Item:
Title
Durham-To-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan Presentation (60min)
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: October 6, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to receive a presentation on the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan.
The Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan outlines a comprehensive plan to convert an 18-mile segment of inactive rail corridor within Durham County into a multi-use trail. Combined with approximately 8 miles of additional trail in Person County, the project will create a continuous 26-mile network linking downtown Durham to the City of Roxboro.
The Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan is a long-term planning document that outlines the community’s vision and steps needed to turn this unused corridor into a trail. The trail would support recreation, biking and walking for transportation, tourism, and economic development - while also celebrating the corridor’s cultural and natural history.
The planning process included a study of the existing conditions along the corridor, community and stakeholder engagement, coordination with local and regional partners, evaluation of trail design ideas, and analysis of funding and implementation options to support the project’s long-term success.
Staff recommend that the Board receive a presentation on the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan and provide feedback and input on the plan's direction. The Board's input will be used to refine the plan further before it is finalized and presented for formal adoption at an upcoming meeting.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Regional Leadership
Resource Persons: Ellen Beckmann, AICP, Transportation Director; Brooke Roper, AICP, Transportation Planner
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board receive a presentation on the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________