Gwinnett County officials have officially opened the new Western Gwinnett Pathway, a five-mile trail connecting Rogers Bridge Road and Suwanee Dam Road. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said in a Gwinnett County release, "Walking, biking, driving and transit are all facets of a holistic approach to mobility for all. I’m excited to open this segment of the Western Gwinnett Pathway to give residents and visitors another way to explore our vibrant community."
The Western Gwinnett Pathway is part of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners' broader Trails Master Plan, which aims to connect various cities in the county. It is expected to improve connectivity between Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake, Duluth, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, and potentially Buford. Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette said in the same release, "Connecting cities through trails, sidewalks, and pathways has been a long-standing goal in the county's plans. It is exciting to see it start to come to fruition."
The project is supported by local officials, including Duluth Mayor Greg Whitlock, who expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "The city of Duluth is excited about the completion of the Western Gwinnett Pathway. It’s another great collaboration between the cities and the county, providing a much-needed connection for everyone in Gwinnett," as per the Gwinnett County release.
Funded partly by $7 million from the County's Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, the Western Gwinnett Pathway is part of a $14 million project. The project includes the upcoming 17-mile Loop Trail, which will connect key areas such as Shorty Howell Park, Gwinnett Place Mall, and the Gas South District. Nearly 40 miles of trails have been completed, with another 40 miles in design or under construction.
