Another section of Greenway complete in Roanoke

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ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The Roanoke River Greenway is one mile closer to completion. The new section that intersects Peters Creek Road will be unveiled Friday.

The new greenway trail begins at Aeriel Way Drive and passes under Peters Creek Road, traveling adjacent to Blue Ridge Drive.

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Only one section of greenway is left to complete the 11-mile trail, which will be complete in 2017. The paved pathway stops at the Salem City line right next to the MB Contractors corporate office building. Coincidentally, MB Contractors was the sole contractor building entire section and its President, Todd Morgan, said he was delighted with the completed project and its proximity to his office space.

"Our staff is thrilled to have a place to walk or bike this close to our office; we can only imagine the excitement of local residences," Morgan said.

Joe Hanning with Roanoke City Parks and Recreation said the greenway is a great asset to the community.

"Overall, the community has seen great benefits from these greenways, whether it be real estate that is sitting on these greenways or just active living, citizens that just like to use the greenways," Hanning said.

The city did studies on the popularity of the greenways and learned that more than one million people use the trail through Wasena each year. The project cost Roanoke City just under $1 million, which means it cost less than $1 per user to create.

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Steve Buschor, Director of Roanoke Parks and Recreation, said he is particularly fond of this new section of greenway.

"This is a quiet and peaceful stretch that entices the senses. You can hear the river, see an abundance of wildlife and smell all of the natural plants that line the greenway," he said. "For the short term, this is a great place for greenway enthusiasts to get a peaceful out-and-back stroll."

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Friday at 11 a.m. near the cul- de-sac at the end of Blue Ridge Drive.


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