Walking Trail Proposed Along North HWY 98

Fairhope, Alabama

FROM ROCK CREEK ENTRANCE TO HWY 104

The Planning Commission held a public hearing recently that will allow the city to apply for federal TAP grants  to build an asphalt walking/biking trail along Greeno Rd. from the Rock Creek Subdivision entrance south to Hwy 104 (where it will connect with existing sidewalks) -- and then westward along Hwy 104 itself to Section St.

The 8' wide multi-use path trail is proposed to be constructed in the electric utility easement with an arch-truss steel bridge over Fly Creek -- and boardwalks on either side.

New striping for bike lanes, a parking area, and pedestrian lighting are also being contemplated for the N. Section St. / 104 area.

The federal Transportation Alternative Program (click) provides infrastructure funding for alternative types of transportation. The grant would pay up to $400,000 for the project; and the city anything over.

If the grant is approved, the city council will have to decide to proceed -- and provide required matching funds.

Connecting the three Eastern Shore cities with sidewalks along HWY 98 was one stated goal of the 'Tri Cities' meetings (click) in 2009.

Comments

Anonymous said…
If the city gets the grant, what's the remaining cost? Seems like a great idea, but even great ideas need to be cost effective. I would use the path often to bike to publix. It would be a nice complement to the potential RESTORE acquisition of the triangle parcel that Kant has stated would be first on Fairhope's list. Could be a major recreational anchor for the city.
Publisher said…
Cost was estimated to be around $580K -- the largest chunk for the pedestrian bridge.
Anonymous said…
Thanks, Publisher! For $180K it seems like a bargain. Bridge and boardwalk sound nice too.
Anonymous said…
Major waste of $. Keep it up King Kant...
Anonymous said…
It mike kill Fly Creek, the bay and the Ripp property. As one city resident....I say heck no!!!!!!
Anonymous said…
We have too many people in this town who would rather walk and run in the road rather than use the perfectly good sidewalks our tax dollars paid for. There is a woman who like to run on Main St...literally, on Main St instead of the sidewalk which causes all kind of traffic problems. And just this morning, I came across to chatty gray hairs walking on N Church St instead of the sidewalk.

If people can't figure out how to use the current sidewalks, why waste money on more? And for that matter, if they aren't smart enough to get out of the road, building roundabouts is really a bad idea. They will probably try to drive straight across.
Anonymous said…
I agree with last comment. They don't use the sidewalks that are there now. Round about BAD idea.
Kirsten said…
Walking paths and trails are always a good idea, but y'all are right - people need to use them!