$4M in trail funding will connect Red Mountain to Birmingham CrossPlex and much more

Thanks to $4 million in federal funding secured by Representative Terri Sewell, two of Birmingham’s most popular places to recreate—Red Mountain Park and Birmingham Crossplex—will be connected by a new 4.57 mile trail.

Valley Creek Rails to Trails funding announced 

Earlier this week, Rep. Sewell was joined by local Jefferson County public officials and the Freshwater Land Trust (FLT) to announce the Valley Creek Rails to Trails project.

According to the FLT, the Valley Creek Rails-to-Trails will connect Red Mountain Park to the Birmingham CrossPlex by way of the existing High Ore Line Greenway. 

Together with the High Ore Line, the Valley Creek Rails-to-Trails will result in 7.5 miles of off-road trails in West Jefferson County and will serve over 58,500 Birmingham residents, as well as residents from the cities of Midfield, Fairfield, Brighton and Lipscomb. The trail will also connect to Miles College.

“We are thrilled that Congresswoman Terri Sewell and other local government officials have made a significant investment in helping Freshwater Land Trust and the City of Birmingham make the Valley Creek Rails-to-Trails become a reality.  

In addition to providing a new 4.57-mile trail extending from Red Mountain Park to the CrossPlex, this trail will also create a ‘loop within a loop’ by eventually connecting to Miles College. This trail project will ensure that West Jefferson County residents have access to a high quality walking and biking trail that provides alternative transportation options, as well as a much-needed connection to numerous other surrounding communities, including ultimately downtown Birmingham.”

Rusha Smith, Executive Director, Freshwater Land Trust

Sewell secures $80 million in 2023 funding 

In addition to the trail funding, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin recognized and thanked Rep. Sewell for her successful efforts to bring over $80 million in federal funding and grants to Birmingham and surrounding communities over the past year.

Sewell stated she is proud to support the leveraging of private and public partnerships to deliver for the people of Alabama’s 7th District. 

2023 projects have included funding for urban trails and transportation initiatives, civil rights sites and Birmingham neighborhoods.

 

Village Creek Rails to Trails 2024 groundbreaking

What’s next? Expect  the Village Creek Rails to Trails project to break ground early in 2024. If everything stays on schedule the project is expected to be completed in 2025.

The new trail is part of the 15 year Red Rock Action Plan that was unveiled this summer.

Have you used the Red Rock Trail System? We’d love to hear your thoughts about the new Village Creek Rails to Trails project on social media. Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!