County wants Hoback paths, park-and-ride
By Cara Rank, Jackson, Hole, Wyo.
October 23, 2009
Teton County commissioners asked the state highway department this week to include pathways, sidewalks and a park-and-ride in the agency’s construction project in Hoback Junction.
The Teton County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday with representatives from the Wyoming Department of Transportation to talk about installing the items during reconstruction of the junction of Highways 189/191 and 26/89.
WYDOT has set aside $300,000 to spend on amenities, typically beautification projects such as landscaping or infrastructure such as pathways and sidewalks.
Officials estimate the pathways, sidewalks and park-and-ride would cost about $180,000. WYDOT representatives said they would use what’s left over on other roadway projects.
WYDOT, in the reconstruction effort, will rebuild the bridge over the Snake River and install a roundabout at the highway junction.
WYDOT is applying for federal stimulus money for the project. If that money is awarded, Hoback Junction reconstruction could start in the spring. If not, WYDOT will probably start on the project in another year.
Brian Schilling, director of Jackson Hole Community Pathways, said a pathway has not yet been designed for the Hoback area. It’s likely that the route would begin at the northern end of the existing commercial buildings and travel to the roundabout. The path would then connect with a future Jackson-to-Hoback pathway, which would be built when the South 89 route is reconstructed.
As with the pathways, plans for a park-and-ride have not been worked through. But such a spot could be constructed near the existing Hoback Market, said Hank Phibbs, county commission chairman.
The facility could be used for START bus riders and as a school bus pickup or drop-off spot. Commuters to Jackson also could use the parking spaces to leave one car and share a ride to town.
START Director Michael Wackerly said he didn’t know how much START riders would utilize a facility. About three riders a week use the stop that’s currently there, he said.
