Greenway progress continues at a brisk pace

By AMY SATTERWHITE / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

BROWN

Although not quite official yet, surveying and staking the center line of the Barren Fork Greenway could occur as early as mid-November, city officials said.

That date was given as a possible starting point for construction preparation after the architect and contractors met with Parks and Recreation Director Carlene Brown, Public Works Director Bill Brock and Codes Officer Jim Brock in a pre-construction meeting on the greenway and a sidewalk project on Thursday.

The greenway has been anticipated by city officials and members of the community for some time. It is an asphalt trail similar in width to the Civic Center’s walking trail and stretches 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile from Riverfront to Pepper Branch parks. The city has received a $439,100 federal grant administered by the state with a local match of $109,000.

Initial bids, as well as the sidewalk project, were formally rejected by Parks and Recreation Committee members in August. They approved a greenway bid of $356,382 by Custom Construction Co. earlier this month, as well as a bid for $123,516 by Dodd Construction for a sidewalk project that includes connections between West Main Street, High Street and Old Morrison Road.

Brown said Friday she was fairly confident surveying and center line staking on the greenway could begin in mid-November, but added asphalt construction may not begin until the spring because asphalt companies tend to close during the winter.

“I expect the trail to be cut and ready and for that to be done probably in the spring,” she said of the asphalt, adding a formal groundbreaking is being planned.

Contractors attending Thursday’s meeting were presented contracts to be signed and returned to city officials, who indicated a notice to proceed would be issued after they were signed.