The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) is partnering with the North Carolina Department of Transportation Integrated Mobility Division (NCDOT IMD) to conduct a feasibility study for Phases 2 and Phase 3 of the Wilmington Downtown Trail. The purpose of this study is to provide a recommended alternative for the corridor.
The trail is part of a larger trail project. Phase 1 is currently in design and connects from 3rd Street to the Love Grove Bridge, with the first 0.5-mile of the trail corridor running along the former Atlantic Coast Railway and the future site of the Wilmington Rail Trail. Phase 2 connects from Archie Blue Park to Market Street (via the Love Grove Bridge or a new bridge), and Phase 3 connects from Market Street to Forest Hills Drive.
Public Engagement
Round 1 of public outreach for the development of the Wilmington Downtown Trail Feasibility Study took place in December 2023. Members of the public provided input through an online survey or attended public meetings to provide feedback. Round 2 of public engagement took place in June/July 2024, with an online survey having closed on July 15, 2024. Thank you to all who provided input!
Public Meetings
Past Meetings
Nir Family YMCA – Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 4pm-6pm. 2710 Market St., Wilmington NC 28403
Frankie’s Outdoor Market – Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 10am-1pm. Portia Mills Hines Park 400 N 10th St., Wilmington NC 28401
Frankie’s Outdoor Market – December 9th, 2023, from 11AM to 1 PM. 1019 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Nir Family YMCA – December 5th, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM. 2710 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Project Library
Public Engagement Round 1 Boards
Public Engagement Round 2 Boards
Next Steps
Following public engagement in spring of 2024, the project team will recommend a trail alignment. This alignment will be published within the final report for the feasibility study and the report will document the alignment, crossing recommendations, amenities, cost estimates, and implementation strategies. More information will be provided soon.
The WMPO is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request accommodation, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance at 910-341-3258 or wmpo@wilmingtonnc.gov.