Cardinal Greenways Project Hits Major Milestone in Muncie
Major Projects Underway to Enhance Cardinal Greenways
Cardinal Greenways, Indiana’s longest rail trail, is undergoing several major projects aimed at improving and expanding its network. These efforts are part of a broader initiative by the nonprofit organization to enhance the trail experience for users across East Central Indiana.
The trail spans over 62 miles, crossing five counties, and is owned and maintained by Cardinal Greenways Inc. This model allows the organization to act swiftly on projects, but it also brings challenges in securing funding and maintaining the trail.
Kitselman Trailhead Project Nearing Completion
One of the most significant projects currently underway is the final phase of the Kitselman Trailhead on Muncie’s east side. The project aims to realign the Cardinal Greenway to travel safely underneath Indiana 32, eliminating a tricky angled crossing and improving safety for users.
“The Kitselman Trailhead project was such a large buildout that it was divided into three phases,” said Angie Pool, CEO of Cardinal Greenways. “We are now in Phase 3, the final construction phase, which focuses on realigning the Cardinal Greenway to travel safely underneath State Road 32 (Jackson Street). This move eliminates a tricky angled crossing and significantly improves safety for our users.”
Construction is expected to continue into the 2026 construction season, with this section of the trail reopening in late fall 2026.
Other Ongoing Projects
In Richmond, the trail was closed for most of 2025 due to major construction on Interstate 70. A concrete tunnel was built under the interstate to protect trail users from debris. The tunnel and trail reopened in December 2025, but another weeklong closure is anticipated in 2026 for the final layer of asphalt to be poured.
In Grant County, Cardinal Greenways is working with Taylor University to build the first several miles of trail to begin closing the 18-mile gap between Gaston and Gas City/Jonesboro. A segment of about 2 miles is slated to be paved in the “Taylor Wilderness” area in Upland by year-end.
“We are busy working with our partners at Taylor University to construct the first several miles of trail to begin closing ‘the gap,'” Pool said. “This is a huge milestone for our organization as it has remained a goal to close the 18-mile gap between Gaston and Gas City/Jonesboro since our beginning.”
Other projects include trail repair along the Randolph County section of the trail, trail repair in Delaware County between Shafer Road and Gaston, and the annual cutback of trail sides and management of invasive vegetation along the entire trail.
Long-Term Vision for the Trail
Looking ahead, Pool said the organization is focused on establishing long-term funding streams, advocating for trail repair and restoration funds from both the state and federal levels, and enhancing what the Cardinal Greenway can offer to all cities and towns.
“We want the Cardinal Greenway to be here for generations to come and for all to witness just how special being out on our trail is,” Pool said.
Cardinal Greenways began in the early 1990s as a community-led effort to transform an abandoned railroad corridor into a regional trail connecting East Central Indiana. The Ball Brothers Foundation has supported Cardinal Greenways since its inception, providing matching dollars for construction and supporting operating expenses over time.
For more information on upcoming projects and updates, visit cardinalgreenways.org. The Ball Brothers Foundation’s full Q & A with Pool can be found at ballfdn.org.
