Cary reopens full Black Creek Greenway after phased renovation

Cary reopened the full 7.1-mile Black Creek Greenway on Nov. 2, 2026, restoring public access along the route for walkers, runners and bicyclists. The renovation covered about 2.5 miles and was completed in three phases; reopening the final phase restored access along the full trail, rather than reopening the entire renovated stretch at once.

The renovated section runs from West Dynasty Drive to the Old Reedy Creek Road trailhead near Lake Crabtree. At about 35% of the greenway’s total length, it was a portion of the route—not the full trail—that underwent construction. WPTF reported the work finished nearly seven months ahead of the anticipated three-year schedule. Cary’s October update said the third and final phase was complete and ahead of schedule.

Trail upgrades and a shorter connection i

Reported completed work includes widening the trail to 12 feet, improving drainage, realigning curves and adding a greenway connection near Dynasty Drive. Cary said the project also aimed to move sections away from flood-prone areas where possible and reduce sharp curves; those were stated goals, not guaranteed outcomes.

The new connection across West Dynasty Drive is about a quarter mile long. Cary said it was intended to replace a steep sidewalk connection of roughly 0.4 mile between greenway sections. Based on those approximate lengths, the new link is about 0.15 mile shorter—roughly 38% less distance than the sidewalk route.

An earlier phase opened the Cary Parkway pedestrian bridge. WPTF reported that the bridge includes public art by Vicki Scuri.

Project costs and the planned First Walk i

Cary lists a $16.5 million design-and-construction budget, including about $12 million in federal grant funding. WPTF separately reported an original construction bid of nearly $17.5 million and an estimated final construction cost of about $17.3 million. The figures have different descriptions and are not reconciled; the $17.3 million figure is an estimate, not a settled final expenditure.

The greenway is already open. Cary plans a Teen Council First Walk on Jan. 1, 2027, at 10 a.m. at North Cary Park to mark the reopening.