Raleigh Approves Big Branch Greenway Connector, Construction Planned 2026

The City of Raleigh took a procedural step on November 18, 2025 that moves the Big Branch Greenway Connector from planning toward construction. City project pages were updated to show council approval and progress for three distinct trail segments, grouped with other greenway improvements on the Sanderford Road Park Connection project page. The materials describe planned construction of new multi use trails and connections intended to improve walkable access to parks and greenways in targeted neighborhoods.

These projects are part of the Neighborhood and Community Connections program, known as N and CC, which is funded through the 2022 Parks Bond. The program emphasizes improving equitable access to recreation and active transport connections. The project schedule included on the city pages lists design milestones and estimates construction will occur during 2026 and 2027 for buildout of the new trail segments.

For residents the announcement clarifies timing and scope for a visible set of neighborhood investments. The planned trails are designed to expand pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, making it easier to reach Sanderford Road Park and other green spaces without relying on a car. That connectivity can affect daily routines for families, workers, and students and can shape neighborhood mobility over the long term.

Institutionally the update illustrates how bond authorized priorities are being translated into specific projects through municipal planning and council approval. The N and CC program channels funds from the 2022 Parks Bond into targeted upgrades that aim to address gaps in park access and active transport infrastructure. The city schedule and public project pages provide a paper trail that will allow residents and oversight bodies to track progress against design milestones and the projected construction window.

Policy implications include the distribution of resources across neighborhoods, the prioritization of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure within local transportation planning, and the need to anticipate maintenance and operational funding once facilities are built. As the city moves from design to construction, questions about accessibility, safety features, lighting, and connections to existing sidewalks and transit will become central to public review and to how effectively the investments meet stated equity goals.

Practical next steps for nearby residents include monitoring the city project pages for design milestone updates and construction notices. As the timeline progresses in 2026 and 2027, there will be opportunities for community engagement around specific design elements and construction impacts. For local leaders and advocates the work will test whether bond funded projects achieve measurable improvements in access to parks and active transport across Wake County neighborhoods.