Council approves Tollgate Trail contract; utilities and Land Trust each to contribute $500,000

The Huntsville City Council on Aug. 28 authorized the mayor to execute a construction contract for improvements to the Tollgate Trail, the council said, advancing a multimodal trail project that city staff described as improving an existing path along the old Tollgate roadbed.

Mayor Tommy Battle and Shane Davis, director of urban economic development, said the work will hard‑surface a commonly used trail and improve bicycle and pedestrian access between the Land Trust parking area on Bankhead and the Fern area. The project is intended to provide a safer alternative to cycling on narrow shoulders.

Funding for the package was presented as a three‑way partnership: Huntsville Utilities will contribute $500,000, the North Alabama Land Trust will contribute $500,000, and the city’s portion was stated in the meeting materials as $1,760,700.31. Council members said the work is the first, and most costly, phase given the terrain and that subsequent phases will extend the route.

Council member discussion focused on preserving the trail’s alignment and minimizing tree removal; a council member who represents the area said the chosen alignment largely follows the historic roadbed and will require only limited clearing.

The motion to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Grayson Carter & Son Contracting Inc. for the Tollgate Trail improvements was moved by the chair, seconded and carried without recorded opposition.

City staff said the improved trail will better connect existing greenway segments and expected construction to proceed once right‑of‑way and scheduling details are finalized.