Closed since 2018, Crabtree Creek Trail reopening delayed through August

Construction crews are cutting a new path through wooded marshland to close a 1,200 foot gap in the Crabtree Creek Trail.

"People have been very patient with us, and we are looking very forward to getting it open," said David Bender, Raleigh Parks Capital Projects Manager.

The city expected to reopen the closed section of the trail off Capital Boulevard this month, but now Bender tells WRAL the contractor needs another month to make up for delays.

"It’s giving the contractor those days back when they weren’t initially allowed to get out on the site simply because it was too wet or too much inclement weather," he said.

Wet weather is actually why the trail is damaged to begin with. Flooding and erosion from several storms - including Hurricane Matthew - caused the boardwalk to fail.

"It’s not because of the design or construction of the structure. It’s simply because of the increase in water flowing into Crabtree Creek that’s caused damage to it," he said.

The new route of the trail keeps it on solid ground – except for the reinforced crossing of two tributaries.

"There shouldn’t be any type of failure similar to that. However, being that it is located in a floodplain there will be occasional high water moments," he said.

The city says the project is still within its budget - which is a little more than $972,000.

As for this boardwalk, it will be demolished by next year. There's no estimate at this point for how much that will cost.