8-25-1992 PTRC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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remaining 9.7 miles by fall. Already, the trail is serving many dif%rent outdoor enthusiasts--bicylists, walkers, joggers, in-line skaters, and horseback riders. The 9.7 mile stretch from I-694 to the trail's eastern end will include a tread way for horseback riders parallel to the asphalt surface. Bridges span McKnight Road and White Bear Avenue so that trail users can safely and easily cross these two busy roads. The approaches to the bridges are at a 5 percent grade making it easy for bicyclists, but also ensuring access for people with limited mobiliry, such as those in wheelchairs. As you bike the Gateway, your tires rolls on tires. As paR of a project to demonstrate a use for junk Rolling on Rubber tires—a huge and expensive disposal problem—the DNR, Department of Transportation and Pollution Control Agency had long segments of trail paved with a mixture of asphalt, pulverized old tires, and waste shingles. The tires were ground to bits the size of graveL This "rubber gravel" was added to normal bituminous mixture in place of real gravel. the bituminous mixture was laid on the trail, rolled, and compacted. Trail users may notice a grainier te�cture and darker color than that of normal asphalt surfaces. The DNR and DOT are evaluating the ef�ectiveness of the experiment. Before you hit the trail, pick up a trail map from the DNR Information Center. Ask the DNR assistants is any sections are closed for construction. You won't find many trail-side facilities, so remember to bring water and snacks if you plan to be out long. Wliether you're walking or riding, you'll see the city with new eyes. * * * �k Reprinted with perntission from the DNRMinnesota Volunteer, July-Aug. 1992, pp.38-43. by Laurie Young, trail planning supervisor for the DNR Trails and Waterways Unit in St. Paul Editor's note: At this time paving ofthe final nine mile segment between I-694 and Pine Point Park is now almost completed. Usage by cyclists, in-line skaters, and walkers isalready high.The DNR recently received a LCMR gant to study the feasibility of extending the Gateway trail southward from its western end (at 35E and Arlington) to the Capitol azea of downtown St. Paul. Public support for this project is mounting rapidly. Gateway M.P �A�s 0 1 2 3 Miles I I I I � Hnppy Trails is a regular insert provided for Park Notes. For articles or comments please contact Bill Frank, 438 Iona Lane, Roscville, MN 55113, phone (612) 484-5068.