On October 2nd Durham announced that recent inspections of the bridge had discovered problems with the safety fencing which must be addressed before the bridge can be opened for public use. According to Marvin Williams, director of the City’s Public Works Department: An issue with the pedestrian safety fencing was discovered during a recent inspection of the posts that are a part of the fencing. The fabricated angle of the fence posts, constructed by an out-of-state contractor, as well as the condition of the factory-installed paint was unsatisfactory. The repairs could cost anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000, but will not be incurred by the City. “This is an important safety issue, and we can’t open this bridge until corrections are made by the contractor. At this point, we anticipate opening the bridge in December 2013,” Williams said. “We realize that limiting access to the bridge at this time is unfortunate and will be an inconvenience to all users. However, the ability to protect pedestrians as well as properly maintain this bridge for all current and future users is also important, and we ask for patience and understanding as we make sure this gets done correctly.” The new estimate for completion of the bridge is mid-December.
The October 12th Opening Event will still be held from 9-11 am at the SouthPoint parking lot just north of Renaissance Parkway (see Map at http://www.triangletrails.org/pdfs/SetUpMap.pdf ) but there will not be any access to the bridge by the public.

A recent article in Durham's Herald-Sun http://www.heraldsun.com/news/localnews/x1576247474/Tobacco-Trail-bridge... discusses some interesting features of the bridge's construction. The cement decking for the bridge was poured on August 27th and as of early September, the contractor estimates completion for later this month. Durham has confirmed October 12th as the date for the grand opening event.

TRTC has arranged for a porta-jon for ATT users at Fayetteville Road for 16 weeks. The unit was put in service on July 29th and will be in place through November 17th. If funds are available, we plan to re-start this service in March 2014.

Durham's contractor, Blythe construction, is dealing with issues relating to completing the bridge and the construction of the short trail section to be built alongside Massey Chapel Road. Durham now projects (weather permitting) that the bridge should be completed by mid to late August and the section along Massey Chapel by the end of September. With these changes to the project's completion, a new date for the Grand Opening has been set: It will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Streets of Southpoint, 6910 Fayetteville St. in the Parking Lot Behind Southpoint Cinemas. See PDF showing the designated area: http://www.triangletrails.org/pdfs/SetUpMap.pdf
Planning for this event is continuing and will include short presentations by Durham's Mayor Bill Bell, Congressman David Price and others who have had a role in building and requesting funds for Phase E. Refreshments and information tables are planned as well as trail walks and bicycle rides (weather permitting). Check back here in September for more details on specific activities.

The NC Senate’s proposed transportation budget eliminates $1.2 million in state matching funds for bike/ped programs resulting in a loss of $4.5 million in federal funds - A Total impact of $5.7 million. Although the Senate budget proposal includes language that gives local governments the flexibility to use their Powell Bill funds (generally used only for local road maintenance) as match, under the new Strategic Mobility Formula, Divisions will actually see less Powell Bill funds and therefore are unlikely to use these funds for bike/ped projects when their roadway needs will be far greater. Action Needed: Restore the $1.2 million in state matching funds to enable the most advantageous federal match and more beneficial use of the state funding.

Rail trails and many greenways in North Carolina have benefitted from Bike/Ped funding over the years. The current legislative session will be ending later in June and votes on these budget issues will be coming up soon. If you would like to contact your State representative(s) please use the link below to find out who represents you: http://www.ncleg.net/representation/WhoRepresentsMe.aspx

A new link in Cary’s greenway opens a new region for cycling and walking. With a final half-mile stretch and a footbridge recently completed, the Black Creek Greenway officially runs from Bond Park in western Cary to Umstead State Park, the huge natural area in western Raleigh. From there, a 5-mile gravel path connects to Raleigh’s greenway network. There are no plans for a paved connection between the two municipalities. Though the 5-mile connection through Umstead is unpaved, it’s open to bicycles and pedestrians. The White Oak Creek Greenway (in image above), along with the Black Creek Greenway are regional greenways which link within Bond Park. When completed, these two trails will extend a distance of over 15 miles and connect the American Tobacco Trail, Bond Park, Lake Crabtree County Park and Umstead State Park. When Cary's White Oak Greenway is finished about 2017, Cary residents may go as far as Durham on greenways.
White Oak Creek Greenway reopened in April 2013 and consists of several segments of trail which extend from Bond Park to Green Level Church Road, an overall distance of 5.07 miles. Cary's Parks and Rec. web site has a useful map http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/Parks__Recreation___Cultural_Resou... to guide you to access points. For more on these developments see recent News & Observer article: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/05/19/2904485/new-greenway-links-cary-t...