Ongoing Projects
Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail

Why This Is A Priority

The Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail will be a vibrant 26-mile multi-use trail for bicyclists, pedestrians and other active transportation uses. The future East Coast Greenway segment will directly link to the future Downtown Durham Rail Trail, making connections to the northern portion of the City of Durham’s urban core.

Research and Preliminary Analysis

Identify key opportunities and challenges, compile a comprehensive database of existing corridor assets and assess current resources and infrastructure.

Trail Visioning and Public Engagement

Activities to engage the public, stakeholders and government partners will be woven throughout the planning process.

Concept Plan and Public Engagement

Develop a framework outlining preliminary recommendations for the trail concept plan and initiate a second round of focus group meetings and public workshops to gather feedback.

Final Plan Development

The final plan includes comprehensive recommendations, a detailed phasing schedule, planning-level cost estimates and guidance on trail operations, maintenance and security.

Who’s Listening

David Miller, AICP

Transportation Planner, Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO)

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Ellen Beckmann, AICP

Durham County, Transportation Director

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miles of multi-use trail

81%

percent strongly support the trail

letters of support

About the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail

The Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan is a community-driven initiative to assess the transformation of the existing 18-mile inactive rail corridor within Durham County into a multi-use trail. This proposed rail trail would ultimately establish a 26-mile trail network linking downtown Durham to Roxboro.

The project is a collaborative effort led by five key organizations: Durham County, Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO), City of Durham Parks and Recreation, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the East Coast Greenway Alliance.

Through robust public engagement and input, the planning study seeks to honor the area’s rich history while designing a distinctive rail trail experience that celebrates and protects the unique environment, heritage and character of the corridor.

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What You Can Do

Donate

Support the East Coast Greenway Alliance’s advocacy efforts in support of projects like the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail.

Give Today

View the Planning Study

View the presentation of community input and draft trail concepts presented at the Oct. 6, 2025, Board of County Commissioners meeting.

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Voice Support

View the conceptual designs being considered for the rail trail including trailheads, trail connections and overall trail design and share your thoughts.

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