News Summary
The Wilmington City Council has approved $3.7 million for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail project. This funding supports the trail’s expansion, adding a 1.6-mile segment designed for accessibility and safety improvements. With the entire trail expected to span 4.4 miles, this project aligns with Wilmington’s ongoing efforts to enhance transportation options and recreational spaces for residents. Construction is expected to take nine months, emphasizing the city’s commitment to improving walkability and cyclist safety throughout the area.
Wilmington City Council has approved $3.7 million in funding for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail project during a meeting on July 15, 2025. This decision follows the completion of the first section in 2023 and progresses towards enhancing the city’s trail network and overall transportation options.
Once the entire Greenville Loop Trail is completed, it will span 4.4 miles across the southeastern quadrant of Wilmington. The second section, which will stretch 1.6 miles from Pine Grove Drive to Old Military Road, is set to be the longest segment of the trail, designed as an asphalt pathway that includes ADA ramps to ensure accessibility for all users.
The total cost of constructing this second segment is estimated at $3,864,253, with funding already secured from the project budget. Wells Brothers Construction has been awarded the construction contract following a public bidding process. Key improvements accompanying this phase include adjustments to utilities and drainage, as well as the installation of a new traffic signal near Bradley Creek Elementary, aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians, especially children.
Construction is projected to last nine months, with completion expected around spring 2026. This timeline aligns with the city’s ongoing infrastructure enhancements, supporting the increasing demand for recreational and transportation trails throughout the region.
The first section of the Greenville Loop Trail, a one-mile stretch along Holly Tree Road from South College Road to Pine Grove Drive, was completed last year. Future expansions for the trail include plans for the third section, which will run along Greenville Loop Road from Old Military Road to Park Avenue. This section will feature a signaled pedestrian crossing at Oleander Drive for added safety.
The final segment is set to extend from Holly Tree Road to a roundabout planned at the intersection of Pine Grove Drive and Greenville Loop Road, with an anticipated completion in conjunction with road improvements in 2026. In addition to the trail development, the city aims to improve walkability along Kerr Avenue with a new 0.7-mile multi-use path that will connect the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus to commercial zones north of Market Street. Construction for this multi-use path is expected to start in fall 2025.
The project represents a critical component of Wilmington’s transportation bond initiatives, approved in 2014, which allocate a total of $55 million for various transportation and infrastructure improvements across the city. Mayor Bill Saffo highlighted the long-standing demand from residents for improved trail access, emphasizing the project’s importance within the overall trail system in Wilmington.
As the city moves forward with this and other trail development plans, it aims to address challenges such as private property negotiations, utility realignment, and stormwater management. The city remains committed to enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety, integrating features that promote safer environments around schools and busy neighborhoods.
Overall, the Greenville Loop Trail project underscores Wilmington’s broader vision for expanding recreational spaces while providing essential connectivity within the city, catering to both residents and visitors alike.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
