New sidewalks are coming soon to Columbia’s streets. Columbia residents met at City Hall Wednesday night to hear the details of the Clark Lane West and Hinkson Creek Trail Pedway project.
City Council approved the new sidewalk in 2012 as part of the second phase of GetAbout Columbia. Funding for the project comes from the Federal Highway Administration’s Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot program. In 2006, Columbia was one of four communities selected for the program.
Columbia Public Works Street Manager Scott Bitterman says the project was a priority for the city because it will provide better pedestrian connectivity in northern Columbia.
The sidewalk will stretch along the north side of Clark Lane, starting at the intersection with Paris Road. The path will pass under Interstate 70, connecting pedestrians and cyclists to East Boulevard.
Some residents said they were concerned about pedestrians crossing at Clark and Interstate 70. Contractors from CDG Engineering, the firm hired for the project, said the plan will use existing islands and include timing lights to ensure pedestrian safety.
City Councilman Karl Skala said the Clark Lane West and Hinkson Creek Trail Pedway project is more than alternative transportation expansion.
“It’s also a public safety issue, not only in terms of people safe when it’s icy, but also safe in terms of public safety in the police department,” he said. “The more people that get out and walk around their neighborhoods, the better off we are when it comes to crime in general.”
Skala said this sidewalk is only a small part of a larger goal. GetAbout Columbia eventually hopes to connect all the trails into one cohesive network.
CDG Engineering and Columbia Public Works will review the public’s suggestions and make changes to the plan. The city expects to finalize the plan by the end of the year and begin construction in 2017.