Johnston County is advancing plans to incorporate a new segment into the East Coast Greenway, focusing on a trail from Smithfield to Benson. The adopted route, favored by both consultants and the public, aims for safety and community engagement, according to Adrian O’Neal, Johnston’s director of parks. The project emphasizes minimal disruption by utilizing state right-of-ways, potentially saving significant funds with support from the N.C. Department of Transportation. Local officials like Butch Lawter see the trail as an opportunity to connect residents with the area’s natural landscapes and agriculture, aiming to transform local reservations into broad community support.
