It's nice every now and then to take a stroll around town or run a few errands without the use of your car - as long as the weather's nice, of course.
But is Sugar Land really a pedestrian-friendly city? Well, city officials are hoping to make it that way.
Several projects are in the works to add pedestrian paths and bicycle trails to the city. You may have heard about the Justin P. Brindley mountain bike trail [1] that recently opened. It has definitely been a popular spot.
What else is lined up? Here's what you can look forward to in the next year or so:
Eldridge Park Trail Extension and Imperial Park Improvements - This project will extend existing trails while allowing for more park access by pedestrians. The projects are currently under design and construction is expected to begin sometime next year.
Brooks Street Hike and Bike Trails - This project has been on the city's radar for a while as many residents have requested it. The segment of trail, which parallels Brooks Street, extends from U.S. 90A to Texas 6. This trail project is also in the process of being designed and construction should begin next year.
First Colony Area Hike and Bike Trail - This project will connect existing trail segments such as the Woodstream trail in the First Colony area to adjacent neighborhoods, parks and the Town Center area. About 19,000 linear feet of trail and three pedestrian bridges are included in this project, which is being designed. Construction should begin in 2011.
Ditch H Trail - The Ditch H trail extends along Ditch H from U.S. 90A to Commonwealth Boulevard. This trail is over four miles long and serves as the central spine of the Hike and Bike Trail System. The design for this trail is being proposed in the 2010 Capital Improvement Plan with construction expected to begin in 2011.
U.S. 90A Streetscape - A smaller project yet just as important is the U.S. 90A Streetscape, an 8-foot sidewalk that extends from Lombardy to Dairy Ashford that is currently under construction. This project should be complete next month.
In addition to these projects, city officials are also planning to improve pedestrian and bike paths around Sugar Land Town Square.
The goal is to provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists to and within this urban core of the city. More details to come as the city progresses with this project.
What do you think about the city's plans to improve trails around Sugar Land? Are there any other areas of town you'd like to see improved?
Links:
[1] http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2009/10/trail-opens-weekend-bike-enthusiasts