Huntsville City Council Approves $1.5 Million Contract for Tennessee River Greenway Expansion

Path along the Tennessee River Greenway with trees and recreational users.

Huntsville, AL, October 25, 2025

News Summary

The Huntsville City Council has approved a contract worth almost $1.5 million for the construction of the third phase of the Tennessee River Greenway. Stretching 1.5 miles from Hobbs Road to Green Cove Road, the new phase will connect Elgies Greenway and Ditto Landing, allowing for a continuous 15-mile loop. The project is anticipated to meet the high demand from residents for outdoor recreational spaces and will complement a $13 million event center currently under construction.

Huntsville City Council Approves $1.5 Million Contract for Tennessee River Greenway Expansion

The Huntsville City Council has approved a contract valued at almost $1.5 million with Grayson Carter & Son Contracting. This contract is designated for the construction of the third phase of the Tennessee River Greenway. The new phase will stretch from Hobbs Road to Green Cove Road, covering a distance of 1.5 miles.

This upcoming section of the greenway will create a vital connection between Elgies Greenway and Ditto Landing, where a $13 million event center is currently under construction with support from the city. The City Director of Urban and Economic Development, Shane Davis, noted that this project marks the completion of the final missing link in the Tennessee River Greenway, which has been in planning for a significant amount of time.

Upon completion, the project will enable visitors to enjoy a continuous 15-mile loop that will traverse along the west and east sides of South Memorial Parkway. The greenway will allow users to start near the Hays Farm and the Haysland area and travel all the way to the river, moving under U.S. 231 into Ditto Landing and further up Aldridge Creek to Jones Valley.

Newly appointed Council President Jennie Robinson has emphasized the high demand from residents, particularly those in the biking community, regarding the completion timeline for this section of the greenway. Many residents have expressed their eagerness to see the missing greenway link come to fruition.

In addition to this project, Grayson Carter & Son Contracting is currently involved in various other street projects throughout the city. In a related decision, the City Council has approved the donation of .265 acres of land near the city’s Trailhead Greenway to the Land Trust of North Alabama. This donated land will facilitate the construction of the Land Trust’s new Discovery Center, a project that has been in the planning phases for years and will be located just off U.S. 72 East.

The land designated for donation currently serves as a public parking area offering 17 parking spaces that provide access to the Land Trust trails. To maintain access to these trails during the Discovery Center’s construction, alternative parking arrangements will be provided.

During the recent Huntsville Tourism Summit, the city demonstrated its ongoing transition into a prominent destination for outdoor recreation and infrastructure enhancements, highlighting the importance of accessible trail systems for residents and visitors alike. Huntsville has also witnessed a surge in hotel developments, with six hotels currently undergoing construction, which will add 743 rooms to the area’s accommodation options.

Key Details of the Tennessee River Greenway Expansion

  • Contract Value: Almost $1.5 million
  • Construction Company: Grayson Carter & Son Contracting
  • Length of New Phase: 1.5 miles
  • Connecting Areas: From Hobbs Road to Green Cove Road
  • Current Projects: $13 million event center at Ditto Landing
  • Overall Greenway Length: 15-mile loop
  • Parking Spaces Available: 17
  • New Hotel Developments: Six hotels adding 743 rooms

FAQ

What is the contract amount approved by the Huntsville City Council for the Tennessee River Greenway expansion?

The contract amount approved by the Huntsville City Council is almost $1.5 million.

How long will the new section of Tennessee River Greenway be?

The new section of the Tennessee River Greenway will cover a distance of 1.5 miles.

What is the purpose of the donated land near the Trailhead Greenway?

The donated land will facilitate the construction of the Land Trust’s new Discovery Center, which has been planned for years.

What improvements are happening in Huntsville related to outdoor recreation?

Huntsville is experiencing ongoing transformation into a prominent destination for outdoor recreation with the expansion of trail systems and increased hotel developments.

Chart of Key Features

Feature Details
Contract Value Almost $1.5 million
Construction Company Grayson Carter & Son Contracting
New Phase Length 1.5 miles
Connection Points Hobbs Road to Green Cove Road
Event Center Investment $13 million at Ditto Landing
Total Greenway Length 15-mile loop
Public Parking Spaces 17 available
Hotel Developments Six hotels with 743 rooms

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Huntsville City Council Approves $1.5 Million Greenway Expansion
Huntsville City Council Approves $20 Million Grant for Pinhook Creek-Skybridge Project

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.

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