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Residents in the Sybesma Addition may be connected to the Luverne Loop trail, thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The Luverne Economic Development Authority is applying for the “Active Transportation Infrastructure Program” trail connection grant in the amount of $258,000
The project would entail a paved 10-foot-wide trail connecting the Sybesma Subdivision residential area with the nearby Luverne Loop Trail at Kolbert Park.
According to discussion at the Dec. 12 LEDA meeting, the project would “create a safer environment for transportation and mitigate safety hazards for pedestrians and bikers of all ages and abilities.”
The trail will run along Warren Street from Pine Drive to County Road 4 where a painted crosswalk will connect users to the Luverne Loop trail.
Since the city of Luverne is under 5,000 population, Rock County will need to act as the sponsoring agency. A local city match of $38,000 would cover the project estimate of $296,000.
Hawkinson Park trail connection
In other Luverne Loop business, the LEDA discussed a $50,000 grant from the Blandin Foundation for a Loop connection through Hawkinson Park on the city’s west side.
The “Rural Leadership Boost Grant” supports small communities with placemaking projects in rural areas.
The Hawkinson Park Trail Connection project includes construction of an 8-foot-wide concrete trail that provides handicap access from Cottage Grove Avenue into Hawkinson Park and connects to the Luverne Loop Trail.
According to LEDA discussion, it will “allow users of all ages and abilities to enjoy the public outdoor recreation facilities within the community.”
A local city match of $20,000 will cover the project estimate of $70,000.
The Hawkinson Park connection is planned for 2023.
Extra trail amenities
The final phases of the Luverne Loop project are nearly complete and under budget, allowing planners to add eligible trail amenities to meet the grant budget proposal.
The grant award was $839,300 with a local city match of $359,700 to cover the project estimate of $1,199,000.
The actual project bid came in at $810,864, roughly $388,000 under budget.
The additional trail projects include wayfinding signs for $100,000, a Towne Square segment for $199,000 and a South Highway 75 segment for $25,000.
The trail wayfinding signage project includes map kiosks, directional signage with mile markers, and interpretative signs.
The Towne Square segment will complete the section of trail along the north side of Hatting Street connecting the trail near the Econolodge with the trail at the intersection of Freeman and Hatting streets.
This segment will be constructed once the retaining wall for the Prairie Loft apartments is complete.
The final segment along south Highway 75 will replace the existing 5-foot-wide sidewalk with a 10-foot-wide trail between the South Highway 75 trail crossing at Gabrielson Street and the Econolodge.
This segment will be completed according to the development timeline for the vacant lot. The projects are planned for 2023.
The projects will be included in the Legacy Grant Scope of Work, reimbursable on the 70/30 grant/match basis.