The Topeka City Council unanimously approved an extension of the Landon Trail this week that will complete it within the city limits. What great news for Topeka cyclists!
The council had previously approved an extension of the (currently) short trail that crosses the Shunga north-to-south. This extension was to run from 25th to about 34th streets. Then the Kansas Department of Transportation announced it was increasing the funding for the trail from about $450,000 to $1,100,000. The city’s match would stay the same, at $100,000, but this action required the approval of the City Council. Luckily for all area cyclists, the council approved the extension this week.
Bids are ready to go out in a matter of days. Once that happens, the city must wait 30 days before awarding a contract.
The extension will finish the Landon Trail–and its three remaining bridges–inside Topeka. It will link the city section with the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy Volunteers section just outside the city. And that section of the trail will be open to the Clinton Lake Wildlife Area this fall. Wow, we can hardly believe it. Finally, a safe and scenic way to ride off-road nearly all the way to Lawrence.
Get out this cycling season and enjoy our local trails. Show the council that their vote matters!