Work starts on Fort Creek portion of Hub Trail

Over the next few days, visitors to Fort Creek Conservation Area are likely to see surveyors and markers delineating the path of the next leg of the Sault's Hub Trail.

Work on the 2.6-kilometre section of the Sault's 20-kilometer-plus non-motorized trail is now underway, says Deane Greenwood, the conservation authority's trail co-ordinator.

Greenwood briefed members of the City's parks and recreation advisory committee (PRAC) yesterday on progress since City Council accepted a tender by R.M. Belanger Ltd. to build the trail segment.

The new section of trail is due to open in October of this year, Greenwood said.

He added that the winning bid was less than what project engineers estimated the job would cost and there was a lot of very competitive interest in the project.

The only issue outstanding is how tall the two bridges will be.

Engineers envisioned the bridges carrying trail users from hill crest to hill crest at the same level across the creek.

Others have suggested the bridges be lower and shorter to cut costs.

While project proponents try to decide on that detail, Greenwood said work is continuing in the park.

The park will remain open while the trail is being built this summer and people will be allowed to carry on with their normal activities there with some small inconveniences occasionally.

The Hub Trail is intended to provide safe, non-motorized access to places of employment, schools, shopping centres, tourist attractions and other points of interest in Sault Ste. Marie.