The extension of the Rotary Way Trail is underway with construction slated to begin today.
The long process of planning the extension (which will span from Rupert’s Reservoir near Landing Trail Intermediate School to the Muskeg Creek Trail and up to Athabasca University) spanned two years, according to Noel Major of the Athabasca Rotary Club.
He noted it took so long because of a combination of scheduling conflicts with the contractors as well as the ongoing process of working with the other trail users in town.
“The centre line on the new trail has been staked and the larger trees removed,” he said.
Major estimates the extension of the trail will be at least equal to the trail’s current length, which spans from the Athabasca County office down to the riverfront and over to the Muskeg Creek Trail.
The actual construction of the trail shouldn’t take that long.
“There’s not that much to do. We picked a fairly decent path to follow. We didn’t have to clear a lot of trees out,” he explained. “The contractors have to put the bed in place. When the Town gets the money in their budget, they’ll pave it.
“We just want to get it in there so it can start to be used.”
The Club always has more in the planning stages. Major noted they would like to build a trail into Hees Estates by Pleasant Valley Lodge, among other potential projects.
“You could build trails forever if you wanted.”
