The new walkway along Elmwood Avenue will connect LaSalle Park to Delaware Park, making it easier for users of the pathway to enjoy local parks.
The recently completed multipurpose pedestrian sidewalk is one of the additions the city has in store for Elmwood as they plan to revamp the areas between Forest Avenue and the Scajaquada Expressway.
Gino Zagarrio, owner of Nova Site Construction Company and the general contractor of the Elmwood project, said: “the pedestrian walkway project is complete except for finishing up the curbs. Also, the road striping will be completed next year.”
This is a proactive move in guaranteeing pedestrian safety, an issue that has concerned locals in the past.
“The old sidewalk didn’t satisfy anyone who was using an ulterior mode of transportation whatsoever,” said J.P. Gillespie, owner of Sunday, a skateboard shop located at 587 Potomac Ave.. “Unsmooth paved roads and cracked sidewalks aren’t conducive to skateboarding, riding a bike, or even walking.”
Many are pleased about the new developments on Elmwood and look forward to enjoying a new and safer alternative transportation route.
“The more bike paths and bike specific lanes we have, the easier it’s going to be to get around the city,” said Alex Davies, manager of Campus Wheelworks, located at 744 Elmwood Ave. “The city is going to be friendlier and safer; people are going to get out on their bikes. I think it’s going to be better for everybody in general.” By Sara O'Brien and James Wright
