Published On: 03.24.21 | 

By: Alabama News Center Staff

Jones Valley Trail extension nearing groundbreaking in Birmingham

JVT After (Swell)

The extension of the Jones Valley Trail will bring improvement to more of downtown Birmingham. (contributed)

Progress continues toward groundbreaking for the Jones Valley Trail extension, which will connect downtown Birmingham to the Avondale neighborhood’s entertainment district. The new connection, spearheaded by the nonprofit Freshwater Land Trust, will provide a car-free extension along the popular trail.

RELATED: Plan to extend Jones Valley Trail excites Birmingham walkers, bicyclists

“The extension of the Jones Valley Trail is a project we are excited about,” said Rusha Smith, Freshwater Land Trust executive director. “We look forward to making progress on the extension, providing a new space and trail that individuals and families can use and spend time together on while supporting our community.”

The planning and development of the Jones Valley Trail extension has received support from public and private partners, including the Alabama Power Foundation.

Freshwater Land Trust and Alabama Power Foundation partner on Jones Valley Trail extension from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

“We are honored to support the Freshwater Land Trust and their efforts to thoughtfully and intentionally connect downtown Birmingham through beautiful green spaces that can be enjoyed while walking, running or by bike,” said Tequila Smith, Alabama Power vice president of Charitable Giving and president of the Alabama Power Foundation. “This effort will help unite the area by linking landmarks, such as Railroad Park and Sloss Furnaces, with tree-lined space.”

The goal is to complete the Jones Valley Trail extension by the start of the World Games in July 2022. Learn more about the Freshwater Land Trust at http://freshwaterlandtrust.org. For information about the Alabama Power Foundation, please visit http://powerofgood.com.

The composite photo at top shows the land where the Jones Valley Trail will be extended, facing east toward Avondale. The rendering, below right, shows the planned trail extension from the same position. (Freshwater Land Trust)