Long-sought sidewalk gets $1 million funding

One of the most clamored about potential sidewalks on the Wimberley Valley Trails project received funding through Hays County via the Texas Transportation Commission.

After years of planning, a sidewalk stretching from Wimberley High School to the Wimberley Village Library appears set up for construction.

“We received great support from our partners and community on this effort,” Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell said. “We are all very excited to secure funding for the first piece of this project that will make it safer and easier to get around while enjoying the natural beauty of our unique area. Thank you to TxDOT and the Commission.”

The nearly $1 million project includes construction of a six-foot sidewalk along the west side of Carney Lane from Danforth Junior High to the south side of FM 2325 and extending east to Green Acres as an eight-foot sidewalk. The sidewalk will then cross to the north side of FM 2325 at the signal and connect to an existing sidewalk for access to the H-E-B Grocery store. The project is a total of 0.84 miles of the 1.38 mile identified to connect Wimberley High School to the Wimberley Square. All new sidewalks constructed will be ADA compliant.

The project will improve pedestrian safety, increase connectivity, and help close gaps in the sidewalk network.

The Wimberley Valley Trails initiative is a multiyear vision to improve connectivity in the city of Wimberley and surrounding areas. This vision includes a system of hike and bike trails, a variety of transportation options, and other strategies to help connect people with nature and link regional points of interest in the community. Hays County funded the planning process and design with participation from the cities of Wimberley and Woodcreek, Wimberley ISD, the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association, Parks and Recreation Departments and local community members.

Hays County applied for funding from the Transportation Alternatives Setaside and Safe Routes to School Programs through the TxDOT call for projects. The county will continue working with partners to identify additional funding. For more information visit wimberleyvalleytrails.com.