Well winter’s deep freeze has put a hiatus on actual construction of trail projects but planning and fund raising continue in full force.

NEW TRAIL COMING TO NORTH LINCOLN

Residents of north Lincoln sometimes complain that they get the short end of the stick when it comes to trails.  But a new project, the Fletcher-Landmark Trail, to be constructed in the coming months should answer those complaints.  North Lincoln has grown rapidly along the 27th Street Corridor to I-80 with commercial development, Northstar High School, and new residential areas.  Similarly, the north 14th Street corridor has seen the development of residential neighborhoods.

A new trail on the south side of Fletcher Street will link the two areas providing plenty of room for runners, bikers, and pedestrians (particularly those walking to school).  Fletcher runs just south of I-80.  If you live in the area, this should open new running routes for you.   

CHANGES COMING TO THE ROCK ISLAND TRAIL

The Rock Island Trail was built along an abandoned railway right-of-way and was one of the first trails completed in Lincoln.  It is also among the most popular.  Particularly along the stretch from A Street south to the Boosalis Trail at Nebraska Parkway the mix of runners, bikers, dog-walkers, and roller bladers came create quite a traffic jam on a nice day.  One reason for the crowding is the narrow width of the trail.  The city had the right-of-way to build a wider trail but at the time didn’t anticipate how popular trails would become.  The city now has federal funds to remedy the situation by widening the 8-foot trail to 11 feet through this corridor.  Construction will begin in the next few months.

One change to this stretch of the Rock Island appears to be on hold.  The old Shopko complex has been leveled and the site cleared.  A new development is supposed to be built which will alter the trailhead at the intersection of the Rock Island and Boosalis Trails.  It would also provide new links between the Rock Island and Woods Boulevard as well the new businesses in the project.  At the moment this project seems to be on hold.  For now, parking is available by Arby’s to access to the trails.

FUNDING FOUND FOR THE ROCK ISLAND UNDERPASS AT OLD CHENEY

This project has been off and on for some time.  The city has finally decided to move forward with a modified rebuild of Old Cheney, Warlick, and 14th Street intersections.  But for runners, bikers, and walkers trying to cross Old Cheney just east of 14th Street, the dangers would just increase.  The city has now tapped federal funds to build an underpass for the Rock Island Trail to go under Old Cheney at this location.  Runners will have a straight shot south to Densmore Park, the GPTN Connector Bridge, and the Jamaica North Trail.  Safer running for all! 

CONGRATULATIONS TO DENA NOE: MAYOR’S SERVICE AWARD WINNER

Lincoln has a remarkable trail system, but it would not be here without the dedication of countless volunteers who contributed time, energy, and money.  Mayor Gaylord-Baird recognized one such individual—Dena Noe—presenting her with the Mayor’s Service Award on October 27.  A marathoner and avid trail user, Dena has been a prime mover in the Great Plains Trail Network for several years.  Serving as president, directing such projects as Trail-a-Thon, Tour de Lincoln, and Trail Trek, she has been a spark in promoting and developing trails.  Tireless is often a cliché, but Dena is the real deal.  Many congratulations to her.  If you see her on the trails, give her a thank you.  Better yet, join her as a volunteer. 

See you on the trails!