Sugar Hill Greenway
TriScapes Construction (TSI) is making progress during the drier weeks of January on the segment of trail between Peachtree Industrial and Level Creek Road. Paving is set to get underway later in February or early March, depending on temperatures as this section is composed of asphalt concrete pavement. Short supplies, short staffing, and weather have hampered the installation of very tall timber piles for the foundation for four of the boardwalks and one of the bridges in the segment from Level Creek to Whitehead Road. The contractor is still waiting on confirmation of schedules for handrailing prior to committing to a finish date for this segment. Many of the project’s natural segments follow the old Georgia DOT right-of-way for the outer perimeter project and take visitors through many of the most scenic places in the city. Bridge and boardwalk construction is some of the longer divisions of work to be completed and is taking some time to work through. A pedestrian crossing signal has been installed on Level Creek Road near the back entrance to Gwinnett Church where the trail will cross (just south/west of Markim Forest subdivision). The signal, at the entrance to the city’s newest park (Goldmine Park-440 Level Creek Road) will be activated once the trail is closer to completion and the county approves the installation.
Greenway Trail Segment – Gravel base for segment between PIB & Level Creek Road (North of Gwinnett Church).
The contract for signage on the trail has been let and design is well underway. The Friends of the Greenway are assisting with selections and are very excited to be involved with the project. It will consist of pylon signs, maps, mileage markers and location information signs. Some solar lighting will be incorporated at strategic intersections.
The Sugar Hill greenway trail is a transformative investment in greenspace, alternative transportation and recreation opportunity. The benefits of the trail have been described in terms of economics by way of improved property values, health effects by way of improved activity levels, environmental protections by highlighting the natural environment encircling the city, and traffic demand reductions by decreasing reliance on automobile trips (to recreation, restaurant and shopping destinations). Reference Sugar Hill’s greenway trail master plan website for more information about this and future phases. www.sugarhillgreenway.com
Project Highlights
- The trail was envisioned in 2014, with the first trail segment completed in 2018 along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
- The greenway is comprised of 11.5- linear miles of greenspace and will be connected by nearly 16 miles of walking and biking trail sewing together key destinations/nodes in the city.
- The trail will be 10 to 12 feet in width and be paved with concrete along roadways and asphalt in natural areas.
- The first phase connects downtown with (3) three parks and (2) trail head parking lots clockwise from downtown to Gwinnett Church and westward to Whitehead Road.
- The entire trail is expected to cost about $17 – $20 million by the time future phases are constructed.
- Most of the first phase is constructed with SPLOST (voluntary sales tax dollars) funds.
- Phase 1 (5 miles) anticipated completion date – Q1, 2022.
The TSI contract will encompass about 4 and a half miles of trail construction, beginning at the intersection of Level Creek Road and Church Street and extending both along roadways and through natural areas to Whitehead Road, temporarily ending at a trailhead parking lot at the Bethany UMC Church located at 144 Whitehead Road near the new bridge.
Gold Mine Park. TriScapes (TSI) was awarded the contract and is making progress on the small (2.4AC with 7 acres of greenspace), but important park. The parking lot and the driveway are nearly to finished subgrade, but the site is still being used for laydown and staging for northwest segments of the greenway construction. Installation of stormwater control structures interior to the site is complete. The structures for water supply and sewer are on site and will be installed soon. The restroom building is in production and should be delivered soon. Paving should begin once the bridge on the Greenway is in place and the heavy equipment is removed. The park serves as a trailhead on the city’s greenway and offers a chance for guests to learn more about the city’s gold mining history. The park will have some 50 parking spaces, a restroom, bicycle racks, and information about the cultural and historical significance of the area.
E Center Event Space. Work has begun on the E Center Event Space & Conference Room, located in the northeast corner of the parking level. The space will consist of two areas that can be used for classes, meetings or events. These areas can be rented by HOAs, businesses or individuals.
The public will notice walls and brickwork being installed as well as an outside patio area with iron awnings similar to those on the promenade of the E Center. The contractor, Barnsley Group, is working diligently to deliver a completed project by the middle of July, 2022.
