A major improvement is coming to Searcy as city officials announce a $500,000 grant to help create a new walking and biking path connecting Harding University with Downtown Searcy.
The City of Searcy has been awarded a $500,000 Transportation Alternatives Program grant through the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
The funding will support the first phase of a new shared-use path designed to provide pedestrians and cyclists with a safer, more accessible connection between Harding University’s campus and downtown businesses, restaurants and community attractions.
City leaders say the project represents another step toward making Searcy more walkable, bicycle-friendly and connected.
NEW 12-FOOT-WIDE PATH TO CONNECT HARDING UNIVERSITY AND DOWNTOWN SEARCY
The proposed project will create a 12-foot-wide shared-use sidepath along East Center Street.
The route will extend from North Grand Avenue on the Harding University campus to South Spring Street in Downtown Searcy.
The new path will provide dedicated space for people walking and bicycling along a corridor already heavily used by Harding students, university employees, residents and visitors.
City officials say the goal is to improve safety while encouraging walking and bicycling as practical transportation options.
Rather than focusing exclusively on vehicle traffic, the shared-use path is designed to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists traveling between 2 of Searcy’s busiest destinations.
SEARCY MAYOR MAT FAULKNER CALLS GRANT AN IMPORTANT INVESTMENT
Searcy Mayor Mat Faulkner says the project will strengthen connections between 2 important parts of the community.
“This is an important investment in connecting two areas that are such a big part of our community,” Faulkner said.
“Harding University and Downtown Searcy are both tremendous assets, and we want to make it easier and safer for people to travel between them. This project builds on our continued efforts to improve connectivity and create a more walkable, bike-friendly Searcy.”
The mayor’s comments reflect the city’s ongoing emphasis on improving infrastructure and quality of life for residents, students and visitors.
HARDING UNIVERSITY’S APPROXIMATELY 5,000 STUDENTS WILL BENEFIT
With approximately 5,000 students, Harding University generates significant pedestrian and bicycle activity throughout the year.
Students frequently travel beyond campus to downtown destinations for shopping, dining, entertainment and community events.
The proposed shared-use sidepath will provide an improved connection between the university and surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
The path will also benefit Harding faculty and staff, Searcy residents and visitors who choose to walk or bicycle instead of drive.
City officials anticipate that the dedicated route will help encourage more people to explore downtown while improving access between the university and the city’s historic center.
NEW PATH WILL CONNECT NEAR WHITE COUNTY COURTHOUSE SQUARE
The downtown end of the proposed route will connect near the White County Courthouse Square.
The square is a popular gathering place that hosts community events, festivals, concerts and farmers markets throughout the year.
City leaders believe the improved connection could bring more university students, residents and visitors into the downtown area.
Restaurants, retail shops, entertainment venues and other businesses could benefit from additional pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
The project is designed to make downtown easier to reach while strengthening the relationship between Harding University and Searcy’s business community.
$500,000 GRANT WILL FUND PHASE 1 OF MULTIPHASE PROJECT
The $500,000 Transportation Alternatives Program grant will support Phase 1 of the shared-use path project.
City officials say the overall project will be constructed in multiple phases.
Additional phases will be completed as funding becomes available and project development progresses.
A specific construction start date, completion schedule and total project cost were not provided in the city’s announcement.
The grant represents an initial investment in creating a more connected network of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure throughout Searcy.
WHAT IS THE TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM?
The Transportation Alternatives Program supports transportation projects that provide options beyond traditional motor vehicle travel.
Projects can include pedestrian facilities, bicycle infrastructure, shared-use paths and other improvements designed to make communities safer and more accessible.
Searcy’s new shared-use sidepath is intended to provide a dedicated route for pedestrians and cyclists while strengthening connections between the university and downtown.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation administers the funding program in Arkansas.
CITY OF SEARCY CONTINUES INVESTING IN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS
The grant announcement comes as Searcy continues working on projects involving recreation, infrastructure and public facilities.
City leaders say improving pedestrian and bicycle access is part of a broader commitment to enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors.
The new shared-use path is expected to provide opportunities for exercise, recreation and convenient travel between Harding University and Downtown Searcy.
By connecting 2 of the city’s most active destinations, officials hope the project will encourage greater community participation and support local businesses.
FUTURE PROJECT UPDATES EXPECTED
The city has not announced a construction start date for Phase 1.
Additional information concerning project design, construction schedules and future funding is expected as the development process moves forward.
For continued coverage of Searcy, Harding University, Downtown Searcy and other community improvement projects, visit ArkansasRadio.com.
SOURCE:
City of Searcy
Official Grant Announcement
$500,000 Transportation Alternatives Program Grant
Arkansas Department of Transportation
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