Railroad tracks have been replaced with asphalt to give walkers, runners and cyclists a new trail near downtown Birmingham.

A more than half-mile-long section of the Jones Valley Trail is nearing completion along First Avenue South between 25th and 32nd streets. Paving was completed last week over an abandoned railbed.

Though the trail is not officially open yet several cyclists and joggers have tried the new smooth surface. Orange construction barrels partially block entrances to the path. Freshly planted trees line the path.

The trail is part of the planned 29-mile Jones Valley Corridor from Bessemer to East Lake in Birmingham. It is also a major link in the Red Rock Ridge & Valley Trail System, a system of trails and street paths being built throughout Jefferson County.

The Jones Valley Trail will connect with the Rotary Trail, a five block pedestrian greenway through the former "railroad cut" through the middle of First Avenue South. Construction began last month on the $4.5 million project that will transform the below grade railbed into a linear park incorporating running and walking paths, bench seating, picnic areas, landscaping, lighting and amenities from amphitheaters to boardwalks.

The project is being funded by a $2.5 million donation from the Rotary Club of Birmingham in honor of its 100th year. The City of Birmingham is spending another $2 million from a federal grant on streetscape and structural improvements that will support the trail. Construction is expected to take about 10 months.

When completed, the combined trails will provide a continuous path between Railroad Park and Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark.