On September 28, 2002 a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of Phases C and D of the American Tobacco Trail (ATT). This rail-trail now extends eight miles from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in downtown to NC 54. It provides an excellent off-road transportation alternative for bicyclists and pedestrians, connecting the numerous residential areas, schools and commercial and retail centers along its length.

This trail has a long history. In 1992, the NC DOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation (DBPT) recognized the potential of this discontinued rail corridor and scheduled construction of a paved trail in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as a multi-phase, multi-year project. When the NCDOT Rail Division officially acquired the rail corridor for rail banking purposes in 1995, at a cost of $2.8 million, the project could begin.

The DBPT project team partnered with the City of Durham to overcome the many obstacles that can stand in the way of getting a complex project such as the ATT on the ground. Once right-of-way was acquired and lease agreements with the City were in place, DBPT staff engineers began to design the project and prepare construction plans, which included four bridges totaling 800 feet in length. The City contracted the construction of 3.2 miles of Phases A and B, which were completed in June of 2000. The City also contracted the construction of the recently completed Phases C and D. Local advocates provided invaluable assistance by rallying public support for the project. In all, the DBPT provided $1.3 million for construction of the eight miles of all phases of this project.

The City of Durham plans to build Phase E of the ATT in 2007. This project will add another 3.75 miles and will include a 300-foot bridge over I-40. Eventually, Chatham and Wake counties will also connect to the existing ATT system bringing the overall trail length to 22 miles. Future development of spur trails will eventually provide links to the existing trail systems in RTP, Raleigh, Cary and Chapel Hill/Carrboro, providing off-road connectivity throughout the Triangle Region.

Not surprisingly, the Durham Parks and Recreation Department has reported that the first phases have become very popular. Some people have purchased bicycles for the first time, being able to now cycle safely on the trail. There is also an increasing desire to see the remaining phases of these project completed. An entrance point for the ATT is not far from the Durham Freeway (NC 147). Park your car near the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, head south on Blackwell Street and you will see the sign for the American Tobacco Trail. Enjoy!

Click here to view the ATT location map within the City of Durham.
Click here to view a map of the entire proposed trail plans.
View more images from the American Tobacco Trail completed (TIP)

American Tobacco Trail's official ribbon-cutting ceremony	10-ft. asphalt trail with 2-ft. stone shoulders
332 ft. greenway bridge	Painted crosswalks

12/08/05