Huntsville is taking the next step in expanding its greenway network with two significant projects funded through partnership agreements with the Alabama Department of Transportation.
These include:
- A 2.4-mile multiuse path along Bailey Cove and Four Mile Post roads in south Huntsville
- Phase II of the Miller Branch Greenway, a 1.6-mile segment in west Huntsville
Both projects will utilize Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds. This federal program is administered by ALDOT. It supports pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Bailey Cove Multi-Use Path
The Bailey Cove project will create a continuous 12-foot-wide, ADA-compliant multiuse path between Weatherly Road and Four Mile Post Road in south Huntsville. The route will connect neighborhoods, schools, shopping areas and the Sandra Moon Community Complex. It ultimately will tie into the Aldridge Creek Greenway.
The project includes safety improvements at the Bailey Cove Road and Blevins Gap Road intersection. These include improved crosswalks, accessible pedestrian signals, traffic-calming measures and intersection adjustments. These are designed to make the area safer for walkers, cyclists and drivers. The new multiuse path will provide a safe, protected alternative to driving short trips.
The total estimated project cost is approximately $1.8 million. TAP funding will contribute roughly $800,000 to the project.
Miller Branch Greenway Phase II
The 1.6-mile Miller Branch Greenway Phase II will extend the existing trail in west Huntsville from Swancott Road south toward Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. The 12-foot-wide asphalt path along Miller Branch Creek will remain entirely on City property.
This segment is part of a larger multi-phase effort to connect Dallas Fanning Nature Preserve near Martin Road to the Zierdt and Beadle greenways, the Singing River Trail in Triana, and ultimately, existing trails within Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.
When complete, the west Huntsville greenway network will offer nearly 30 miles of interconnected trails. These will provide recreational access, environmental connectivity and safe commuting options in one of the area’s fastest-growing corridors.
The total estimated cost for Phase II is about $1 million. TAP funding will provide approximately $797,464. The City will contribute a $199,366 local match.
Investing in connectivity
Both projects reflect the priorities identified in Huntsville’s BIG Picture/Greenway Master Plan and through public input sessions. In these, residents consistently emphasized the need for better connectivity across the city.
Through its partnership with the Land Trust of North Alabama and ALDOT, the City continues to expand its network of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Huntsville currently has approximately 130 miles of greenways, bikeways and trails. Additional miles are planned each year.
Construction timelines will be announced once final engineering and coordination with ALDOT are complete.
This information is from a press release from the City of Huntsville.
