Works starts on $3.2 million bike path

Work on a bike and jogging path spanning almost the entire length of Riverhead Town, from Calverton through Jamesport, got under way this week, town officials announced.

The town received $3.2 million in federal stimulus grants in 2009 for the creation of the path, which could be used for bicycles and pedestrians. The path project had been in the design phase and then under environmental review for the past four years.

The town submitted its plans to the state in late 2011 for review.

The path stretches from the Enterprise Park at Calverton in the west to Jamesport and Laurel in the east, connecting schools, libraries, parks, beaches, shops and restaurants along the way.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is administering the construction, town officials said.

“Bringing federal resources to the table to help solve local problems is a top priority for me, so I am proud to have secured federal funding for this state-of-the-art alternative transportation network in Riverhead Town,” Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) said in a statement.

According to a town press release, work over the next few weeks will include “survey work, installation of construction signs and silt fences, asphalt sawcutting, as well as other work…”

Paving will follow, officials said.

The project is expected to be completed this fall.

Pick up the March 28 News-Review for additional information.

Riverhead Bike Path According to officials, the path is represented by a ride line; the River Road portion will end at Edwards Avenue.