This project was first introduced when Collins Ridge was seeking approval for its Master Plan. Conditions of the approval require the developers to reserve and make available to the town land to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and to work with the town to determine the location and specific design details for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between the parcel south of I-85 and the public rights-of-way, sidewalks, greenways, and trails in Collins Ridge.

This project was identified by the Board of Commissioners as a transportation priority in September 2021.

Outside Groups

Coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation will be required as the greenway must cross Interstate 85. The current plan is for a greenway and wildlife path underneath a bridge near Collins Ridge.

The town must also work with the North Carolina Railroad Company to cross the rail corridor.

It is likely that the greenway project will be implemented in sections. The main section will be between downtown and the train station. The train station could be complete in Fiscal Year 2028, and the town plans to complete the Ridgewalk greenway connection around the same time.

The second section will connect the train station to the section of greenway being built and dedicated to the town by the developers of Collins Ridge.

The third section will connect Collins Ridge to Cates Creek Park.

Preliminary engineering and discussion with North Carolina Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Railroad Company have begun. More information will be provided as engineering on projects that must be finished first are completed.

Documents

• Ridgewalk Greenway Feasibility Study Phase 1 (2023)
• Ridgewalk Greenway Feasibility Study Phase 2 (2024)
• Ridgewalk Greenway Benefits Analysis