City eyes new pathway

The City of Shelton is considering creating a 2.5-mile paved path that connects the Shelton Marina to Kneeland Park to the city's western boundary on Railroad Avenue.

Jae Hill, the city's community and economic development director, gave a presentation on the proposal to members of the Shelton City Council on Tuesday evening at a study session at the Shelton Civic Center.

In his report, Hill said "desired amenities" in preliminary concept plans envision a 12-foot-wide paved path separated from traffic that includes lights, benches, garbage cans, public art and interpretive signs. It would include "protected" crossings of West Railroad Avenue and state Route 3.

Hill said the path would connect the city's most heavily used park, two schools and high-density residential areas downtown.

In its report, the city said the benefits would include providing a safe route to school for hundreds of students and attracting tourists. The trail could also "build a spine for an improved pedestrian network."

Phase 1 would be a path from the western boundary of the city on Railroad Avenue to Kneeland Park, a 1.5-mile stretch that follows Simpson Lumber Company's former railroad line.

Phase 2 would be a 1-mile path from Kneeland Park to the Shelton Marina running parallel to state Route 3.

Hill said the estimated cost of Phase 1 is $2.2 million. The city already owns the right of way along the former Simpson rail line given to the city by the company. The city has $100,000 earmarked in its parks fund for planning. The city has also asked local legislators to request $2 million during the current legislative session. The city might also get money from salvaging rail lines, the city report states.

Phase 2 would cost an estimated $1.6 million. The city owns "ample" right of way along Front Street for the path, and projects $200,000 in state planning and design money this year, Hill said. No construction money has been identified yet.

Challenges include incorporating the Goldsborough Creek rail bridge, and the crossing of the creek on Front Street. Also, "there's lots of traffic coming down Highway 3," Hill said.

The city is beginning the planning and design and refining the cost estimates. This year and in 2025, the city can remove rails, clear vegetation and seek grant money for the project.

"We hope to have an interim trail ... We can put gravel onto gravel," Hill said.