HUNTSVILLE — The city’s expansive greenway plan took another step Thursday with approval of a contract to build 1 1/2 miles of greenway between Green Cove Road/Buxton Road and Hobbs Road/Redstone Road that will be part of the Tennessee River Greenway in south Huntsville.

This will complete the final link to create a 15-mile greenway loop between the Tennessee River Greenway and Aldridge Creek Greenway via the Weatherly Road multi-use path in south Huntsville. This will also provide a connection to the greenway network along Haysland Road.

The city awarded the contract to Grayson Carter & Son Contracting to build the third phase of the Tennessee River Greenway. Total cost of the contract is $1.5 million.

“Providing quality-of-life amenities such as expanded greenways throughout the city helps meet a critical need,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “Growing our green space is a priority throughout the city and enhancing access to Ditto Landing and the Tennessee River is a tremendous gain for residents.”