Thursday, June 6, 2002

Bikeway Contract Awarded - Construction to Begin

A contract for the construction of Atlantic County's 7.5 mile bike and pedestrian trail has been awarded and construction is expected to begin later this month, announced County Executive Dennis Levinson. The county will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, June 19 at 11:30 AM at the Shore Mall to celebrate the start of construction.

"This path will provide bikers, runners, rollerbladers and walkers of all ages with a safe place to enjoy themselves," noted Levinson. "We want very much for this facility to be a resource for those who live and visit Atlantic County."

A contract in the amount of $1,004,406 was awarded on June 5 to DeFalco & Bisconti, Inc. of Atco, NJ. The county received $541,000 in funding from a federal highway enhancement grant earlier this year. The remaining costs will be paid from Atlantic County's Open Space Trust Funds.

The 10-foot wide asphalt path will be constructed between the Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township and the Atlantic County Vocational Technical School in Mays Landing along the former West Jersey and Reading Seashore rail line. It will be separated from vehicular traffic making it safe for bikers and pedestrians. The county is currently installing a new traffic signal at English Creek and West Jersey Avenues that includes a pedestrian-activated control panel to provide a safe cross walk.

Trail heads will be located at the Shore Mall, English Creek Avenue and the Vocational Technical School with limited parking. Location maps will be available at each site that note approximate distances between various destination points.

For more information, please contact Joe Maher at (609) 645-5898.

County News