A&Y Greenway (aka Battleground Rail-Trail)

The Battleground Rail-Trail, along with a portion of the Bicentennial Trail and the Lake Brandt Greenway, are now known as the A&Y Greenway to pay homage to the history of the former Atlantic & Yankin Railroad. A future extension south to downtown Greensboro and extensions north through Summerfield and out to Stokesdale will also be known as the A&Y Greenway.

The Battleground Rail-Trail (BRT) portion of the A&Y Greenway is a multiple-use trail approximately one mile long, extending through an area of significant development and traffic congestion. The BRT is a high-quality, off-road pedestrian and bicycle facility that connects significant residential, commercial, and recreational areas.

BRT is the result of a cooperative effort between the City's Transportation, Engineering and Inspections, and Parks and Recreation departments. Development of BRT included a major effort to inform property owners and the general public of expected benefits of the trail and address concerns. The construction design reflects the public's input. 

Phase I

Phase 1 of the BRT, extending from Pisgah Church Road to Markland Drive, includes a grade separation (underpass) at Cone Boulevard for pedestrian and bicycle safety and convenience. The BRT is an important part of the region's growing trail system and connects to Lake Brandt Greenway, Bicentennial Greenway, and the planned Piedmont Greenway. Phase 1 roughly follows an abandoned portion of the Atlantic and Yadkin Railroad corridor and includes a recently constructed section of sidewalk along Battleground Avenue in front of a pharmacy, along with the existing sidewalk behind the Lawndale Crossing shopping center.

Phase 1 Timeline

Property acquisition was completed summer 2008. Construction began in July 2009 with completion summer 2010. Additional landscaping planting takes place in fall 2010. Also, an art project inside the underpass, led by Greensboro College, is expected to be completed by fall 2010.

Future Phase 2

Ultimately, the BRT will include a Phase 2 extending from Markland Drive along the current railroad corridor, now owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad, to Spring Garden Street and continuing to Lee Street. Planning Division staff are evaluating this potential expansion and the MPO has tentatively allocated funding for it.