There are new signs of progress for the Trinity Strand Trail.

Construction is already underway.

It connects to the popular Katy Trail.

But in a tough economy can backers still raise the millions of dollars needed to finish the project?

Construction of the Trinity Strand Trail is a welcome sight to City Hall, eager to see any visible progress of the slowly-developing Trinity project.

"I think once people see a trail, once people see our first trail head at Turtle Creek Plaza, it will let them see that this is going to happen," said Shelly White from the Friends of Trinity Strand Trail.

The Trinity Strand will connect near downtown with the popular Katy Trail.

Walkers, runners and cyclists are ready.

"I think it would be great to extend this so I could get more miles in," said Rachel Sutton, a cyclist.

The Trinity Strand Trail will extend eight miles through the hospital district and then beyond Stemmons Freeway, following the old river channel, to the Trinity.

COURTNEY PERRY/DMN

The Trinity project has been slow moving.

Supporters envision turning a drainage ditch into an urban attraction.

"It will bring lots of good things to the neighborhood," said White.

But the Strand with $11.5 million tax dollars so far is just one of many Trinity trails.

Some city council members ask whether trails in the southern sector are getting their share.

"I just want to make sure that we are fair and balanced with city bond money and city money when it comes to the trails," said Carolyn Davis, from Dallas City Council.

Trinity Strand supporters say they're raising private funds to start construction early next year and finish in 2011.

E-mail bwatson@wfaa.com.