American Tobacco Trail Bridge Construction to Move Forward

Durham is exceptionally fortunate with regards to public parks, trails and spaces for outdoor activity...and now it seems to be getting moreso.

Following discussion at its August 4, 2011 work session meeting, the Durham City Council remains committed to completing the American Tobacco Trail and bridge, despite the more than $2 million difference between July bids and earlier projected construction costs.

According to City Manager Tom Bonfield, the project is a priority for the City because of its strategic location, “serving as a major and heavily used north-south route for pedestrians and bicyclists. The construction of the new section would also carry the trail to the commercial sector south of U.S. Interstate 40 and to several neighborhoods in southern Durham.”

The Public Works Department, responsible for construction of the bridge and trail, recommends that the entire project be completed, but in two phases, in order to identify needed funding. According to Director Marvin Williams, construction would begin with part of the trail from N.C. Highway 54 and include the new bridge over U.S. Interstate 40, using existing funding of $5.8 million, with the project being awarded to low bidder during the July process. Additional funds of about $800,000 would be obtained using existing funds designated for other projects. A contract will be recommended to City Council for approval within 30 days.

A later contract would be issued for the remainder of the trail, south of U.S. Interstate 40 to the Chatham County line.  The Public Works Department has recommended approaching the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to consider reprioritizing funding currently authorized for sidewalks and bike lanes. Both the MPO and the N.C. Department of Transportation would have to agree, and the process would likely take about six months. Even though the second contract would be awarded nearly a year following the contract for the bridge, both projects might likely be completed at the same time due to the time needed to construct the bridge.

Since MPO funding typically comes as an 80/20 match, approximately $3 million would be needed from the MPO and about $760,000 from the City. More information about the source of the funding and construction needs will be forthcoming following a more detailed analysis.

More information about this project can be found here.