The bridge over Big Creek at the Veterans Park in Williamston was lifted by crane to allow repair of footings and other rehab work. It will be put back in place in about two months. Hurricane Helene had caused significant damage to the bridge. The bridge and Mineral Spring Trail into the Veterans Park have been closed for sometime. (Photo by David Rogers)
Mineral Spring Trail extensions to open soon
Mineral Spring Trail extends from Mineral Spring Park, along Big Creek, to the old water treatment plant, soon to be known as Big Creek Station.
In the other direction it extends toward the Veterans Park. That portion of the trail has been closed due to damage to the bridge over Big Creek, which was damaged during Hurricane Helene last September. The bridge is currently in the process of a “temporary repair”, according to Mayor Burgess.
A crane was brought in last week to lift the bridge off of current pilings so that that new pilings can be created. The work will be done over the next two months, he said.
The Veterans Park trail leads to a new extension to the Mineral Spring Park Trail which was completed in October, 2025. The new extension from the Veterans Park crosses Williams Street and proceeds toward a trailhead to be located in the new Saratoga Oaks subdivision which is now under construction.
While usable, the new extension is not officially open, partially due to the Veterans Park bridge being closed for repairs.
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess said the Town is also planning to eventually build another bridge over Big Creek to connect the new paved Mineral Spring Trail extension to a trailhead to be located in the Saratoga Oaks subdivision. The subdivision is located on Williams Street and Brock Drive.
The trailhead will include 20 public parking spaces in the subdivision. An unpaved walking nature trail will connect the subdivision to the Mineral Spring Trail extension.
The Town is currently finishing up a project to extend Mineral Spring Trail from Big Creek Station. The new concrete extention is along what was an unfinished “nature trail” portion of the trail toward Minor Street (behind the town maintenance shed area).
Burgess asked residents to avoid the area while construction is ongoing. “We’ll let you know as soon as it’s ready to enjoy,” he said.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held when work is completed on the Veterans Park Bridge and trail extention at Big Creek Station, Burgess said.
