Status
update as of 10/3/11
Greenway Trail – Phase I (Bradford Creek)
Opening of the first paved portion should be in November, 2011.

A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held at Palmer Park on July 8, 2010.

Greenway Trail – Phase II (Bradford Creek)
The layout for Phase II of the Bradford Creek Greenway was approved. The
City is negotiating the new design contract with the consultant.

Download PDF Version

See also: Huntsville Times, Dec 15, 2009, Bradford Creek Greenway Gets Green Light

See also: Huntsville Times: First Greenway for Madison Coming Closer [PDF File]

Green Space for the Citizens of Madison

The City of Madison, AL, has been awarded federal TE-21 grants for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of a pedestrian and non-motorized transportation and greenway corridor along Bradford Creek in the western portion of the City of Madison. See Map.

Phase 1 – Liberty Middle School South to Palmer Park (3 mi)
Phase 2 – Palmer Park South to HWY 20 (1.7 mi)

Proposed Route

Much of the greenway will go through property owned by the Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama. The goal is to follow the western sewer outfall, as much as possible. Deviations from the sewer line may occur to accommodate environmental concerns, property owners, and construction constraints. Property owners will be respected. The City is developing the route with the design team. Alternatives are being reviewed. There is no detailed map available yet for the proposed route.

Bradford Creek serves as the primary drainage basin as well as a flood plain area. The route along Bradford Creek provides scenic views of the creek itself, the hardwood forests along the banks, wetland areas supporting beavers, raccoons, opossum, many species of fish and birds, and a varied assortment of plants. The route allows for an experience that is removed from the noise of vehicular traffic and allows for total immersion into a natural setting, away from the trappings of urban life. Much of the land adjacent to the creek is held in conservation easements and owned by the Land Trust of North Alabama, ensuring that the area will remain unspoiled and a habitat for a diverse group of plants, fish, animals, and waterfowl. The project will not require any ground disturbing activities (other than construction of the path itself) or demolition, and by preventing development within the floodplain it will aid in drainage and flood control for West Madison.

Route Parallels Bradford Creek

A pedestrian and non-motorized corridor along Bradford Creek will enhance the area by providing a walking laboratory and a new route to school for elementary and middle school children. The corridor will also benefit adults by providing a safe and scenic area for walking and biking. Also, along the corridor is Madison’s largest recreation area, the 99-acre Palmer Park, which contains a playground, softball and baseball diamonds, and soccer and football fields.

Route Makes Use of Sewer Right-of-Way