Holmdel Gets $114K Grant For New Bike, Pedestrian Path

HOLMDEL, NJ — Holmdel Township won a $114,000 grant through the Monmouth County Open Space Grant Fund, which will be put towards phase one of a new off-road pedestrian and bicycle path that will connect municipal facilities, parks, existing trails, businesses and schools.

"The plan will establish a safe route for individuals to travel throughout most of the town as a pedestrian or via bicycle," the application reads.

During the township committee's reorganization meeting last week, Councilwoman Cathy Weber said the patch would connect Holmdel High School, Bell Works, F&F Nurseries, Bayonet Farm and Village school.

The project is anticipated to cost $228,000, for which the township will contribute 50 percent.

This initial phase will begin near Roberts Road and Crawfords Corner Road, east of the Ramanessin Brook. Construction is anticipated for late spring and summer of this year, with projected use by this fall, according to the township administrator.

Ultimately, the goal is to make Holmdel a more bike and pedestrian-friendly town.

"When the recent pandemic hit it left schools, businesses and many modes of transportation either closed or significantly modified. However, it brought the attention of the strategic value of non-motorized infrastructure," the application says.

Building new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is now a priority in Holmdel.

"In the midst of COVID-19 many communities are seeking ways to create opportunities for walking and biking for daily travel as well as recreational activities. Hard surface trails and bicycle paths intersecting with soft surface trails will create a vibrant trail community," the application reads. "Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure help everyone in the community by creating a framework that supports non-motorized travel and is an investment that most will benefit from for many years to come."

The route will also be integrated into the larger Monmouth County Park System's off-route bikeways to help improve non-motorized transportation and access to people with mobility impairments.

Both the creation of a cross-town bikeway and the specific route were an initiative of the Township’s Traffic and Bike Safety.

Here is the calendar for the completion of the project:

• February 2022 - Grant agreement executed
• Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 -Finalization of Design
• March 1 - Obtain Bids, Quotes, COOP Programs
• April 13 - Award Contracts
• April 27 - Preconstruction meetings
• May 2 to July 1 - Construction
• August 1 - Final inspection, project closeout

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