Raleigh greenway system could top 100 miles in four years
Had a most enlightening meeting with Raleigh greenway planner Vic Lebsock yesterday. The main purpose of the meeting was to get an update on the Neuse River Greenway Trail for the next installment of the series we're writing on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (through the Triangle, the MST will piggybacks on the Neuse trail). The city, starting with Mayor Charles Meeker, is putting renewed emphasis on the Neuse Greenway, which will run 28 miles from the Falls Lake dam to the Wake/Johnston line.
Lebsock predicts — and this is a prediction shared earlier in the week by Mayor Meeker and Triangle trails advocate Sig Hutchinson — that the Neuse greenway will be completed in four years. What's more, that includes the 7-mile connection of the 11-mile Crabtree Creek to the Neuse and the 6-mile extension of the eventual 13-mile Walnut Creek Greenway to the Neuse. "It will expand our greenway system by roughly 70 percent," says Lebsock. Or from its current 60 miles to over 100.
I'll share more later.
Comments
Really?
Tue, 08/12/2008 - 07:09 — JoeMiller (author)It does seem ambitious. One way to help make sure it happens is to stay on top of developments and make sure the city is sticking to schedule. I'll do what I can on this end.
Really Excited
Mon, 08/11/2008 - 09:36 — Mark Swan (not verified)Walnut Creek extended to the Neuse, Knightdale finally moving on it's greenway propsed in the early 90s to go over the Neuse, and the Neuse greenway itself - I can commute to work entirely by greenway! Most of it ready in 4 years! Really?!
The last (or first in my case) little stretch through my neighborhood is still more indefinite on the timing, but side streets make it very workable.
Belated answers and thoughts
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 21:33 — JoeMiller (author)Greenway near Bedford: It's not completed. Not sure what the time frame is on that stretch, either.
Lindsay Drive to Umstead Park. The city and the quarry owner have reached agreement over where the greenway will pass through the quarry. I don't think they've put that stretch out to bid yet, but I believe they're close. May not sound like much, but if you've been following this saga it's a significant breakthrough.
As for bike2work, I know you identified Question 1 as a question I couldn't figure out what the question was (the lack of a question mark didn't help). As for Question 2 (which is really Question 1), this is a very annoying stretch of greenway. You're supposed to take the street detour you noted, though you would have no idea that's what you are supposed to do. No signs, no markings of any kind. You're just supposed to magically figure out that passage. The city is, apparently, working on a new comprehensive sign system that they plan to start rolling out soon — with the initial signs at Lake Lynn. (Not sure why, since it's pretty much a contained oval and difficult to get lost on.)
Mysterious disconnect
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 08:01 — bike2work (not verified)Does anybody read these things? Better question, does anyone answer them?
I am curious about the Greenway from Yadkin to Old Lassiter Mill (near the park). Que 1: although private homes have access (witness the trampoline and soccer net) there is no public access along this stretch. Que 2: (and more interesting) why doe this beautfiul stretch of Greenway peter out into a rock and tree root strewn dirt track and finally disappear altogether -- around Hertford St? The Greenway picks up again the other side of Lassiter Mill Road. But for some reason this last 300 yards has NO access. In order to continue, you have to detour to Beauford -- Scotland -- Lassiter Mill -- back to Greenway.
Anybody know the answer to these two questions?
forgotten promises is not new news
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 11:05 — cancelRushLast year when the city closed the Capital Blvd. Boardwalk Vic Lebsock told a WRAL reporter his department did not have to provide public information concerning the closing of a Raleigh Greenway. The Mayor never commented on the eight month closing or the costly repair of a section built only two years before.
WHY then do they get their names in the paper when promising new miles to the greenway system when we are years behind the promises they made years ago...
Alot of these miles are from the orginal park bond we voted for years ago. There is no news here just shameless politics and self promotion. These two men need to build the Greenway system they have promised and stay focused on their past commitments.
Sorry joe, I couldn't keep silent even though I tried.
Great news. Now only if the
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 20:46 — Anonymous (not verified)Great news. Now only if the small section between Umstead Park and Lindsay Drive would ever get done!
is the portion that runs
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 03:02 — k (not verified)is the portion that runs near Bedford complete? if so, where is the entry point?
great job!
Sat, 08/02/2008 - 07:33 — jbird919 (not verified)We road what will be part of that on the Neuse last week end and thought it was a very scenic route. We're very excited about the possible connections and additions to the trail as we've rode on most of the other sections. Bringing them all together will be a fantastic, and offer residents a chance to explore the real treasures around Raleigh that can't be seen normally via the expressways.
Our hats are off to Mayor Meeker and Vic Lebstock for his constant efforts and and are very appreciated! HIP HIP HOORRAY!!