The Riverfront Trail Extension Project, which will double the length of the existing trail on the Atchison Riverfront, will proceed with construction as soon as this week (7/29 – 8/2). Construction was originally scheduled to begin in March of this year, but elevated Missouri River levels delayed the project by several months.
The $330,000 project is being funded by a $250,000 federal Recreational Trails Grant and an $80,000 contribution from the Atchison Riverfront Development Foundation.
“The Atchison Riverfront Development Foundation is extremely pleased to see the vision of the trail extension continuing north along River Road and to be a part of its continued development,” said Bob Adrian, Chair of the Foundation. “It has always been the objective of the Foundation to continue improving and extending the trail for the enjoyment and recreation of the Atchison Community.”
The Riverfront Trail Extension Project will extend the same design concept as the rest of the Atchison Riverfront to the north along River Road. The ten-foot-wide trail, which currently ends near the intersection of Atchison St. with River Road, will extend just past the City’s Raw Water Intake Facility after project completion.
“The Riverfront is the crown jewel of public spaces in our community.” said Justin Pregont, Assistant City Manager. “To build on the success of that facility is exciting and we’re very thankful for the partnership of the Atchison Riverfront Foundation in making this project possible.”
Julius Kaaz Construction will serve as the general contractor, beating 12 other bidders to win the contract for the project.
Summary: This project will construct an extension to the current trail that runs the length of the Atchison Riverfront. The extension would be a 10-ft.-wide concrete path that would double the length of the current trail from about 0.4 miles to just under 1 mile. The extension will run on the east side of River Road from the south boat ramp to just north of the City’s Raw Water Intake Pump Station. The City Commission authorized a contract with Schwab-Eaton for topographical survey services on June 5, 2017. The official project agreement with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism was approved by the City Commission on July 17, 2017.
Cost: About $330,000
Funding: This project is funded with a $250,000 grant through the federal Recreational Trails Program. Additionally, the project will receive approximately $80,000 in funding through the Atchison Riverfront Foundation.
Location: The Atchison Riverfront
Contractor: Julius Kaaz Construction
Status: Construction
Construction Start Date: July 2019
Completion Date: Fall 2019