Wake Forest University, Campus Greenway

McAdams is supporting Wake Forest University in its ongoing efforts to plan and construct the Campus Greenway, a project that will connect the Athletics Campus, located east of the University Parkway and Cherry Street intersection, with the main Reynolda Campus. The proposed Campus Greenway will provide a safe, accessible, and scenic route for students, faculty, and visitors, enhancing connectivity and promoting active transportation across campus.

McAdams was initially contracted to complete a feasibility study that identified, analyzed, and evaluated multiple routing alternatives to determine the most effective path for the greenway between the University Street / Cherry Street intersection and campus. McAdams collaborated closely with a stakeholder group comprised of representatives from across university departments to develop recommendations for routing, typical sections, and key amenities such as lighting, emergency call boxes, and security cameras to support safety, security, and placemaking. The final report was visually engaging and set the stage for phased implementation.

Upon completion of the study, McAdams was contracted to advance Phase 1 of the Campus Greenway through design and construction documents. Phase 1 includes 0.2 miles of paved greenway between Faculty Drive and the University Parkway / Cherry Street intersection. Design components include an entry plaza at Faculty Drive that reflects the character of the WFU Campus, a plaza for queuing at University Parkway crosswalk, pedestrian lighting, emergency call boxes, security cameras, enhanced landscaping, and traffic control plan for lane closure during construction.

After completing construction documents for Phase 1, McAdams was contracted to advance Phase 2 of the Campus Greenway through design and construction documents. Phase 2 design includes 0.5 miles of paved greenway between Wellman Way and Faculty Drive. Phase 2 design components include an entry plaza at Wellman Way, connections to existing cross country trails, pedestrian lighting, stormwater control measures, pedestrian lighting, emergency call boxes, security cameras, enhanced landscaping, and a 150-foot long elevated boardwalk over a jurisdictional stream.

This project highlights the University’s dedication to advancing campus development, improving mobility, and fostering a vibrant, community-centered environment. The Campus Greenway is designed to seamlessly connect to The Grounds, a dynamic 100-acre mixed-use development that will expand access to residential, retail, dining, entertainment, and professional spaces. This connection will enhance campus connectivity while strengthening ties between the University and the greater Winston-Salem community, supporting a more integrated and active lifestyle for students, faculty, and residents alike.