Phase one of Katy Trail construction nearing completion

SHERMAN, Texas (KXII) -

Phase one construction of Katy Trail kicked off last year in August of 2019. The city secures $221 thousand in funding for a 12 foot paved path beginning at Day Street and running south to Loy Lake Road.

A new pedestrian bridge will then go in at Loy Lake road.

“It’s perfect for walkers, runners, bikers, if you’re looking to push a stroller and if you’re in a wheel chair,” said Denison Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Kimberly Bowen.

She said that construction has been coming along “phenomenally.”

“It’s been moving right along and we haven’t had any issues with the construction itself,” Bowen said. “We’ve not seen any slowdown because of the pandemic we’ve just been moving right along.”

Construction of phase one is supposed to be done by the end of September and will cost $1 million.

Eighty percent of the money will be reimbursed by the Texas Department of Transportation. The funding will go towards the trail, benches along the trail, water fountains and bike racks.

Some Denison residents have been going with the flow and dealing with the trail construction by finding different ways to enjoy the outdoors.

“It’s about a mile and a half around the lake just trying to get in shape and enjoy the nature out here. All the trees, the grass and the few critters that show up. I’ve already seen two armadillos,” said Henry Harrison, a Denison resident.

Others are surprised construction has taken this long.

“It would be nice to get it done quicker,” said Ryan Kellow, a Denison resident. “I mean if they’re only doing a mile it usually doesn’t take that long from my experience in construction business.”

Phase two of the trail will be a mile and a quarter extension of trail but Bowen said they’re still waiting on funding approval to pave it with concrete.

The trail is being built on an abandoned rail line and is open sun up to sun down, Bowen said.

Bowen said they’re working on putting a provisional surface in place for phase two of the trail so that users can enjoy the area.

“It’s an extension of a mile an a quarter and that will be open once we have the provisional surface in place until we secure funding to continue the concrete through that path as well,” Bowen said.

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