HELENA — Construction is expected to begin later this year on a paved bicycle/pedestrian path along Benton Avenue, which will eventually connect Carroll College to Custer Avenue.
The ADA accessible path will run adjacent to Batch Fields and Bill Roberts Golf Course.
Construction will be split into two phases. The first phase will extend the current path on the east side of Benton Ave. from Elmwood lane south to Oakwood Lane.
“There is already a social path, or deer trail, in there,” said City Engineer Ryan Leland. “We get a lot of use next to the park and Carroll College, instead of going to the residential one on the other side. We’re trying to add and not make people cross the major streets because we can see there’s a need for it right now.”
Phase two will continue south from Oakwood Lane across the railroad tracks and connect with the Centennial Trail.
The project is still in the design phase, but the cost is currently estimated from $700,000 to $800,000. The majority of the cost is being picked up by the Montana Department of Transportation, with a 13 percent match by the City of Helena.
The City of Helena is currently accepting public comment on proposed shared-use path.
On Tuesday Jan 28, there will be a public meeting at Muni’s Sports Grille from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bill Roberts Golf Course. The goal of getting more public input and any additional concerns people might have.
