Let’s Go for a Walk! Sidewalk Extension Further Connects Our Town

The Town will open bids December 20 for the next phase of our sidewalk project. When complete, we will have a safe, accessible walking path from “downtown” to Moon Lake Library.

This project will pick up where the first phase left off. In June 2022, we held a ribbon cutting to open the section that runs from downtown to Dempsey Avenue. At just less than a mile, it has been heavily used by residents and visitors alike. It included a crosswalk at the Mentone Market.

The next phase will extend from Dempsey Avenue to Moon Lake Library and will include another crosswalk. This will bring the total sidewalk length to approximately 1.5 miles.There are many benefits to creating a walkable environment in a town. Sidewalks support a healthy lifestyle, providing people with a safe path to walk. Whether on a mission or just on a stroll, residents and visitors benefit from the exercise these pathways accommodate.

A walkable town also generates economic activity. Just think about all the shops and restaurants that stretch between downtown and the library — from concerts, art shows, and farmers market all the way to the shops and events around the Moon Lake campus. More walking traffic means more sales for businesses along these sidewalks.

Let’s not forget the social benefits of a walkable town. Like other local gathering places, sidewalks create occasions to see your neighbors and visitors, to say “hello,” and to spend time getting to know one another. A walkable town fosters a spirit of community.

These sidewalk projects are made possible by Transportation Alternative Program, or TAP, grants through the Alabama Department of Transportation. The first phase cost $478,000, with the town contributing 20%. The second phase will cost $669,240, with the grant program again covering 80% of the cost.

When the Town awards the bid next month, the contractor will have approximately 70 working days to complete the project. Read “The Groundhog” for updates on the sidewalk project, as well as dates for a ribbon cutting and community celebration.

This map from Ladd Environmental Consultants shows key points along the second phase of Mentone’s sidewalk project.