Wilmington City Council Approves Greenville Loop Trail Funding

News Summary

The Wilmington City Council has approved $3.7 million for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail, which aims to enhance transportation and recreation in the city. This segment will include a 1.6-mile stretch with safety features, including new traffic signals for pedestrians. Construction is expected to last nine months, with completion anticipated by spring. The trail is part of a larger initiative to improve infrastructure and connectivity for residents. Mayor Bill Saffo emphasized the importance of this project in meeting community demands for better recreational facilities.

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 held on July 15, 2025. This funding is a critical step forward in the effort to construct a 4.4-mile trail that will enhance transportation and recreational opportunities in the southeastern quadrant of the city.

The second section of the Greenville Loop Trail, which will stretch for 1.6 miles, is set to include asphalt paving, ADA ramps, and improvements for utilities and drainage. This segment will run from Pine Grove Drive to Old Military Road and will feature a new traffic signal at Bradley Creek Elementary, aiming to improve safety for pedestrians, especially students. Construction is scheduled to last approximately nine months, with completion expected by spring of 2026.

The total estimated cost for this section of the trail is $3,864,253. The additional funding required beyond the initial $3.7 million has already been secured within the project’s budget. A construction contract for this phase has been awarded to Wells Brothers Construction following a public bidding process.

The Greenville Loop Trail is part of a broader initiative that includes a series of transportation improvement projects approved by the city in a $55 million bond package in 2014. This approval demonstrates the city’s commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure. The first section of the trail, a mile-long stretch along Holly Tree Road from South College Road to Pine Grove Drive, was completed in 2023 and marks the initial efforts in connecting different areas of Wilmington with safe and accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

Bidding for the construction of the remaining two sections of the Greenville Loop Trail is anticipated to take place later this year. The third section plans to extend the trail along Greenville Loop Road from Old Military Road to Park Avenue and will propose a signaled pedestrian crossing at Oleander Drive. The final section will complete the trail from Holly Tree Road to a planned roundabout at the intersection of Pine Grove Drive and Greenville Loop Road, with the improvements tied to this intersection expected to finish by 2026.

In addition to the Greenville Loop Trail project, the city is also developing a new 0.7-mile multi-use path along Kerr Avenue. This path aims to create a pedestrian-friendly connection between the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus and commercial areas north of Market Street, with construction set to begin in the fall of 2025.

Mayor Bill Saffo highlighted the importance of these projects, noting that the trail reflects a long-standing citizen demand for enhanced recreational facilities and walkable neighborhoods. The mayor commented on the complexities of the developments, including navigation around private properties, utility alignment, and stormwater management challenges. The city administration is actively collaborating on further plans for trail development and improvements beyond the ongoing projects, reflecting a continued investment in public infrastructure and quality of life for residents.

Overall, the Greenville Loop Trail project holds significant potential to improve safety, access, and recreational opportunities within Wilmington, delivering lasting benefits to the community as it moves toward completion.

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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