Battleground Rail-Trail

The Battleground Rail-Trail (BRT) will be a multiple-use trail approximately one mile long, extending through an area of significant development and traffic congestion. The BRT will provide a high quality, off-road pedestrian and bicycle facility and will connect significant residential, commercial, and recreational uses.

Phase I

Phase I of the BRT, extending from Pisgah Church Road to Markland Drive, will include a grade separation (underpass) at Cone Boulevard to enhance safety and convenience. The BRT will become an important part of the region's growing trail system and will connect to the Lake Brandt Greenway, the Bicentennial Greenway, and the planned Piedmont Greenway. The proposed alignment will roughly follow the abandoned portion of the Atlantic and Yadkin Railroad corridor. The BRT will include the recently constructed section of sidewalk along Battleground Avenue in front of the pharmacy, along with the existing sidewalk behind the Lawndale Crossing shopping center.

The Battleground Rail-Trail is the result of a cooperative effort between the City's Department of Transportation, the Engineering and Inspections Department, and the Parks and Recreation Department. The development of the BRT has included a major effort to inform property owners and the general public of the expected benefits of the trail and to address any concerns that may arise. The final construction design will reflect the comments and concerns expressed by property owners and the public. The final alignment for the BRT has been determined through ongoing consultation with property owners and the public, as well as through extensive analysis by City staff.

Timeline

The design drawings for Phase I of the BRT are complete. Property acquisition was completed summer 2008. Construction began in July 2009 and will be completed by spring 2010 with the additions of landscaping and lighting to the project. Also, an art project inside the underpass, led by Greensboro College, is expected to be complete in spring 2010.

Ultimately, the BRT could include a future Phase II extending from Markland Drive along the current Norfolk Southern Railroad corridor to Spring Garden Street and continuing to Lee Street. Planning Division staff are evaluating this potential expansion and MPO has tentatively allocated funding for it.