I saw some new greenway bridges going in on Centennial Campus a few weeks ago and wanted to learn more. We previously posted about the funding that was secured for this and other greenway projects on campus.  I frequently run and bike on Centennial Campus and I’m always looking to explore new greenways. The most recent construction will add two bridges and new greenway near the playing fields on campus.

I caught up with Lynn Swank, Landscape Project Manager at NC State, to learn more about the project and other greenway system plans.

Interview with Lynn Swank

1) Tell our readers about the latest greenway project underway on Centennial Campus?

The multi-purpose trail on Centennial Campus currently originates just south of Varsity Drive, heads south, parallel to North Creek, and terminates at the Lake Raleigh Public Fishing Area.  This multipurpose trail is open to the public and provides not only recreational opportunities to the community but also educational opportunities to the campus and Centennial affiliates.

The current project under construction is the Walnut Creek Bridges project.  This project includes two foot bridges over Walnut Creek and approximately a 1/4 mile of multi-purpose trail connecting both these two bridges and a tunnel under Main Campus Drive.

2) Once the project is complete, will the greenway be open to the public?

NC State’s multi-purpose trail is currently open to the public.  Yes, this new section will be open to the public as well.

3) When is the project scheduled to be complete?

This project is scheduled to be complete by early Spring 2012.

4) How much does the project cost?

Construction costs are approximately $475,000.

5) Are there any future greenway projects, say a greenway around Lake Raleigh or a connection to Lake Johnson?

The master plan for NC State’s multi-purpose trail is to connect to the City of Raleigh greenway, Walnut Creek Trail (to the west near Trailwood Drive;  to the east near Lake Wheeler Road).

The western connection of NC State’s multi-purpose trail will connect with Walnut Creek Trail, which does hook up to Lake Johnson.  We do not envision a trail around Lake Raleigh.  The majority of the wooded area around Lake Raleigh is designated as a preserve.

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