Downtown Greenway 2024 Year In Review

CONSTRUCTION Known as the “Western Branch,” the former railroad corridor on the west side of the Downtown Greenway between Smith Street and Spring Garden Street went under construction in late January 2024. Work crews have made tremendous progress all year long, clearing the corridor, completing necessary underground utility work, upgrading stormwater and sewer lines, building retaining walls, and replacing three bridge crossings. Pending any unexpected setbacks, this final mile should be complete in late 2025. Additional construction took place in our northeast corner, including a full replacement of the bridge deck over Church Street, which will then allow the completion of a short section of greenway that was previously unfinished.

STREAM RESTORATION

With a grant from the North Carolina Land & Water Fund, additional stream restoration work was possible on the College Branch stream, which flows beside the Western Branch section of the Downtown Greenway. Stabilization of banks, introduction of pools and riffles, and the addition of native plant vegetation were all part of the process to improve water quality along this urban stream.

TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES The solar lighting within Morehead Park was replaced with upgraded fixtures and new solar technology. New trail counters were installed at 3 locations along the Downtown Greenway, including a digital display board located near LoFi Park. Enhanced data features can now distinguish pedestrians vs. cyclists, and capture direction and time of day.

2