WELLFLEET – Don’t be discouraged the next time you hit a major traffic jam on the Outer Cape, just ride right past it.
A major bicycle improvement project is being undertaken by the Cape Cod National Seashore in Truro as part of the Outer Cape Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan of 2017.
The Cape Cod Commission completed the plans with the National Seashore in accordance with the towns of Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown.
“We’ve just awarded a contract for $2.2 million to upgrade the existing Head of the Meadow Bicycle Trail, including some accessible parking features as well as connecting it to the Coast Guard Beach in Truro,” Park Planner Lauren McKean announced.
The 1.9 mile Head of the Meadow Bicycle Trail will be widened and resurfaced, and will also be adding a new base course. Construction begins in October.
Superintendent Brian Carlstrom says the project looks to construct an updated and safer bicycle trail and enable more connections to more destinations on the Cape through the path.
“We have the three main bicycle trails on the National Seashore and what we’re looking to do with the help of the state and the Outer Cape towns is to make a complete network throughout the Outer Cape,” Mckean added.
An alternative and stable surface is planned for the nearly mile-long Old King’s Highway segment from Head of the Meadow Road to Coast Guard Road. The segment of pathway will be known as the Head of the Meadow Bicycle Trail Connector.
Mckean says the project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2019.
“This is going to happen starting in October and will go all the way through the end of June of 2019, so it should be open for next summer season. It will include widening of the existing trail, resurfacing, and the hardening of a .8 mile connector from the beaches and through the woods over towards Highland Light,” said Mckean.
Henry General Construction, Inc. of Springfield, Massachusetts was awarded the contract for construction.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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