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Draft Durham–Roxboro trail plan shows wide survey support but flags northern opposition and acquisition challenges
Summary
Consultants and county transportation staff presented preliminary findings for the Durham–Roxboro corridor: nearly 3,000 survey responses with 71% 'strongly support' overall, but opposition concentrated in some northern zip codes; acquisition negotiations with Norfolk Southern and safe road crossings are key issues ahead.
County transportation staff and consultants presented a draft plan for a multiuse trail along the former rail corridor from downtown Durham toward Roxboro, noting the corridor is about 26 miles overall with 18 miles inside Durham County. The team reported nearly 3,000 survey responses and broad overall support (71% strongly support), while acknowledging pockets of strong opposition in specific northern zip codes where adjacent property owners raised concerns.
Consultant Eric Woolridge said the study area includes 21 road crossings and three notable trestle bridges; the project team is evaluating trail types that range from separated parallel paths in urban areas to shared rural paths and potential equestrian side trails in northern sections. Woolridge explained that Norfolk Southern currently holds fee simple title to the rail corridor and that the Conservation Fund is negotiating acquisition, with the long‑term plan for NCDOT ownership if acquisition is successful.
Commissioners asked staff to continue robust outreach in North County, to account for waterway protection and private property concerns, and to return with more detailed conceptual designs and phased funding approaches.
