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Greencboro's Downtown Greenway: Successful Revitalization through Active Transportation

Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC)

Image Source: http://www.downtowngreenway.org/

 

Problem

The City of Greensboro's Downtown experienced a period of disinvestment during the latter half of the 20th Century. Recent revitalization efforts have prompted an increase in businesses and cultural amenities in the downtown area. The Downtown Greenway project seeks to build on downtown revitalization, economic development, and urban livability efforts by promoting active living, encouraging alternative transportation, linking diverse neighborhoods, and showcasing the history of Greensboro's Downtown and the surrounding areas.

 

Background

The Downtown Greenway was first conceived as part of the Center City Master Plan in 2001 and was unanimously recognized by the Greensboro Bicentennial Commission as their feature project to commemorate and provide a record of the city's 200th birthday celebration in 2008. The 4 mile loop, which was under construction in 2011, will serve as a hub for trails extending in all directions from Greensboro's downtown (see map). While establishing a link between existing trails and neighborhoods was an important factor, the route was also established based on the availability and usage of nearby land parcels. In particular, rail line corridors were identified as underused parcels ready for redevelopment; a conclusion supported by public input. Public input also dictated which neighborhood linkages were most important, while future traffic studies and an iterative design process directed the route's course along the east side of downtown (Murrow Boulevard) and on the northern leg of the Greenway, respectively. As an important trail connection, the Downtown Greenway will provide a transportation solution for accessing downtown, a place for public art, public park space, and an important link between socially diverse neighborhoods.

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