Kerr Avenue Trail Project

At a glance

• What: Construction of a 0.7-mile multi-use pedestrian/bicycle path from UNCW campus to commercial areas north of Market Street. Total project cost approximately $3.35 million, with $2.68 million NCDOT Surface Transportation Block Grant and $670,337 local match (20% required by grant).
• Where it stands: NCDOT grant agreement approved September 22, 2026. Project in land acquisition phase with 25 of 32 properties closed; 7 still in process.
• Next: Utility relocation targeted to begin May 2027; construction to begin August 2027. Project addresses top citizen priority and safety needs for students and pedestrians.

Project scope and benefits

Route: From UNCW campus to commercial areas north of Market Street
Facility type: 0.7-mile multi-use path (pedestrian and bicycle)
Primary beneficiaries: UNCW students, pedestrians, cyclists
Safety benefits: Safe route alternatives, addresses top citizen priority

Funding

Total project cost: Approximately $3,351,084

• Grant funds (NCDOT STBG-DA): $2,681,347
• Local match required (20%): $670,337 (already appropriated to project budget)

Grant source: NCDOT Surface Transportation Block Grant - Direct Attributable Funds (STBG-DA)
Awarding organization: WMPO (Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization)
Grant notification: November 2025

Timeline

Acquisition phase: 25 of 32 properties closed; 7 remaining
Utility relocation: Targeted May 2027 start
Construction: Targeted August 2027 start
Utility conflicts: Significant power pole and cable relocations ($1.02 million estimated for utility work); average cost per pole: $30,000-$40,000

Motion history

September 22, 2026:

• Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Enter into Agreement with NCDOT for STBG-DA Grant ($2,681,347)

  • Motion by Councilmember Andrews
  • Second by Councilmember Lyle
  • Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)

• Ordinance Making Appropriation of $2,681,347 STBG-DA Funds to Kerr Avenue Trail Project

  • Motion by Councilmember Santaguida
  • Second by Councilmember Andrews
  • Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)
  • Second reading waived (motion by Councilmember Andrews, seconded by Councilmember Clinton-Quintana, 7-0)

Sources

• City Council regular meeting minutes, September 22, 2026: https://wilmington.granicus.com/MinutesViewer.php?view_id=25&clip_id=7313&doc_id=2af13546-c252-11f1-89ef-005056a84798
• Wilmington City website: https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov
• WMPO website: https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/

Log

2026-09-22 - City Council

Senior Project Engineer Kim Gordon presented Kerr Avenue Trail project status and timeline. Project addresses top citizen priority for pedestrian safety from UNCW campus to commercial areas north of Market Street. Acquisition phase 78% complete with utility relocation planned for May 2027 and construction August 2027. Council member Andrews inquired about utility relocation costs and pole relocations (averaging $30K-$40K per pole). Both resolution and ordinance approved unanimously to enter grant agreement and appropriate funds.