Greenville Announces Major Trails Expansion Plans for Enhanced Connectivity

Greenville Trails Expansion: Exciting Updates Ahead!

Greenville residents have plenty of reasons to be excited about the future of the city’s trail system! During a recent work session on September 9, the Greenville City Council took a closer look at various ongoing projects aimed at enhancing connectivity through a robust network of trails. Let’s take a friendly stroll through the plans and latest updates, shall we?

Laurens Road Trail Spurs: Connecting Communities

One of the most anticipated projects is the Laurens Road Trail Spurs. These new trail connectors will link the neighborhoods of Nicholtown, Gower, and Verdae directly to the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Green Line. Sounds fantastic, right? The project is already well underway, with plans almost wrapped up at 90% completion.

Calin Owens, the city’s mobility coordinator, mentioned that they are now diving into the permitting and easement process, and they expect to put the project out for bid in the fall of 2024. This means that residents are just a stone’s throw away from having easier access to the ever-popular Swamp Rabbit Trail!

Swamp Rabbit Trail Orange Line: Mapping It Out

Another exciting development is the Swamp Rabbit Trail Orange Line. Right now, the city is finishing up a study that will help determine the best routing options for this trail. Three routes are currently on the table: North Main Street, Summit Drive, and Richland Creek. Which route do you think will win?

To keep the momentum going, the city has released a request for proposals for design services, which means this project is just getting started and will surely be a great addition to the Greenville trail system!

Swamp Rabbit Trail Blue Line: On the Move

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Swamp Rabbit Trail Blue Line is also progressing. The permitting process has kicked off for the section that the city will build, with work set to commence in winter 2024. On the flip side, a private developer, Bridgeport Estates, is handling the other section of the trail spur off Laurens Road and is currently finalizing the floodway-permitting process for that part.

Swamp Rabbit Trail Phase 1 Upgrades: Making Improvements

Now, let’s talk about the Swamp Rabbit Trail Phase 1 Upgrades. A half-mile stretch of the trail from downtown Greenville to Unity Park is about to see some much-needed repairs. The city is in the process of selecting a firm that will design this upgraded section, with construction expected to begin in spring 2025. It’s wonderful to see efforts directed toward maintaining and enhancing the trail for all users!

Cleveland Park Pedestrian Bridge: A Bridge for the Community

Last but certainly not least, there are plans to replace the pedestrian bridge in Cleveland Park. The designs for this new structure are complete, which is fantastic news for park-goers. However, the city has to modify the floodplain and floodway for this project, prompting them to submit a conditional letter of map revision to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In Conclusion

It’s clear that the city of Greenville is on a vibrant path toward enhancing its trail system. With multiple initiatives aimed at connecting neighborhoods, upgrading trails, and making movement around the city safer and more enjoyable, it’s an exciting time to be in Greenville. So, lace up those shoes, grab your bikes, and get ready to explore the great outdoors—3, 2, 1, let’s go!