DbD is leading a collaborative effort to establish the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail, an 18-mile greenway network linking Durham to Roxboro.
The proposed multi-use Rail Trail would make use of existing infrastructure to connect urban areas and historic small communities, creating potential for economic development, opportunities for recreation, and a valuable tourism asset for Durham County.
DbD began with a robust public engagement campaign including an online map-based survey, small-group conversations with key community leaders, and three public workshops. The workshops, which were each attended by 80-100 residents and community leaders, featured visuals of the trail plan and a large-scale map. Attendees were invited to add post-it notes with their input, ideas, and concerns.
One of the features of the plan that generated excitement among attendees is how the proposed Rail Trail intersects with other significant trails in the region. Once complete, the Trail would form part of the National East Coast Greenway, a 3,000 mile spine route, which stretches from Key West north in Florida to the Canadian border in Maine. The Trail would also intersect with the west-to-east Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST), 1,200 miles of footpath that traverses the diverse landscape of North Carolina.
One of the unique aspects of this trail is its importance to Durham and to the State. It’s a local, regional, state, and national connection.
Ellen Beckman
Transportation Director for Durham County
The Rail Trail would link the urban areas of Durham County and its rural communities, creating important connections to the natural environment, outdoor recreation, and significant historical sites.
The American Tobacco Trail–which was constructed from a section of the same abandoned rail corridor as the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail–would connect to the south. Access to Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve and the Eno River via the MST would allow walkers, runners, and bikers to reach these areas from central Durham.
The completed Rail Trail would also connect to important landmarks of Black history in Durham County. The Stagville Historic Site, originally part of a vast plantation, now educates visitors about the history of slavery. Horton Grove Nature Preserve offers 8 miles that wind through mature hardwood forests and plant meadows–with each trail named for Black families who were once enslaved on the land.
Gregory Williams, Advocacy Campaign Organizer for Bike Durham, attended one of DbD’s public workshops and was encouraged to see the plans for the Rail Trail connecting Black history and communities.
North and East Durham are the historically Black communities here that are a little more segregated from the downtown. Being able to connect those communities is something that we’re really interested in seeing happen.
Gregory Williams
Advocacy Campaign Organizer for Bike Durham
Next steps for DbD, the Advisory Committee, and key agencies will include continued public engagement and the development of a concept plan.
“The potential of this trail system is significant for Durham County, and I’m excited to see the collaboration that is taking place as we develop these plans,” said Eric Woolridge, Director of Planning for DbD.”
