This project will consist of filling all of the sidewalk gaps over the 2.6-mile stretch of Wrightsville Avenue from Independence Boulevard to Hawthorne Drive; completing ADA crosswalks along the route at cross streets; adding a signalized pedestrian crossing at College Road; and building a roundabout at the intersection of Wrightsville Avenue and Wallace Avenue. The roundabout will include new street lighting and a crosswalk.
A complete tree survey has been conducted to save healthy trees and minimize tree removals to the extent possible. The following priorities have guided the planning and design:
View a presentation to City Council from May 2020 about tree preservation efforts on this project here.
As part of the Wrightsville Avenue sidewalk project, the City of Wilmington is using flexible pervious pavement, a durable and environmentally friendly material that allows sidewalks to coexist with trees. This approach helps preserve existing trees rather than remove them for new development, maintaining the character of established streetscapes.
This type of pavement, which will be used in 17 locations throughout the project, can already be seen throughout the downtown area in many of the City’s tree wells, where it has replaced traditional iron grates. Flexible pervious pavement allows trees to grow naturally without damaging surrounding sidewalks, while also letting rainwater pass through to reach the roots below. The surface is highly porous, which helps recharge groundwater through natural infiltration and supports healthier tree growth by allowing air and water to move freely through the soil.
By incorporating flexible pervious pavement into new projects, the City continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure that protects our urban tree canopy while improving stormwater resilience.
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Project Benefits