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  • Discussion Over Trail Crossing On South Edge Of Milford Gets Contentious

Discussion Over Trail Crossing On South Edge Of Milford Gets Contentious

November 26, 2024 Steve Schwaller

(Milford)– There was more discussion at last (Mon.) evening’s Milford City Council meeting, some of it heated, regarding plans for a recreational trail that would cross four lanes of Highway 71 at the bottom of a hill on the south edge of the city. City officials expressed safety concerns over that at a meeting earlier this month and threatened to withdraw support for grant funds that would help the Dickinson County Trails Board pay for the project. Members of that board were at last (Mon.) evening’s council meeting. Mayor Steve Anderson again stated their concern over the proposed crossing…

“We’ve got all these kids that are going down the side of the road and now you’re going to create a trail for them so that they can cross and go fishing on the east side of the highway. We were trying to create a safe way for people to get there. A controlled intersection, which the D.O.T has told us multiple times is that’s where they want trails to cross, is at controlled intersections. We’ve got a stoplight. We’re going to be putting 6th Street in probably next year or the following year, putting a new trail in. As far as I’m concerned, why would we do that? Why should we even do this if we’re just going to start putting kids in harm’s way?”

Erin Reed of Dickinson County Trails Board agreed that they also have concerns about the proposed crossing, adding there’s little they can do about it as that specific plan is tied to grant agreements with the D.O.T. She says changing that would put them at risk of losing $1.2 million for the project which would connect the Dickinson County Trail system with Clay county. She insisted the project is going to proceed as is…

“This project is moving forward. I don’t think we’re at a point where we’re in a position to turn back now and turn away $1.2 million in funding and then we’re not going to have a trail at all, so I’m not willing to give up those opportunities and not have any future of connection with 6th Street or a tunnel or a bridge, whatever option that becomes most feasible as quick as possible.”

After some further discussion, the council agreed to continue the city’s support for the funds provided the Trails Board work as quickly as possible for other options, such as a tunnel or a crossing at the stoplights at 6th Street.

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