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Wilmington Loop

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

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View Trail Plan
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Where is the Trail?

The Wilmington Loop: What is it?

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)

The Wilmington Loop – What does it do?

  • Connects underserved urban communities with access to healthy amenities and parks.
  • Connects city residents with suburban jobs.
  • Connects people of all backgrounds and neighborhoods.
  • Connects Wilmington, Newport and New Castle.
  • Transforms greater Wilmington and benefits every community.

Project Phases

Wilmington Loop Phase 1 – East Side Connector:

  • The first phase of the Wilmington Loop concept, the East Side Connector project would connect the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail and the Jack A Markell Trail near the confluence of the Brandywine and Christina River. This phase benefits the historically isolated/underserved East Side, a transformational connector for our state’s largest city – improving access to cultural, educational, and business resources.


How will Phase 1 work?

Looking at the East Side Connector in segments:

  • Phase 1 – East Side Connector Segment 1: Market Street Bridge and South Park Drive in Brandywine Park. The trail idea skirts the banks of the Brandywine past (North to South) Urban Bike Project, Howard High School, Stubbs Early Education Center, Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Facility, the First State National Historical Site at Christina Park, and the Wilmington Youth Rowing Association and would connect to Tubman-Garret Park across the street from the Wilmington Train Station.

  • Phase 1 – East Side Connector Segment 2 (existing): At Tubman-Garrett Park the Riverwalk connects to the Jack A. Markell Trail and to Historic New Castle. This being the case, the trail idea begins to connect the three First State National Historical Park Sites.

Check back for news on this phase of the project.

Check back for news on this phase of the project.

The Wilmington Loop: Where does it stand/how will it be funded?

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.


The Wilmington Loop: How can I get involved?

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.

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Project Status

Progress

Trail Idea Accepted

Fundraising for Planning Study

Planning Study Complete

Project Fundraising

Project Design Complete

Construction Complete

News on Other Projects

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