Talking Points for Deputy Secretary David King
Dedication Ceremony for the Reedy Creek Greenway and I-440 Pedestrian Bridge
Monday, April 4, 2005
N.C. Museum of Art Campus
11 a.m.

Introduction and Recognition
  • Thank you, Nina, for that kind introduction.

  • Mayor Meeker, Secretary Evans, thank you both for being a part of this special day.

  • Good morning and thanks to all of you for joining us as we celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the second phase of the Reedy Creek Greenway.

  • I know that they have already been introduced, but I'd like to again recognize Raleigh's legislative delegation as well as Raleigh City Council members and Wake County commissioners. Without your vision and leadership this project would have never been possible.

  • I'd also like to recognize the administration of both Meredith College and the N.C. Museum of Art and thank you for investing your land and resources in this project.

  • Also here with us today is Larry Neilson, Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Interim Provost at N.C. State University. Larry, thank you for joining us.

  • This greenway project would also have never taken shape without the hard work of some of our very own DOT employees.

  • Jon Nance and Boyd Tharrington, please raise your hands. Jon is DOT's Division 5 engineer, responsible for all projects in the Raleigh area and Boyd is the assistant resident engineer who managed the day-to-day activities on this project. Thank you both for your outstanding efforts.

  • Finally, I'd like to recognize C.C. Mangum, Inc., the project's general contractor.

  • Thank you all for taking this greenway from the blueprints to reality.

    • A Dream Realized
  • Today is the realization of a dream for bikers, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts around the Triangle as we cut the ribbon on what will soon be both a Raleigh landmark and the centerpiece of a regional greenway system.

  • The greenway that we are celebrating today is the second phase of a 4.9 mile, three-phase project to connect West Raleigh with Umstead State Park.

  • Over the past few weeks, the weather has challenged our crews as they work to complete this greenway. Unfortunately, that means the greenway and bridge will not be officially opened for another two weeks as crews work to finish the project.

  • However, I am glad to say that the greenway and bridge are open today for all of us to preview the beautiful scenery and treasures that await in just a few weeks.

  • In 2000, we completed the first phase, a 5,000-foot greenway that wraps around the N.C. Museum of Art campus, which is the segment we all used to get to the ceremony today.

  • The third and final two-mile phase will link the first two phases to Umstead State Park along Reedy Creek Road.

  • Construction on that segment is scheduled to begin in July 2005.

  • In the near future, that connection will also include the American Tobacco Trail in Durham, which will stretch from downtown Durham to Chatham County.

    • A Bridge Rising
  • Perhaps the most visible part of this project is the new pedestrian bridge we have all seen rise above the beltline over this past several months.

  • The beautiful 660-foot pedestrian bridge that now spans I-440 is the longest pedestrian bridge in North Carolina.

  • I am told that its design was inspired by the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia.

  • This bridge's arches and approaches were constructed with pre-formed concrete to give the appearance of natural stone.

    • The Greenway's Beauty
  • The real beauty of this greenway, however, is found off the pedestrian bridge in the woodlands surrounded by Raleigh's most heavily-traveled routes.

  • Many people will be surprised by the immense natural beauty that is found along Wade Avenue, the Beltline and Hillsborough Street.

  • In fact, the terrain between the N.C. Museum of Art and the I-440 pedestrian bridge more closely resembles the foothills than the Piedmont.

  • I can also guarantee that anyone who walks or bikes along this segment will get a great workout.

  • Over on the Meredith College side of the greenway, walkers and cyclists will enjoy the acres of open fields that surround the beautiful campus.

  • Deep within the woodlands behind the N.C. Museum of Art, walkers and bikers will enjoy the tranquility of House Creek, which runs under a 70-foot timber pedestrian bridge.

  • Two other boardwalks across wetland areas along the greenway route will also provide plenty of nature-viewing opportunities.

  • The greenway allows us to explore these hidden treasures and escape the hustle and bustle of our urban surroundings without harming these precious resources.

    • Conclusion
  • The Reedy Creek Greenway connects some of Raleigh's finest educational, cultural and recreational resources, providing a greater sense of community.

  • And by bringing people and communities together, the greenway truly illustrates Gov. Easley's vision for One North Carolina.

  • I know that area citizens are anxious to enjoy the greenway.

  • As an avid cyclist, I look forward to enjoying this new section of the greenway myself.

  • Nina, I'd like to turn it back to you.

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