Council approves schematic design for Walnut Creek Trail improvements, prioritizes Rose Lane and Littlejohn fixes

Raleigh City Council on Jan. 7 approved schematic (30%) design for the Walnut Creek Trail Improvement Project, directing staff to proceed to the next design phase and eventual permitting and construction.

Chris Nickvar, project manager with Raleigh Parks, and Graham Bruns of design consultant McAdams presented the project scope: renovation of the existing Walnut Creek Trail between Sunnybrook and Lake Wheeler to improve accessibility, replace substandard boardwalks and structures, resolve drainage issues and improve resiliency during storm events.

Graham Bruns said the goals “are to increase the accessibility, bring the project up to the standards of the rest of the system, resolve some drainage issues, and look at several maintenance and structural issues along this section.” The presentation emphasized two immediate priorities: realigning the trail at Rose Lane to create a passable connection and replacing a guardrail at Littlejohn Road, both of which were frequently raised in public comments.

Bruns and Nickvar noted two narrow rail underpasses east of Hammond Road and near Lake Wheeler that the design will widen and make more visually open. The consultants said many boardwalk segments are slippery and substandard and that structure 124 (near Waterworks Street) and structure 91 (just past Rock Quarry Road) are high‑priority repair items. Budget constraints led the team to remove the Rocky Branch segment from this construction phase and instead cost it out for future funding opportunities.

Council members raised public‑safety questions about visibility and lighting. Nickvar said safety improvements are not included in this rehabilitation scope; Parks has a separate 2022 greenway safety report and will provide staff follow‑up on safety measures. Council members indicated interest in receiving the greenway safety report and a staff update on safety projects.

Councilor comments at the meeting praised the project’s focus on connectivity and urged attention to the rail underpasses and other locations that feel unsafe. After discussion, a council member moved and another seconded approval of the schematic design; the council voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Next steps listed by staff include advancing to 60% design in spring and summer 2025, permitting and final design later in the year, and targeted bidding and construction in 2026 if schedules and funding hold. The presentation contained high‑level cost buckets for major work areas but not a finalized project estimate.

Clarifying details: project limits run from Sunnybrook to Lake Wheeler; top priorities are Rose Lane realignment and Littlejohn guardrail; Rocky Branch segment removed from this contract but will be costed separately; 60% design scheduled for spring/summer and construction targeted for 2026 if funding and permitting proceed.

The council approved the schematic design without recorded opposition.