A city project aims to create a 2.5-mile, 10-foot-wide shared-use path connecting some of Tyler’s most visited destinations, including Tyler Junior College.

The City of Tyler is moving forward with a long-envisioned plan to improve safety, mobility and walkability.

The Tyler City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution supporting the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) grant application for the Midtown to Downtown Shared Used Path.

The project aims to create a 2.5-mile, 10-foot-wide shared-use path connecting some of Tyler’s most visited destinations, including Tyler Junior College, the future UT Tyler School of Medicine, UT Health East Texas, Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, downtown Tyler and the new Smith County Courthouse, according to the city.

The route would stretch from East Fifth Street to South Broadway Avenue. The city said this would create “a safe, accessible trail for community members, students and employees traveling on foot, by bike or by mobility device.”

The proposed path includes wide concrete trails designed to meet ADA standards, pedestrian lighting, access ramps, crosswalks, pedestrian hybrid beacons at signalized intersections, signage, and enhancements to drainage and grading for improved accessibility and safety in these high-traffic areas.

The project has earned support from stakeholders. During a recent planning meeting as part of the city’s comprehensive plan update, representatives from Tyler Junior College and both major hospital systems expressed support for the project and its community impact, the city said.

 

The total project is estimated to cost $4.8 million. The city is expected to qualify for Transportation Development Credits, allowing the total cost to be covered through grant funding instead of the required local match.

If awarded, the project will be developed through a collaborative design process with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to address the area’s safety, mobility and access needs for all users.