|
|
|
A project designed to keep walkers and bike riders off the streets and out of neighbors’ yards is nearing completion.
Workers with JRB Industries, Inc., of Parsons, poured the last of the concrete needed for the hike-and-bike trail project at the south end of town this week, with the project hitting what Bill Beasley called “95 percent completion.”
“They still have some signs to go up, and there are a few other things yet to do, but it’s complete and usable and all the fencing is up,” said Beasley, Pittsburg director of public works.
The trail, one of many shown in the city’s master plan, runs from Ford and Joplin south to Centennial and Joplin, then out to Knollview on Centennial.
The city is also working with Watco on old railroad right-of-way for another trail, one that would run from First and Georgia to 11th and Broadway. That trail will be funded through a combination of grants, including grants from the Sunflower Foundation and the Skubitz Foundation.
“They’re all part of our overall master transportation plan,” said Todd Kennemer, assistant public works director. “We want to make it easier for people without vehicles to get around town.”
The trail is designed to connect Pittsburg State University with retail options around Meadowbrook Mall. It was funded largely through a Kansas Department of Transportation grant, which required an 80-20 split, one of two grants KDOT gave the city in that period. The other was the Downtown Streetscape project.
The hike-and-bike trail will cost an estimated $407,000.
“It makes a good link to the retail areas,” Beasley said. “I’ve had a lot of people comment that they like to walk, and they say it’s nice to have an area that’s connecting different parts of town.”
Kennemer said one of the comments came from a woman who originally didn’t want the trail.
“She complained a lot about it,” Kennemer said. “But she sent a letter apologizing now. She said she uses it, and she loves it.”
Kevin Flaherty can be reached at kevin.flaherty@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 Ext. 134
A project designed to keep walkers and bike riders off the streets and out of neighbors’ yards is nearing completion.
Workers with JRB Industries, Inc., of Parsons, poured the last of the concrete needed for the hike-and-bike trail project at the south end of town this week, with the project hitting what Bill Beasley called “95 percent completion.”
“They still have some signs to go up, and there are a few other things yet to do, but it’s complete and usable and all the fencing is up,” said Beasley, Pittsburg director of public works.
The trail, one of many shown in the city’s master plan, runs from Ford and Joplin south to Centennial and Joplin, then out to Knollview on Centennial.
The city is also working with Watco on old railroad right-of-way for another trail, one that would run from First and Georgia to 11th and Broadway. That trail will be funded through a combination of grants, including grants from the Sunflower Foundation and the Skubitz Foundation.
“They’re all part of our overall master transportation plan,” said Todd Kennemer, assistant public works director. “We want to make it easier for people without vehicles to get around town.”
The trail is designed to connect Pittsburg State University with retail options around Meadowbrook Mall. It was funded largely through a Kansas Department of Transportation grant, which required an 80-20 split, one of two grants KDOT gave the city in that period. The other was the Downtown Streetscape project.
The hike-and-bike trail will cost an estimated $407,000.
“It makes a good link to the retail areas,” Beasley said. “I’ve had a lot of people comment that they like to walk, and they say it’s nice to have an area that’s connecting different parts of town.”
Kennemer said one of the comments came from a woman who originally didn’t want the trail.
“She complained a lot about it,” Kennemer said. “But she sent a letter apologizing now. She said she uses it, and she loves it.”
Kevin Flaherty can be reached at kevin.flaherty@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 Ext. 134
