Proposal would create 36-mile trail loop around Birmingham
Fairfield Mayor Eddie Penny (left), Irondale Mayor James Stewart, Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Jefferson County Health Officer Mark Wilson and Freshwater Land Trust Executive Director Rusha Smith stand behind a map of the proposed 36-mile trail loop.
Officials with Freshwater Land Trust announced Tuesday plans for a 36-mile trail loop around the Birmingham metro area that would connect Ruffner Mountain, Railroad Park and Red Mountain Park. The Red Rock Action Plan represents the next phase of the Red Rock Trail System, a master plan of trails, bike lanes and sidewalks throughout Jefferson County.
To complete the 36-mile loop, 19 miles of new trails must be built. That work is divided up into seven corridors.
- Corridor A: Connects Birmingham’s Smithfield neighborhood to downtown through Legion Field and the historic 4th Avenue Business District
- Corridor B: Connects downtown Birmingham to the Kiwanis Vulcan Trail
- Corridor C: Connects the Kiwanis Vulcan Trail and UAB to to Red Mountain Park
- Corridor D: Connects the High Ore Line Greenway through Fairfield and Midfield to the Valley Creek Rail-to-Trail with a spur to Miles College
- Corridor E: Connects downtown Birmingham through the Woodlawn neighborhood to Ruffner Mountain
- Corridor F: Connects Ruffner Mountain to Jemison Park
- Corridor G: Connects Red Mountain Park to the Shades Creek and Jemison Greenways
The plan could take up to 15 years to build with a cost of $40 million dollars. Officials said about a third is already funded. A combination of local and federal monies will support the expansion.
“The economic impact for our city will be great,” Fairfield Mayor Eddie Penny said. “We’re looking to utilize this trail to help us improve the quality of life in the city of Fairfield.”
Penny specifically noted the trail will be a benefit to students at Miles College and older residents looking for a place to exercise.
“A lot of people are getting out and exercising, a diverse group of people from all over our community, and that’s really been great to see,” Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson said. “But it’s also bringing people together. It’s connecting us more.”
Wilson said trails have helped spur additional development and vibrancy. An analysis with the action plan estimates the full 36-mile loop would bring almost $25 million in health, transportation and economic benefits a year.
The full Red Rock Trail System, which was developed in 2010, consists of 750 miles of pathways. Of that, 129 miles have been completed.
Georgetown researcher released from immigration detention on federal judge’s order
Badar Khan Suri is the latest scholar targeted by the Trump administration to be released from detention.
The latest roadblock for House Republicans’ ‘big beautiful bill’: Senate Republicans
House Republicans are trying to pass a massive bill full of President Trump's top agenda items by the end of next week. But a new set of hurdles awaits in the Senate.
The Environmental Protection Agency delays limits on PFAS in drinking water
Federal rules to reduce the levels of "forever chemicals" in drinking water are getting delayed.
Republicans voice concern over Trump’s support for a new Air Force One from Qatar
In a rare break with the president, some inside the GOP are expressing concern over the potential national security risks of accepting a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar to replace Air Force One.
What to know about a federal proposal to help families pay for private school
Republicans want to use the federal tax code to create a national school voucher even in states where voters have fought such efforts.
Under pressure, HHS reinstates hundreds of occupational health workers
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is restoring several programs and bringing back the staffers who run them, but much of the agency's work is still on the chopping block.
