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Ward council approves engineering agreement to design new sidewalk phase
Summary
The council voted to hire Half Engineering to design, bid and manage construction for a proposed sidewalk phase connecting Brewer Street to Wilson Loop, while noting the project cannot cross the nearby railroad without additional approvals.
The Ward City Council authorized an agreement with Half Engineering on March 17 to design and prepare bid documents and provide construction management for a proposed sidewalk phase connecting Brewer Street to Wilson Loop.
Mayor described the plan as creating an approximately 1.85-mile connected walking route that will link to a new subdivision sidewalk connection and provide access toward the school. Council members raised concerns that the proposed route cannot currently cross the railroad tracks because the railroad has not signed off on crossing improvements; councilors said a pedestrian bridge would have a large footprint and higher cost, and the city is continuing to explore grant opportunities and coordination with state and federal representatives.
Council approved the motion to proceed with Half Engineering for design and bidding and directed staff to proceed with procurement and grant monitoring as opportunities arise. Councilors noted the immediate design work will enable the city to apply for grants and prepare for future phases, even if the railroad crossing remains a longer-term challenge.
