Even though construction is already underway, city leaders gathered Tuesday to officially break ground on the new Burroughs Creek Trail and Linear Park in East Lawrence.

“It’s a great cooperation,” said Mayor Rob Chestnut. “It was once a dream. It took a lot of work and a lot of time and we got there.”

The trail runs along a former railroad route that runs just west of Haskell Avenue from 11th to 23rd Streets. It will feature crossing lights, a raised crosswalk, and a pedestrian bridge that will connect the trail with Parnell Park.

“I think it’s great for bicycles and just walkability in the East Lawrence neighborhood,” said Chestnut.

Work on the trail started at the beginning of October and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.