More bike paths on the way

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
At least two more bike paths are in
the works for Newcastle, and city
engineer Mike Moore recently held neighborhood meetings to gather comments on the proposed paths. 
The first of these paths, according to previous editions of the News Letter Journal, has been part of the plans for years. 
This pedestrian pathway, according to information provided by Moore, would be 8 feet wide, running along the south side of U.S. Highway 16 from the bypass to Morrissey Road. The pathway will be placed along the back of a curb, which is 8 feet wide to provide a safety buffer from vehicle traffic. 
As previously reported, this path would connect the neighborhoods along Morrissey Road to the rest of the paths running through town. 
“The pathway adds an important segment to the Safe Routes to School Program. Currently there is no pathway from the Highway 16 bypass to the west end of town,” a letter from Moore says. “Adding this segment will encourage non-motorized travel and provide safety for those that currently travel along the edge of the highway.”
The estimated cost for the project, according to information from Moore, is $442,000. Proposed funding for the project is an 80% grant from the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program, administered by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, and a 20% match from city funds.  Moore reported in September that the city has applied for the funds and is waiting to hear back. 
Moore told the City Council on Oct. 4 during its regular meeting that the neighborhood meeting about the path had gone well, with only one major concern coming from business along the proposed path. He said that the concern was regarding traffic turning into their business. 
“It is good that they brought it up. I have had some thoughts about addressing the safety issue, “ Moore said. 
Moore said the concerns could be alleviated by installing signage or making the pathway so that users and drivers are more aware. 
“I don’t have any good alternatives for it. Whether we put the pathway in or not, you still have foot traffic. We are just giving them (pedestrians and bicycles) a place,” Moore said. 
The other path would be located in Gray Addition and is a newer idea, intended to improve student access to Newcastle Elementary School, Moore told the News Letter Journal. During the neighborhood meeting for projects in the area, he said, attendees discussed street improvements between Cedar and Oak streets, as well as widening and adding a pathway along Sage Street. 
“This expands on the pathway to school idea,” Moore said. 
The engineer reported that a path in Gray Addition would be relatively low in cost compared with the Highway 16 path. He said that it would cost a “couple thousand dollars” in materials, if the city crews complete the work. 
This walkway would be a basic version with potential asphalt addition that could add to the cost, according to  Moore. 
“Funding for this work will be from general funds for street work — and not the same as (that for) the Highway 16 pathway,” Moore said.