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Briar Creek Greenway – Central to Monroe: A Major Expansion in East Charlotte

Briar Creek Greenway Phase 1
Briar Creek Greenway Phase 1. Photo: Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation

Mecklenburg County’s greenway system has become a cherished asset—offering serene escapes, commuter paths, nature education, and community connection. With more than 82 miles of greenway trails and 115 miles of paved park trails already in place, exciting new additions are now under construction, heading toward completion, or in the pipeline. Here’s a spotlight on the transformative Briar Creek Greenway Central to Monroe project that Sustain Charlotte helps champion.

Connecting from Central Avenue/Masonic Drive to Monroe Road, the Briar Creek Greenway – Central to Monroe spans 1.6 miles of new multi-use trail—bringing Charlotte one step closer to a seamless, accessible greenway network.

Project Phases & Timeline

  1. Phase 1 (Bay Street → Monroe Road)

    • Length: ~0.5 miles

    • Status: Construction began in Summer 2025

    • Completion: Expected mid-2026

    • Key access points: Bay St., Laburnum Ave., Chantilly Park, Bramlet Rd., Monroe Rd.

  2. Phase 2 (Masonic/Central Avenue → Morningside Drive)

    • Length: ~0.8 miles

    • Status: In design

  3. Phase 3 (Morningside Drive → Bay Street)

    • Length: ~0.3 miles

    • Status: In design

    • Planned features: A formalized connection to Bay Street and the relocation of an existing pedestrian bridge serving Chantilly Montessori School.

This phased approach enabled project momentum despite real estate, coordination, and infrastructure complexities—particularly with NCDOT Hwy 74 upgrades and CATS Silver Line expansions.

The Briar Creek Greenway segment from Central to Monroe will run through the Chantilly Ecological Sanctuary Photo: Wildlands Engineering
The Briar Creek Greenway segment from Central to Monroe will run through the Chantilly Ecological Sanctuary Photo: Wildlands Engineering

Phase 1 Details & Specs

Investment & Community Impact

The overarching project represents an approximate $11.3 million capital investment by Mecklenburg County. Once all phases are complete, this greenway will bridge the gap between the existing Briar Creek Greenway segments and Monroe Road, linking to the extensive Little Sugar Creek Greenway near Tyvola Rd. Trail users will gain enhanced access to ancillary parks, schools, neighborhoods, and future transit corridors—supporting recreation, active movement, and equitable infrastructure.

greenway plan

Why Sustain Charlotte Celebrates This Project

  • Equitable Access: Opens reliable trail connections across diverse neighborhoods—bringing outdoor access to more residents.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Protects riparian buffers along Briar Creek, improving water quality and habitat health.

  • Infrastructure Synergy: Fuses regional greenway planning with transit (Silver Line) and road (Hwy 74) improvements—elevating Charlotte’s sustainable mobility vision.

What to Expect Next

  • Construction disruptions: Phase 1 closures are under way; adjacent neighborhood awareness of detours and site access shifts is key.

  • Upcoming demolition: Mid‑2025 clearing at Morningside Drive will pave the way for Phase 3 design and construction.

  • Design in motion: Phases 2 & 3 will advance in tandem—aligning with community input windows and right‑of‑way acquisition.

  • Keep informed: Follow the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation page for updates.

Next Steps for the Community

  • Stay updated: Visit MeckParks & Recreation’s “Greenway Projects” page and the specific PublicInput page for Central-to-Monroe.

  • Join the conversation: PublicInput webinars and surveys shape final design decisions.

  • Lend support: Sustain Charlotte advocates for more trail amenities, environmental buffers, and active travel inclusion along this corridor.

As Phase 1 takes shape now and Phases 2–3 advance through design, the Briar Creek Greenway – Central to Monroe is a cornerstone in a greener, more connected Charlotte. Sustain Charlotte strongly supports this project’s promise to enhance our city’s health, mobility, and ecological resilience.

Stay in touch with us for updates on construction progress, community events, and ways you can help shape trail amenities and access.

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