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Committee selects 'blue' alignment for Pewaukee Road trail extension and backs ProHealth rear connection
Summary
After consultant presentations and committee discussion of safety, easements and user types, the Public Works Committee recommended pursuing the 'blue' alternative for the Pewaukee Road trail extension and pursuing the least-cost connection to ProHealth (the rear connection).
The Public Works Committee voted to recommend that staff further develop the "blue" alignment for the Pewaukee Road trail extension and to pursue the least expensive connection point to the ProHealth facility (the rear connection), following a consultant presentation and extended committee discussion.
Consultants described three initial alternatives and narrowed them to two for preliminary design. The presenter gave revised cost estimates: "alternate 1" at $1,334,000 and "alternate 3" at $1,131,000. The Riverwood Drive loop was eliminated because it was the longest option. Consultants noted several constructability issues, including terrain constraints, potential private easement needs, and the expense of two switchback ramps used to access the ProHealth site.
Committee members debated intended users and priorities. The Chair said the yellow alignment would be a direct, business-oriented path that finishes an existing project, while the blue alignment would be more scenic and likely to serve residents, employees and leisure users. One committee member said winter clearing and isolated segments behind private property raise safety and maintenance concerns; staff replied that, if accepted as a city multi-use trail, the city would clear it in winter and easements and maintenance agreements would be required.
"The revised cost estimate would be 1,334,000, and alternate 3 ... is at 1,131,000," the presenter said. The Chair said they would be comfortable recommending the blue line with whichever ProHealth connection proved least expensive; members moved, seconded, and approved the recommendation on a voice vote.
Why it matters: The decision steers staff and design resources toward a preferred alignment, starts the easement and property-owner outreach that will be needed for private-path connections, and initiates additional budgeting and preliminary engineering for the selected alternative.
Next steps: Staff will refine the preferred alternative, begin outreach to affected property owners and ProHealth about easement and connection details, and program the project into the city's budget cycle for future design and construction phases.
