Long Creek Greenway and Stream Improvement: Phases 1-3
Long Creek Greenway and Stream Improvement: Phases 1-3
Greenway Trail is currently being developed along Long Creek in three funded phases. The first ~1.5 mile phase of Long Creek Greenway is complete from I-77 to Treyburn Drive, which includes a connection along Dixon Branch Greenway under W.T. Harris Blvd to connect to Northlake Center Parkway. Phase 2 construction began in Summer 2022 and is nearly complete. Phase 3 began construction in November 2023 and will extend the greenway trail south to Oakdale Road.
Long Creek Greenway is being designed and constructed in collaboration with a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services Stream Improvement Project: https://charlottenc.gov/StormWater/Projects/Pages/StreamWetlandRestoration.aspx
See phasing exhibit below:
- Phase 1 (I-77 to Treyburn) was completed in Summer 2023. The greenway trail provides pedestrian connections to Long Creek Club Drive, Reames Road, Secretariat Drive, Northlake Center Parkway, Bayview Parkway, and Treyburn Drive.
- Phase 2 (Treyburn to I-485) was completed in March 2024. The project includes +/- 2.5 miles of new greenway trail (asphalt, concrete, and boardwalk) with public access connections, roadway underpasses, swale bridges, modular block retaining wall, and four (4) pre-fabricated bridges of varying spans, and water quality pond. The greenway trail will provide pedestrian connections to Treyburn Drive, Ambleside Drive, Belstead Brook Court, Beatties Ford Road and Trotter Road. The Stream Enhancement portion of the project includes +/- 2.5 miles of stream improvements including realignment of existing centerline, installation of in-stream structures, revegetation of restoration areas, and +/- 14-acres of wetland restoration and enhancement.
- Phase 3 (I-485 to Oakdale) is currently under construction. This project includes +/- 1.5 miles of new greenway trail as well as improvements to existing paths in Oak Hills Park. The greenway trail will provide pedestrian connections to Primm Road and Oakdale Road. The Stream Enhancement portion of the project includes 2+ miles of stream improvements. The project is anticipated to be complete in Spring 2025.
Find more information on Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Capital Planning projects at: https://parkandrec.mecknc.gov/site-menu/current-projects
Long Creek Greenway: Treyburn to Oakdale Public Information Session
Virtual Public Meeting for Long Creek Greenway.
Long Creek Greenway Phases:
Long Creek Greenway Phase 1 is Complete!
Long Creek Greenway Phase 2 is Complete!
Long Creek Greenway Phase 3 is Under Construction:
Long Creek Greenway from Treyburn Drive to Oakdale Road (Phase 2 and 3):
Note that these maps show preliminary recommendations for the greenway trail and stream restoration alignments, which are subject to change based on design and budget considerations.
Long Creek Stream Enhancement
The stream banks along Long Creek have been eroding away and causing dangerously steep slopes and widespread tree loss. When eroded soil enters the stream, water becomes polluted with sediment, and the water quality becomes adversely impacted. Fallen trees block stream flows which exacerbate localized flooding and accelerate erosion. These poor stream conditions negatively affect the health of wildlife including fish and other aquatic creatures. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services will work to restore and enhance the banks along Long Creek, improve water quality, and reduce erosion. During the construction phase, trees will be removed and the site might look unsightly, open and bare, as crews perform their work. It is an essential goal of the project to restore the vegetated stream buffer throughout the project area. Trees and other native vegetation will be planted shortly after construction is completed. At first you will see grasses, then small trees and shrubs will appear. Within a few years, large hardwood trees will dominate and new growth will continue for years to come.
Existing Long Creek:
Example of Recently Completed Stream Restoration:
Project Schedule:
Greenway Master Plan:
Oak Hills Parkland Reserve
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has also begun to study the future use of Oak Hills Parkland Reserve, the ~150 acre park property located at 4120 Oakdale Road in NW Charlotte. The Long Creek Greenway trail, restroom, and parking lot is the first funded phase of improvements for the property. Below are two concepts for potential future improvments. While this park development has not yet been funded for construction, please let us know if you have any comments about how you would like to use the park!
Additional questions? Contact:
Katie Lloyd, Senior Planner
Katie.Lloyd@MeckNC.gov or 980-266-0691