New Bike/Pedertrian Path Construction Begins in Frisco

Spring has arrived in Summit County, and in the High Country, that means the start of another construction season.

The town of Frisco plans to take advantage of the disappearance of most of the snow to begin work this week on the 5th Avenue bike and pedestrian pathway. The 5th Avenue project, similar in design to the 8th Avenue path completed in 2005, will include a 10-foot-wide asphalt path separated from the street by a 7-foot-wide green belt and a 3-foot-wide drainage pan.

The plan is for the pathway to extend from the Granite Street alley south to Belford Street along the west side of 5th Avenue. Because of the hilly topography in some places, a separating green belt won't be possible for the entire length of the path. Even in those areas, though, occupants of the path will be shielded somewhat from traffic, Frisco public works director Tim Mack said.

"They'll still be a concrete drainage pan separating pedestrians from the street," he said.

The anticipated cost of the project, which is part of the town's long-term pathway plan, is estimated at around $400,000. At its last meeting, the Frisco Town Council approved a resolution authorizing expenditure of nearly $423,000 from the town's capital budget to cover the cost of construction, including contingencies.