Project provides another paved pedestrian possibility ...

The sidewalk project currently in progress along the south end of Second Street SW and Eleventh Avenue SW in Waukon will complete a paved loop option for local residents and visitors to trek by connecting to a pair of trail entrances to the Waukon City Park. The project is in its foundational phase, with the sidewalk area being dug out and its gravel foundation being completed prior to the final paving and finishing process.

As depicted in the surrounding photos, the project connects with the existing trail entrance to the Waukon City Park (photo at left) off of Second Street SW, and also serves as an extension of the existing sidewalk that currently travels south from the Southcrest Manor Assisted Living complex and has also been connected with that trail entrance pictured at left for years. Traversing through the Park Place residential addition (in background of photo above), the sidewalk will continue all the way down to the intersection of Second Street SW and Eleventh Avenue SW, next to the Waukon Fire Station (pictured in photo at center), where it then travels east and west for a stretch along Eleventh Avenue SW. The eastward direction takes the sidewalk all the way down to the south trail entrance to the Waukon City Park (pictured in the photo below), completing the connection between the two trail entrances to the park and creating a paved loop with existing trails and roadways within the park. Although not evident in the photos, the new sidewalk will also cross Second Street SW at the intersection pictured in the left photo below, traveling west a bit toward the business locations in that area.

Waukon City Manager Dean Hilgerson said walking areas or loops such as what has been created by this project will be beneficial to the community, noting that the work done by the Walk-On Waukon group has been valuable in making this project happen. Hilgerson also said pedestrian safety is an important consideration for completing this project, which is scheduled to be completed by early fall with plans for the project contractor, Skyline Construction, to pour concrete within the next two weeks. Hilgerson further indicated that winter snow removal for the new sidewalk will be added to an upcoming city council agenda for clarification. Standard photos by Joe Moses.