The NC Department of Transportation has awarded the Town a total of $500,000 for the construction of new bicycle path along NC 58!  Funding for the project is derived from the recently enacted Federal stimulus package.

The Town's surveyors and engineers are hard at work on the design of the new bike path, and we expect construction to begin in August, with completion later in 2009 or early 2010.  The new path will extend from the terminus of the existing bike path at Black Skimmer Drive (at mile marker 19 on NC 58) to the east along the south side of NC 58.  The Town hopes to extend the path approximately 4 miles east to the Eastern Ocean Regional Access facility (and site of the future Aquarium Pier at Emerald Isle).

The new bike path will complement the Town's existing 2.3 miles of asphalt bike paths, and provide a safe bicycle and pedestrian link from eastern Emerald Isle to the main business district.  The new path will be located entirely on NC 58 right of way.  Town staff will be working with affected property owners to resolve any issues involving fencing, landscaping, or other private encroachments in the right of way over the coming weeks.

The Town continues its strong commitment to bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and we look forward to this new path!