New greenway trail open in Cary

A paved walking trial and pedestrian bridges are part of a $3.7 million greenway project that has reopened in Cary.

Posted 9:51 p.m. Jan 8, 2013 — Updated 9:51 p.m. Jan 8, 2013

CARY, N.C. — A paved walking trail and pedestrian bridges are part of a $3.7 million greenway project that has reopened in Cary.

Officials said Tuesday they have completed the extension of the Higgins Greenway after it was closed for nearly two years. The extension stretches from the 700 block of Southwest Maynard Road to 905 W. Chatham St.

The addition of the greenway completes 67 miles of trails in Cary, said Michael Baubin, environmental specialist with Cary's engineering department.

"Completing this project increases the area’s natural and recreational value to residents and is a model of success for restoration of a previously impaired ecosystem,” he said in a statement.

The project included stream restoration of a Swift Creek tributary and the installation of 13 constructed wetlands and planting over 8,000 plants.

Babuin said the goal was to restore the natural environment and remove unwanted pollutants from the ecosystem.

About $440,000 for the project came from a grant from the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, a program created to help the environment in urbanized residential areas.

Suggest A Correction