Crystal Brown
CNHI
WEATHERFORD —
Excavation work is well under way on Weatherford’s new hike and bike trail.
Construction of the 3.2 mile trail began in early July, and for the past few weeks crews have been excavating and grading the entire length of the trail. Terry Hughes, director of transportation and public works, said that step has to be completed before they can move forward and they are about 70 percent done grading the trail.
“The next phase will be underground type work,” Hughes said. “Underground culverts, prepping for bridges and retaining walls. Once that is done they can start the actual concrete work.”
The trailway will start at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, run along Santa Fe Drive by the First Monday grounds and cross Black Warrior Creek. It will then come onto city property and cross under the Jack Borden bridge and into a second trailhead at the WPD.
From there the trail splits in two. One leg heads east and crosses Town Creek, runs by the animal shelter and ends at Ikard Elementary School near Bankhead Highway and Interstate 20. The other leg goes onto Eureka Street behind the city utility service center and ties into Holland Lake Park.
Bridges will be placed at both Town Creek and Black Warrior Creek, and the 10-foot concrete paths will be ADA accessible.
The total cost of the project is $2.519 million of which 80 percent is being paid through state and federal funds. The city is putting up a 20 percent matching bringing the tax payers part to about $400,000.
Ed Bell Construction company has 287 days to complete the trail and is currently on schedule. Hughes said the plan is to have hike and bike trail open in March.
The city has been planning this project since 2002, but it took eight years to receive approval for it due to environmental studies required since the trail’s location is in the 100-year flood plain.
