November Update: SAVE the Big Branch Greenway

We still need your help! Raleigh’s Big Branch Greenway is at risk—and your voice can make all the difference. Thank you to everyone who has spoken up and helped protect the Big Branch Greenway Connector—an essential link connecting Crabtree Creek Greenway near Six Forks Road and Anderson Drive to North Hills.

What's Happening Now? A few homeowners are still pushing to stop the project, but public support remains strong. We’re urging the Raleigh City Council to approve the staff-recommended streamside alignment.

The streamside route is the right choice:

• Safest option with no driveway crossings

• Accessible for bikes, wheelchairs, and strollers

• Backed by strong public input

• Includes a $1.5M stream restoration partnership with Stormwater

• Adds fencing and landscaping for nearby residents

Alternate routes bring safety and access issues and lack staff support.

We Need Your Help!

The next step is the FINAL VOTE at the Raleigh City Council on Tuesday, November 18.

Wear green and join us at the meeting to show support for keeping Big Branch Greenway on track.

Details to Attend City Council Meeting

Tues., Nov. 18, 2025, 1:00 PM

Raleigh Municipal Building 2nd Floor 222 W. Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601.

Show up and wear green. Speaking is optional.

To speak, you need to sign up by 3 pm on NOV 14, for the Nov. 18 meeting at 1pm.

SIGN UP HERE

Next, Email the Raleigh City Council and the Mayor

• Subject Line: "Save Big Branch Greenway"

• Share why you love Raleigh’s greenways and why a connected system—including Big Branch—is vital, as recommended by city staff.

• This email will "send" to all City Council members: citycouncilmemebers@raleighnc.gov

  
  

Show support by wearing green at Raleigh Parks board meetings and upcoming City Council meetings.

What is the Big Branch Greenway?

• The Big Branch Greenway is the City of Raleigh’s #1 greenway priority, and the only new trail construction in the 2022 Parks Bond. It is a vital connection through some of Raleigh's fastest-growing, most vibrant neighborhoods spanning 3.5 miles from Downtown to Midtown, serving over 7,000 current and 3,000 future neighbors.

So What's Happening?

• An organized group of neighbors is working to block this critical segment behind their homes, which runs along the stream corridor, despite the city offering privacy fences. There is at least a 55-foot buffer between their homes and the trail.

• City staff and planners agree it’s the best viable option. Here's why:

  • There is plenty of space. Houses are 55–85 feet from the greenway. There are already over 160 homes within 55 feet and 450 homes within 90 feet of Raleigh’s greenways.

  • Approximately 65% of residents surveyed preferred the streamside alignment.

  • The corridor has already been cleared for a new sewer pipe, making it ready for the greenway.

  • The plan includes funding for stream bank stabilization to reduce erosion and flooding.

• If this greenway corridor link is blocked, thousands will lose out on safe walking and biking connections, environmental restoration, and neighborhood equity.

  
  

Why Is Big Branch Greenway Important?

• Access & Connectivity: More than 7,000 residents—plus 3,000 planned new homes—will gain direct access to parks, shopping, schools, and transportation access through this new greenway corridor link. The Big Branch Greenway will fill existing gaps and add 3.5 miles of scenic trail, connecting Crabtree Creek Greenway to Cedar Hills Park, across many of Midtown’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

• Equity: Prioritized for population density, transit access, and parks equity—bringing green space to those who need it most.

• Safety and Health: Provides safe routes for kids, encourages walking and biking, and improves local air and water quality.

• Community Benefit: Trails boost property values, deter crime through active use, and strengthen social bonds.

History of Raleigh's Greenway Vision

• The Big Branch corridor was first designated in 1976, and was named Raleigh’s #1 priority in the 2022 Greenway Master Plan, and in the Midtown–St. Albans Area Plan.

• Decades of community input, voter support, and expert planning have culminated in today’s bold vision for a truly connected city.

Two Ways to Take Action Today

Without action, a small group can derail years of planning and progress.

1. Email the Raleigh City Council and the Mayor Subject Line: "Save Big Branch Greenway"

   Share why you love Raleigh’s greenways and why a connected system—including Big Branch—is vital, as recommended by city staff.

   This email will "send" to all City Council members: citycouncilmemebers@raleighnc.gov

   
   

2. Attend City Council Meetings

   Tuesday, November 18, 2025 1:00 PM

   Raleigh Municipal Building 2nd Floor 222 W. Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601.

   Show up and wear green. Speaking is optional.

   To speak, you need to sign up by 3 pm on NOV 14, for the Nov. 18 meeting at 1pm.

   SIGN UP HERE
   

   Topic Recommendations if Considering Speaking

   • Property Value & Crimes & Safety on Trails

   • Regional Connectivity & Safe Routes for Kids 

   • Transportation & Mobility & Equitable routes

Quick Facts

1. Big Branch Greenway offers 3.5 new miles and is part of the 2022 Parks Bond and the ONLY new trail construction project in the bond. 

2. More than 10,000 residents will benefit from greenway access when completed.

3. The city will restore Big Branch Creek and improve stormwater management as part of the project.

4. Big Branch starts at the Crabtree Creek Greenway and heads north across Six Forks Rd., over I-440 into North Hills, and then north through Quail Hollow, Millbrook Rd, and to Sandy Forks Rd. 

   
   

When you take action, please let us know. Email Rashawn King at rashawn@greenway.org to update you on the City Council meetings. Send an email if you have questions or need more information.

Together, we can save the Big Branch Greenway—let’s get it done!

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