Cyclists in the Weston area might see new bike

WESTON -- Bicyclists in the Weston area might see new bike routes near the Birch street bike and pedestrian bridge as early as 2013, according to village officials.
The project, called the Birch Street Multi-Use Path Extension, ultimately will connect the newly constructed $1.9 million Birch Street bridge, which crosses Highway 29, with Camp Phillips Road and the existing Rothschild bike path. Alderson Street is being considered as a possible alternate route for the expansion.
Michael Wodalski, a project engineer and stormwater manager for Weston, said the village has hired Marshfield-based MSA Professional Services to design the path. Officials hope to have ideas to present to local residents later this spring, although construction is not expected to begin until 2013.
Wodalski said the path will improve access to the Cedar Creek area and will lead to increased use of the Birch Street Bridge, which already is seeing significant traffic.
"There has been a lot of interest in using the bridge, especially by special events in Marathon County," Wodalski said. The Freeze Your Buns Run, set for today, will use the bridge, and Stine Eye Care will hold an Eye Bike for Kids event in May that also will use the bridge.
Sprocketz bike store owner John Nowaczyk, who is a member of the Bike Pedestrian Subcommittee of the Municipal Planning Organization for Marathon County, said addressing the need to connect existing local bike routes is a priority for officials.
"The bridge and the new bike path are both pieces of a puzzle, intended to make the area safer and more accessible for everyone," Nowaczyk said. "Demographics show that people moving to this area want safer routes."
The village has an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for a grant to pay for up to $582,000 toward completion of the project. A complete cost estimate was not available.
The Birch Street bridge opened Dec. 19, after considerable delays officials say were caused by subcontractors.
Wodalski said some residents have questioned the need for a bike and pedestrian bridge during tough economic times.
"I took calls from people on both sides," Wodalski said. "I'm sure I'll be hearing from people (about) the path, too."
Nowaczyk defended the bridge, calling the need for it "huge."
"The monies were appropriated five years ago, and the majority (of the cost) was paid for with grant dollars," he said. "If it saves just one human life, it's worth it."