Public meeting planned for Anamosa Third Street safety, trail project
A map provided by HR Green shows the proposed Third Street Sidewalk Extension Project in Anamosa. The proposed project includes a shared-use trail, sidewalk improvements, bike lanes and a planned pedestrian crossing intended to improve connectivity and safety between the east and west sides of the community. (Photo courtesy of HR Green)
Public meeting planned for Anamosa Third Street safety, trail project
By Laura Drummy
Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about a proposed sidewalk and trail extension project along East Third Street during a public information meeting later this week.
The City of Anamosa will host the meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the Lawrence Community Center, 600 E. Main St.
City officials said the meeting will include a combination of presentations and public discussion. Representatives from HR Green, the city’s engineer, are expected to provide an overview of the project following a brief introduction, before the meeting is opened for public comments and questions.
According to project information released by the city and HR Green, the proposed project would install a pedestrian sidewalk and trail along Third Street to provide safer pedestrian access between the east and west sides of the community, while also expanding the local trail system and connecting to the existing Wapsipinicon Trail.
Plans for the project include converting portions of Third Street from four lanes to three lanes, a roadway configuration recommended for safety by the National Highway Safety Administration and the Iowa Department of Transportation.
The proposed improvements would extend from Main Street along Scott Street and Third Street to the Fawn Creek Mobile Home Court. Plans include roadway restriping and signing, a 12-foot dual left-turn lane, two 11-foot travel lanes, two 5.5-foot bike lanes separated by an 18-inch striped buffer, and a 10-foot trail within the public right-of-way. A pedestrian crossing is also planned at South Oak Street.
Project materials state the proposal is intended to address pedestrian safety and connectivity concerns in the area. Documents note U.S. Highway 151 effectively divides Anamosa, with residential neighborhoods and newer development located on the east side of the city, while schools, downtown businesses, the library, aquatic center and other public services are primarily located on the west side. The proposed trail and sidewalk extension is intended to create a safer connection between the two areas for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Currently there is no pedestrian or bicycle route through the corridor, and residents have been seen walking along Third Street or using a stormwater culvert to cross Highway 151.
Additional project plans show the trail would connect to the new Shaw Road Trail and include ADA-compliant curb ramps at intersections.
The project is also intended to support future trail connections, including a proposed regional bike trail and connections to Wapsipinicon State Park.
For more information, visit the City of Anamosa’s project page at https://www.anamosa-iowa.org/government/public_documents/projects.php.
