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City committee recommends moving forward with Safe Routes application for Union Street path
Summary
City committee reviewed a proposal to build a two-block shared-use path on Union Street to connect to sidewalks and a Route 4/Highway 50 crossing; presenters said a $250,000 Safe Routes grant is in hand and additional grants could bring total funding to roughly $350,000–$400,000 for construction.
Lebanon City committee members voted to recommend that the council move forward with a Safe Routes to School grant application for a shared-use path on Union Street that would improve walking and biking access to a nearby elementary school.
Jeff Rice of TWN introduced the project, saying it would build a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along Union from Route 4 to Herman and provide curb-and-gutter, storm sewer improvements and a high-visibility crossing tied to an existing Route 4/Highway 50 intersection project. "This is a $250,000 grant," Rice said, adding the total project cost would exceed that amount and that the team plans to pursue additional grants through Metro East Parks and Rec to reach roughly $350,000–$400,000 or more.
Lina Nguyen (presenter) described phasing that coordinates with funded projects on Route 4 and sections of sidewalk and shared paths planned near McAllister and 4th Street, and said the Union Street work is intended to fill a "missing link" so students can safely bike and walk to school.
Committee members asked about surface materials and maintenance; Rice said the core design uses asphalt for cost reasons but that concrete is possible for portions if the city chooses. Staff noted the grant request will not fully cover construction and that the city could expect to contribute a portion of remaining costs.
The ordinance committee reviewed a resolution to enable the application and signaled consensus to forward the resolution to the full council for a vote next week. The committee also asked staff to finalize homeowner/municipal eligibility details for related sidewalk funding programs and to include letters of support already gathered as part of the grant package.
If the council approves the resolution and grant funding is awarded, staff estimated preliminary construction could occur in 2027–2028 depending on coordination with Route 4/Highway 50 improvements and availability of additional grant funding.
