The first major event at Birmingham's Rotary Trail is set for Wednesday evening.

In 2011, the railroad cut sat untouched, a submerged eyesore. Today, its transformation into a linear park, complete with a trail, benches, a small amphitheater and more, is almost complete.

The project was spearheaded by the Birmingham Rotary Club to honor its centennial with something long-lasting and transformative. The trail aims to build on the success of Railroad Park as a natural extension of greenspace through downtown, from 20th Street to 24th Street along First Avenue South.

"It's a wonderful instance of how Rotary Club has brought the time and talent of its members together," Rotary Club President Rob Couch said last week.

On Wednesday, the public is invited to attend a dedication ceremony at 6:30 p.m., followed by a sign-lighting ceremony at dusk - roughly 7:20 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the trail's entrance at 20th Street South and 1st Avenue South.

Parts of 20th Street South will be closed for the event, so drivers may need to seek alternate routes this afternoon.

The Rotary Trail is just one segment of a greenway that will ultimately connect the CrossPlex in Five Points West to Sloss Furnaces near the city center called the Red Rock Ridge & Valley Trail System. It is an ambitious effort to improve connectivity throughout Jefferson County.

The original Magic City sign was torn down more than 60 years ago but a new sign will serve as the trail's western gateway. Over the past few months, the city has watched as a replica of the iconic sign has been constructed.

The new sign is a gift from BL Harbert International, with raw materials donated by O'Neal Steel. Daniel Iron fabricated the structure, and Fravert Services created the letters.

"The Rotary Trail is a project that has been a long time in the making," Former BL Harbert President Jim Rein said. "The construction of the Western Gateway Sign provided a great opportunity for our company, BL Harbert, to support the Rotary Club, as well as to honor the citizens of Birmingham. By donating a replica of the iconic sign that once welcomed visitors to the Magic City, we want to not only remember the storied heritage of old Birmingham, but also provide a new gateway to the future of Birmingham. Several local companies came together to make this dream a reality, and BL Harbert International is honored to lead the effort."