Wilmington City Council Approves Funding for Greenville Loop Trail

News Summary

Wilmington City Council has allocated $3.7 million for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail project, enhancing the city’s trail system. The planned 1.6-mile section will improve connectivity and accessibility, featuring new amenities like ADA ramps and a traffic signal near a school. The total project cost is $3,864,253, with construction expected to last nine months, aiming for completion in 2026. This initiative is a component of the city’s broader commitment to improving infrastructure and pedestrian safety.

Wilmington, NC – Wilmington City Council has 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 part of a larger investment aimed at enhancing the city’s trail system, which is seen as a significant step towards improving connectivity and accessibility in the southeastern part of Wilmington.

Once completed, the entire Greenville Loop Trail will span 4.4 miles, providing a vital recreational and transportation route for residents and visitors alike. The second section of the trail, which will be the longest stretch at 1.6 miles, will be constructed as an asphalt trail and is set to run from Pine Grove Drive to Old Military Road. The project includes essential improvements such as ADA ramps, utilities, drainage enhancements, and a new traffic signal near Bradley Creek Elementary School, all aimed at ensuring safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

The total estimated cost of the Greenville Loop Trail project is $3,864,253, with the remaining funding already secured within the project’s budget. A construction contract for the second section was awarded to Wells Brothers Construction following a public bid process. Construction for this phase is anticipated to last nine months, with an expected completion date in the spring of 2026.

Project Background and Development

The Greenville Loop Trail is part of Wilmington’s transportation bond projects package, which was approved in 2014 and totals $55 million. The first segment of the trail, a one-mile stretch along Holly Tree Road from South College Road to Pine Grove Drive, was completed in 2023. The successful execution of the first section has set a promising precedent for the ongoing development.

Looking to the future, bids for the construction of the remaining two sections of the Greenville Loop Trail are expected to be opened later this year. The third section will extend along Greenville Loop Road from Old Military Road to Park Avenue and is projected to include a signaled pedestrian crossing at Oleander Drive. The final section will stretch from Holly Tree Road to a planned roundabout at the intersection of Pine Grove Drive and Greenville Loop Road, which will be constructed alongside improvements to the intersection, scheduled for completion in 2026.

Additional Infrastructure Improvements

In addition to the Greenville Loop Trail, the city is also focusing on enhancing walkability across other areas. Plans are in place for a 0.7-mile multi-use path along Kerr Avenue, which will link the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus to commercial areas north of Market Street. Construction on this multi-use path is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025.

Mayor Bill Saffo highlighted the complexities involved in the Greenville Loop Trail project, specifically mentioning challenges such as dealing with private property, utility realignment, and stormwater management. He underscored the importance of the project within the city’s overall trail system, noting that there has been a long-standing demand from citizens for enhanced recreational and transportation options.

Safety is a major consideration in these developments. Features designed to improve pedestrian safety, especially around schools, will be incorporated into the designs. The city is also actively working on further plans for trail development and improvements beyond the current projects, signaling a commitment to ongoing infrastructure enhancement and community safety.

Through these efforts, Wilmington aims to foster a more connected and accessible environment for all its residents, paving the way for healthier lifestyles and increased mobility across this growing city.

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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