On Feb. 17, the Texas Department of Transportation began construction on a new ADA-compliant concrete trail for both bicycles and pedestrians that, when completed, will connect the San Marcos Visitor Center, downtown, Texas State University and multiple parks.

The San Marcos River Shared Use Pathway Project will be located around the areas of Children’s Park, Rio Vista Park and Ramon Lucio Park, according to a city press release.

San Marcos City Council approved and submitted the project to TxDOT back in May of 2017. The TxDOT program provides funding to transportation projects that improve mobility for nonmotorized users.

The trail will stretch for 1.7 miles and tie into an existing trail east of Hopkins Street Bridge. It will also feature enhanced safety measures like below-grade crossings, a railroad right-of-way and lights along the trail corridor. The project will cost no more than $1,519,610, to which the city of San Marcos contributed $500,000.

Tree protection will be implemented throughout the construction of the project. According to the release, the trail is projected to be completed in the early summer of 2020. For more information visit the city's website.