Feasibility study being held for Wilmington downtown trail phases 2, 3

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) and the NC Department of Transportation’s Integrated Mobility Division are conducting a feasibility study to determine the most suitable route for the for the Wilmington Downtown Trail Phases 2 and 3.

The trail is proposed to parallel Burnt Mill Creek from Archie Blue Park in the Love Grove area to Forest Hills Drive near Forest Hills Elementary School.

The Downtown Trail project was identified as the number one project priority in the 2013 Wilmington/New Hanover County Greenway Plan.

Phase 1 of the trail, which includes the Wilmington Rail Trail and will provide a trail connection from 3rd Street to the Love Grove Bridge, is currently being designed. The feasibility study for phases 2 and 3 of the trail will bridge the gap between conceptual planning and construction of a trail that will connect neighborhoods, parks, and schools along Burnt Mill Creek; promote sustainable transportation and recreation options; and improve quality of life while encouraging economic development, according to a press release.

The study will result in a recommended alignment for the trail and a preliminary sketch of what the trail will look like when constructed.

To determine the recommended trail alignment for the Wilmington Downtown Trail Phases 2 and 3, the public is invited to attend and provide their input at one of the two public outreach events. WMPO staff and study partners will be present to discuss the project, answer questions, and gather citizen input that will be utilized to identify the community’s trail preferences and priorities.

There are two opportunities to join in person:

– Tuesday December 5th at the Nir Family YMCA at 2710 Market Street from 4PM – 6PM

– Saturday December 9th at Frankies Outdoor Market at 1019 Princess Street from 11AM – 1PM

Each of these events will offer the same materials for discussion and citizen input.