DURHAM, N.C. – Residents are invited to help shape plans for an 18-mile inactive rail corridor that could become a new 26-mile multi-use trail connecting Durham and Roxboro.

The Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Planning Study is entering its second round of public engagement, and community input is critical to advancing this vision.

The project — led by Durham County and the City of Durham in partnership with the Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the East Coast Greenway Alliance — aims to create a trail that connects parks, neighborhoods, and schools while honoring the corridor’s cultural, historical, and environmental features.

“This trail has the potential to bring people together, celebrate our history, and become a key piece of our active transportation network,” said Durham City Council Member Carl Rist.

Durham County Commissioner Michelle Burton added, “It’s more than a trail — it’s a way to connect communities and create something lasting for future generations.”

Attend a Drop-In Workshop

Three informal, family-friendly workshops will give residents a chance to comment on draft trail designs, identify community connections, and provide feedback directly on a large trail map.

• Monday, August 18 | 5–7 p.m. – Durham County Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St.
• Wednesday, August 27 | 6–8 p.m. – Edison Johnson Recreation Center, 500 Murray Ave.
• Thursday, August 28 | 6–8 p.m. – Spruce Pine Lodge, 2235 Bahama Rd.

Workshops are drop-in style, with interactive stations, project planning staff available for questions, and a kid’s table to make it easy for families to participate.

Take the Online Survey

If residents can’t attend in-person workshops, they are encouraged to complete the online survey anytime between August 18 and September 22 to weigh in on trail concepts, road crossings, and proposed amenities.

For more information and updates, visit https://durham2roxborotrailplan.com.

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