Bike path impacts discussed

About 30 people showed up at a Nov. 29 meeting in the city council chambers to learn more about the 2006 Wisconsin Ave. bike path project.

Aerial photos were available and information was provided about the longest stretch of proposed bike path in the citywide network.

Construction bids are scheduled for April and May, and construction is slated to begin in May or June, depending on weather. Construction is estimated to take 60 working days. The city's share of the $1.4 million project will be $675,000.

The project will begin with installation of a storm drain from the Baker Ave. viaduct north to Colorado Ave. The bike path will be routed over the drain pipe and continue on to Houston Point. Paving will complete the 8-to-10-foot wide path.

Participants at the meeting were excited about the project, but they were also concerned about construction impacts to traffic. Because the path will be located off Wisconsin Ave., the Montana Department of Transportation expects both lanes of traffic will remain open during construction.

Assistant city engineer Karin Hilding, who's heading up the project for the city, said bike paths move along faster than street projects. She estimated impacts at each property at one-to-two days.

The city and the contractor plan to work with local business owners and provide specific schedules whenever possible, she said, in an effort to keep driveways and approaches open.

Participants also expressed safety concerns about the Stumptown Ice Den crossing and mailbox locations after the path is completed.

MDT typically waits until pedestrian traffic patterns have been established before installing flashing lights, so the east-to-west crossing at the Ice Den will initially be marked with regular crossing and warning signs. Hilding said she hopes to improve that situation.

Wherever possible, mailboxes will be placed on the boulevard constructed between the bike path and the highway, Hilding said, but some will be located behind the bike path.

Design and construction plans for the path will be finalized by MDT in January.