Sidewalks are ranked among the top priorities in the city of Hutto's 2012 Pedestrian Mobility Plan. In following through with the plan's vision, the city is set to begin construction on sidewalks along FM 1660 and on Mager Lane in the upcoming year.

The project received the green light after the city received a $1 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation in July. With an estimated $1.39 million project cost, the city will foot approximately $387,470 of the total cost.

"Pedestrian mobility is something we need to continue to focus our efforts on in Hutto," City Manager David Mitchell said. "So when there was an opportunity to go out for a grant, [the FM 1660 sidewalk] was the obvious project for us."

TxDOT's grant provides for trail-width sidewalks. While typical sidewalks are 4–5 feet wide, the sidewalks along FM 1660 will be 8–10 feet wide and tie into the city's trail system. The walkway will begin near the Huttoparke subdivision and run down FM 1660 to Mager Lane. It will also connect Mager Lane to Hutto Elementary School.

"This sidewalk ... is part of our Safe Routes to School plan," Mitchell said. "That's one reason why it ranked so highly [on the list of priorities]."

FM 1660 and Mager Lane serve as a route for children walking to Hutto and Ray elementary schools and Farley Middle School. The district is currently constructing additional sidewalks to connect the three schools.

"We applaud the city of Hutto for taking the initiative to build sidewalks in our city and up to our schools," said Emily Grobe, Hutto ISD public information officer. "It will provide a safe route to school for our kids, and encourage active and healthy lifestyles in our community."

Mitchell said the city hopes to have the project bid out with a construction firm within the next 12 months.