Overview
In November 2003, the Town of Cary and the state Department of Transportation agreed to split the cost of constructing a pedestrian bridge over U.S. Highway 1/64 just north of Cary Parkway as part of the US 1/64 widening project. The Town also agreed to construct greenway trails to link with the bridge, once the bridge was complete.
The greenway trail will be a 10-foot wide asphalt path. In the short term, the greenway trail will connect MacDonald Woods Park (north side of US 1/64) to Kids Together Park (south side of US 1/64). In the long term, the bridge and greenway trails will provide a major north-south pedestrian connection across US 1/64.
Details
- Bridge design - The bridge will be a Bowstring–Truss design, with two low curves to the bridge. It will be 315 feet in length and consist of two spans – one at 151 feet and another approximately 164 feet. The width of the crossing will be 12 feet. Ramps on the north and south ends will connect the greenway trails to the bridge. These ramps will rise to a height of at least 10 feet and will have metal handrails on both sides of the ramps.
- Connecting trails – Two connecting trails will be constructed: a 1,250-foot trail linking MacDonald Woods Park to the pedestrian bridge and a 1,505-foot trail linking Kids Together Park to the bridge. On the north side, the trail will connect to the existing Hinshaw Greenway and, via sidewalk, to the recently renovated Pirates Cove Greenway. In Kids Together Park a 24-foot boardwalk will be installed to cross a section of wetlands. In addition, a 715-foot trail will be constructed up the existing powerline easement to the east. See a map of the trail location.
- Berm planting – An earthen berm, or barrier, has been constructed behind the Wellington Ridge Condominium complex bringing the trail up to the bridge. The Town will plant earthen berms to provide stability and limit visibility of these barriers and bridge for adjacent landowners. Landscaping will be installed on the berms leading up to the pedestrian bridge.
Cost
The cost to construct the greenway trails is $407,100.
Related Links
US 1/64 Widening (NCDOT)
US 1/64 Pedestrian Greenway Bridge (Town of Cary Public Art)
Contact:
Paul A. Kuhn, RLA
Parks Planner
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources
(919) 469-4360
paul.kuhn@townofcary.org