Newport River Trail

Project Description:

As part of New Castle County’s Connecting Communities Initiative, the County is proposing a 2-mile paved trail as a key connection between the Town of Newport and the Jack A. Markell (JAM) Trail. The trail would run along the north bank of the Christina River from South James Street extending to the JAM trail at the southwest corner of the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge. It would provide a low-stress alternative to Maryland Avenue for bicyclists and pedestrians traveling to and from Newport and Wilmington and offer important safety, health, and economic benefits to County residents. The connection to the trail extends connectivity to the Wilmington Loop and to the multi-state East Coast Greenway trail system.

Current Phase:

Final Design

Project Documents:

Feasibility Study
Concept Plan
Project Update, Feb. 7, 2023
Open House Presentation, May 8, 2023
Open House Recording, May 8, 2023

Key Dates:

2014: Corridor identified as a potential regional connection in Newark to Wilmington Trail Study 

March 2019: Project Kick-off Meeting with Newport River Trail Advisory Committee 

June 2020: Newport River Trail Feasibility Study completed

2022: Concept Plans completed 

February 2023: RAISE Grant application submission requesting construction funding 

Spring 2023: Project Open House Monday, May 8, 2023. 6:00-7:30 PM. Minquas Fire Company 21 N. James St., Newport.

June 2023 – RAISE grant funds awarded to New Castle County toward construction.  See page 34 of the RAISE Grant Fact Sheet.

Early 2024: Final Design Plans anticipated to be complete

Project Renderings: