Please find the following press release from Jackson Hole Community Pathways regarding the Hidden Ranch Tunnel Replacement project now underway.

Press Release
From: Town of Jackson / Jackson Hole Community Pathways
Date: August 27, 2010

Re: 2010 Hidden Ranch Pathway Tunnel Replacement
Contact: Brian Schilling, Town of Jackson Pathways Coordinator
bschilling@ci.jackson.wy.us
(307) 732-8573

The Town of Jackson and Jackson Hole Community Pathways begin work Monday, August 30th on the 2010 Hidden Ranch Pathway Tunnel Replacement project on the Russ Garaman Pathway (the Town Trail) that runs between the new Post Office and Smith’s along Flat Creek. The project will replace the existing pipe culvert pathway underpass of Hidden Ranch Lane with a new concrete box structure, and also realign short sections of the pathway on either end of the tunnel, reroute numerous utilities, and replace an irrigation pipe.

Brian Schilling, Pathways Coordinator for the Town of Jackson stated “the Hidden Ranch Tunnel has long been a safety concern on the Town and County pathways system. The original construction of the Hidden Ranch subdivision and the Russ Garaman Pathway left a kink in the tunnel and a sharp bend in the pathway just south of the tunnel. This resulted in an undersized tunnel with poor sight lines, which makes each trip through the tunnel a nerve wracking, although exciting, experience. The new tunnel will be a vast improvement in safety and user-friendliness.”

The Town of Jackson has received $400,000 in federal Transportation Enhancements funding through the Wyoming Department of Transportation for the project. Funds from the 2010 SPET election will supplement the WYDOT funding in order to meet the project’s $575,000 budget. “The Town of Jackson was very fortunate to have WYDOT’s support in addressing this safety concern,” Schilling said. “Without their assistance, it would be many more years before we could tackle this.”

Westwood Curtis Construction will begin work on the project on August 30th, and the project is scheduled to be completed by November 15, 2010. Depending on weather conditions, final repaving of Hidden Ranch Lane and the pathway may occur in spring 2011.

Pathway and road access will be maintained throughout the project, although brief, temporary closures are a possibility. The pathway detour will route users onto Hidden Ranch Loop Road, increasing overall trip distance by less than 200 feet, but requiring pathway users and motorists to share the road. “On a pathway that sees upwards of 1000 users a day, shutting down the pathway for two months was not really an option,” Schilling said. “A low-volume, low-speed road such as Hidden Ranch Loop is about as suitable and safe a detour as you’ll find, and the Hidden Ranch HOA and residents have been great in helping us develop a plan that accommodates the needs of the residents and pathway users alike.”

The construction process will require brief shutoffs of water, power, and other utilities to establish temporary lines for the residences on Hidden Ranch Lane above the project area. Residents will be notified at least 48 hours in advance of any planned utility shutoff. Additional information and project updates will be available at www.townofjackson.com on the Pathways page under Town Services.

During the construction, motorists and pathway users are asked to use caution when traveling through the project area and to obey all cautionary signs and traffic control instructions. Pathway users are also asked to please respect private property when traveling on the pathway detour. “Our top two concerns are the safety of residents, pathway users and the general public, and the impact of the project on the residents in Hidden Ranch,” Schilling said. “We’re fortunate to have some very good neighbors in Hidden Ranch and we intend to do everything we can to keep it that way.”

Questions may be directed to Brian Schilling, Pathways Coordinator for the Town of Jackson, at (307) 732-8573 or bschilling@ci.jackson.wy.us.