Muskego Makes Adjustments to Pioneer Drive Plans

Road construction on Pioneer Drive, which is likely to begin late May or June, will reflect a change requested by residents who are concerned about the placement of a recreational trail along the entire route.

Plans initially called for the trail to run on the west side of the roadway, with placement toward the "home side" of the culverts. However, City Engineer Dave Simpson told the Public Works Committee on Monday, Feb. 20 that he had heard from eight of the 10 residents who had concerns that the trail was too close to their homes.

"We met with the residents on site with Alderman (Keith) Werner, and we determined we could relocate the trail to the front side of the ditch and still allow for the required separation from the road and shoulder," Simpson said.

Requirements for bike paths include a minimum distance of five feet from a shoulder, and at least seven feet from the roadway to minimize safety concerns.

Werner called the change a "perfect storm" as the costs to relocate would be minimal — $3,300 — and would also be more "aesthetically pleasing to walkers and bikers because they are constantly going around light poles on the route, and it's what's best for the residents."

Alderman Dan Soltysiak agreed, saying that the change "makes total sense; I'm surprised this has not come up on other projects" like Woods Road's recreational trail.

However, Simpson clarified that as movement of culverts was already part of the overall road plan, Pioneer's costs would not be greatly impacted. He said similar changes along Woods could have doubled the costs of that project.