A Jackson Hole pathways project received $170,000 in grant funding, officials announced this week.

Brian Schilling, Jackson Hole Community Pathways coordinator, said the funding was awarded to replace the Hidden Ranch tunnel. The tunnel is on the Russ Garaman Pathway, near the base of Josie’s Ridge on Snow King Mountain.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation awarded the funding. The agency also granted $150,000 in 2008 toward the replacement. With a local match of 20 percent, the total available for the project is $400,000.

Schilling said he expects those funds will be enough to complete the tunnel.

The pathways department plans to replace the 85-foot-long metal pipe tunnel with a concrete box culvert. The new tunnel will be 10 to 12 feet wide and address several existing design and maintenance problems, Schilling said.

Now, bikers and pedestrians can’t see from one end of the tunnel to the other. Because the original tunnel was extended, it now includes a bend.

“Given the narrow width of the tunnel, it’s just a real safety concern,” Schilling said.