SPRINGDALE -- More signs and bicycle programs are on tap in the coming months, regional planners were told Wednesday.
New thermoplastic signs are expected to be installed along the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway beginning early next month. The signs will have street names and directions along with mile markers and will be affixed to the trail surface, according to Elizabeth Bowen, a planner with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission. Signs also will be placed at each city limit with the word "Welcome" and the name of the city.
"These are like little bread crumbs to keep you following the path of the Greenway," Bowen said.
There are also plans to begin to put up some 60 new metal wayfinding signs along the Greenway beginning in September.
The signs are being paid for with about $280,000 grant money from the Walton Family Foundation.
Planners also are looking at partnering with cities in the region to install wayfinding signs for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Highfill, according to Jeff Hawkins, executive director at regional planning.
"Everybody realized the directions to XNA are less than adequate," Hawkins said.
The project will build on the pilot program that partnered with cities to place wayfinding signs around the region a couple years ago.
Regional Planning will continue to manage and coordinate the program and work with regional airport officials and the Northwest Arkansas Council. Money for the pilot project was provided by the Walton Family Foundation. Money for the new signs is expected to come from the regional airport and the Walton Family Foundation. The estimated cost is $450,000.
Planners also authorized staff to apply to participate in a program to increase the number of people riding bikes in the region. The "Big Jump Project" will help 10 areas around the country with technical assistance and money to encourage cycling through the national bicycling organization PeopleForBikes.
Tim Conklin, a regional planner, said the project includes goals and objectives like those found in the Northwest Arkansas Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Conklin said a regional approach provides the best opportunity for being chosen to participate in the program.
Conklin said the plan is to work with cities within a half-mile of the Greenway and the University of Arkansas on the project. The application is due Oct. 28.
Planners also passed a resolution to allow a demonstration project to evaluate protected bicycle lane concepts in several areas. Conklin said he's been talking with officials in Bentonville, Rogers and Bella Vista about the project.
NW News on 08/25/2016