, aiming to improve walkability and connectivity in the southeastern quadrant of Wilmington.

Funding and Construction Details

The total estimated cost for the second section of the trail is $3,864,253, with remaining funding secured within the project budget. The council awarded the construction contract for this phase to Wells Brothers Construction after a competitive public bid process. Construction is expected to last nine months, with completion projected for spring 2026.

This second section will span 1.6 miles and will be laid out as an asphalt trail, extending from Pine Grove Drive to Old Military Road. It is designed to be accessible, featuring ADA ramps to accommodate all users. Additionally, improvements included in the project budget encompass utilities, drainage solutions, and a new traffic signal at Bradley Creek Elementary to enhance pedestrian safety.

Overall Greenville Loop Trail Project

Once complete, the entire Greenville Loop Trail will cover 4.4 miles. The first section, measuring one mile, was completed in 2023 and runs along Holly Tree Road from South College Road to Pine Grove Drive. Future phases include plans for two additional sections; one will extend along Greenville Loop Road and another will connect Holly Tree Road to a planned roundabout at the intersection of Pine Grove Drive and Greenville Loop Road.

Bids for construction of these remaining two sections are expected to be opened later this year. The third section will propose a signaled pedestrian crossing at Oleander Drive, while the final section is anticipated to coincide with intersection improvements also scheduled for 2026.

Long-Term Vision and Community Impact

The Greenville Loop Trail is part of Wilmington’s broader transportation bond projects package, initially approved in 2014 for a total of $55 million. Mayor Bill Saffo highlighted that the trail has been long overdue and represents an exciting development for the city’s infrastructure.

This project responds to a long-standing demand for improved walking and biking paths within Wilmington, aiming to create a cohesive trail system that encourages outdoor activities and increased neighborhood connectivity. The planned enhancements also include a new 0.7-mile multi-use path along Kerr Avenue to facilitate access from the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus to commercial areas north of Market Street, with construction set to start in fall 2025.

Challenges in Development

Mayor Saffo noted the complexities faced throughout the project’s development, such as managing private property issues, realignment of utilities, and effective stormwater management strategies. The city remains committed to ongoing collaboration to address these challenges while enhancing safety features meant to protect pedestrians, particularly around schools.

The completion of the Greenville Loop Trail is expected to significantly enhance the overall trail network in Wilmington, ultimately contributing to a healthier community by promoting active transportation and recreational opportunities.