Kirkwood Highway Workshop
Share your feedback on the draft recommendations for transportation improvements and land use policy strategies for the Kirkwood Highway corridor.
November 13, 2024
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The proposed Wilmington Loop Project would create a continuous community trail around our state’s largest city that will improve public health, lift-up isolated, underserved neighborhoods and spark economic renewal and expansion benefiting every citizen.
Length: 15.6 mi
Surface: Paved
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
The Wilmington Loop is a proposed transformational public infrastructure project — a continuous community trail around our state’s largest city that will improve public health, lift-up isolated, underserved neighborhoods and spark economic renewal and expansion benefiting every citizen.
Leveraging and extending existing trail networks, the first phase of the Loop, the East Side Connector will connect Wilmington’s East Side neighborhood with the beautiful Brandywine and Christina River trails, the Northern Delaware Greenway, and Jack A. Markell Trails. Linking these two city river trails will connect a historically disadvantaged community now seeing significant investment with transportation, jobs, schools, and recreational opportunities. The Brandywine-Christina trail link will be a powerful catalyst for connecting neighborhoods across the city.
A natural extension of a complete city trail – the ‘Life Science Loop’ – will make thousands of jobs in our thriving bioscientific research, health care and banking sectors just north of the city accessible for Wilmington residents via bike or foot. Simultaneously, the Loop will provide a safe, easy way for suburban employees and apartment and neighborhood dwellers to easily reach city jobs and cultural amenities.
These two phases would be complimented by the creation of a trail along Rte. 141 leading to a new connection between Newport and the Wilmington Riverfront (Newport River Trail) – a complete loop around Delaware’s largest population center.
The Wilmington Loop will for the first time seamlessly connect the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail and the Jack Markell Trail; the cities of Wilmington, Newport, and New Castle; multiple National Heritage Sites; and thousands of people with great jobs, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Beyond being just a bike or pedestrian pathway, the proposed Wilmington Loop would be a destination: a compelling, differentiated selling point for the entire state. No state in the region offers such a distinguishing asset. And the Wilmington Loop abounds with possibility for ideas and events – bike-loan stations, scooter rentals, festivals, races and more!
(See the Atlanta Beltline (Atlanta BeltLine // Where Atlanta Comes Together) as an example of a similar transformational project)
Looking at the East Side Connector in segments:
Check back for news on this phase of the project.
Check back for news on this phase of the project.
Together with other business and community leaders we have been directly in touch with top state officials including Gov. Carney, County Executive Matt Meyer, Mayor Purzycki and Transportation Secretary Majeski. We believe the Wilmington Loop should be a priority for the more than $1 billion in infrastructure funding Delaware will receive from the federal government. The first step is to gain funding for a comprehensive study of the entire Loop – these officials are currently considering that next step and we are hopeful they will soon move forward with that analysis. We will continue to encourage progress and keep you posted on updates.
You can contact your elected leaders: your local state senator, representative, county councilperson, the County Executive, Mayor and Governor. Express your support for funding of the Wilmington Loop as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a transformative infrastructure project benefiting every citizen.
Share your feedback on the draft recommendations for transportation improvements and land use policy strategies for the Kirkwood Highway corridor.
From Laurel to Wilmington, Delaware has an array of natural spots, including parks, nature reserves and wildlife areas, many include amazing trails.
About Delaware Greenways:
We envision a State where trails, pathways and scenic corridors connect everyone to where they want to go, empowering them to live healthier lives as they discover and enjoy the outdoors.
