Crews break ground on Monon South Freedom Trail project in southern Indiana

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Crews in southern Indiana broke ground Thursday morning on the longest continuous recreational trail in the state.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Monon South Freedom Trail, named to honor its historic roots as a verified escape route for enslaved African Americans.

The section where ground was broken is just the first phase of the project. It will travel through downtown New Albany from Fairview Cemetery and Bank Street, connecting to the Ohio River Greenway at East 10th Street.

The full Monon South Freedom Trail will run 68 miles north, past Mitchell, Indiana.

"This project will change lives. The benefits of trails like this, there's no denying it, it's undeniable how much they'll change lives," New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan said. "They improve public health by creating new spaces to walk and to bike and to enjoy the outdoors. They expand transportation options, making it easier to commute and to explore our city ... And they generate real economic growth."

The 1.46-mile asphalt, multi-use trail was made possible using a $2 million grant from the Department of Natural Resources, in addition to the city's matching funds.

Previous Coverage:

Monon South Trail expands with new 5.5-mile section in southern Indiana

Work begins on South Monon Trail project to connect 5 southern Indiana counties

New Albany awarded $6 million to build Indiana's largest recreational trail

$29.5M to convert old rail lines into Indiana's longest recreational trail, starting in New Albany