Last spring, we filled you in on the progress of Walkable Midtown — a project intended to improve the connectivity and walkability of Raleigh’s Midtown. Here are some updates:
A new greenway connection
The design of the Industrial Drive greenway connection has been completed and construction is underway. Plans include the addition of a 10-ft-wide asphalt trail to connect the southern end of Industrial Drive to the Crabtree Creek Trail at mile marker 7 3/4. The project’s budget is $400,000 and construction is planned for completion this April.
Two new bridges
The city is planning to construct a multimodal bridge over the I-440 beltline. The bridge will have two lanes for cars with dedicated space for biking and walking. View the alignment and cross section options, and take this survey by Feb. 28 to help the city decide on the exact location and design of the bridge. Bonus: The city is hosting an open house on Feb. 16.
Additionally, the city is still considering building a pedestrian bridge that would link the new greenway connection to the south side of Hodges Street, crossing over Crabtree Creek.
The Midtown Waterfront District
Plans are still being evaluated for the development of a waterfront park along Crabtree Creek. A team at NC State presented case studies and a site analysis to help the city visualize what the project could look like. The study cites a variety of existing greenspaces that the new park could resemble, including Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Charlotte, NC and Falls Park in Greenville, SC.
The city is also considering undergoing a stormwater study to better understand how to make the park storm resistant, as the area frequently floods when it rains.
What would you like to see in the Midtown Waterfront Park design plans? Let us know.
