Major Oak Leaf Trail Construction Underway

FRANKLIN, WI — Work has begun on a new connector segment of the Oak Leaf Trail in Franklin to provide an off road bicycle and pedestrian connection across the Root River.

The new section of trail will run from the Root River Parkway drive north of the Root River, through the Rock sports complex, and connect back to an existing off-road section of the Oak Leaf Trail at S. 68th Street and Loomis Road.

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About the Oak Leaf Trail

The work will include construction of a new bicycle/pedestrian bridge across the Root River and a 10’ wide asphalt trail that will extend north/south from the parkway across the river, winding up through the Rock Sports Complex to eventually connect to Old Loomis Road.

The trail will then follow Old Loomis Road where a second section of new trail will create a link from the cul-de-sac at the end of Old Loomis Road to the existing Oak Leaf Trail at S. 68th Street and Loomis Road.

The new trails will also lay the foundation for future connections to the City of Franklin and Waukesha County trail systems.

Work on the project began with initial clearing, grubbing and staking in late July. The estimated substantial completion date for this project is May 24, 2018. The majority of the project costs will be funded by a $860,000 Federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. The remaining 20% is funded by matching County funds and an additional grant.

patch.com file photo