Improvements to Grand Boulevard between Montana Avenue and Gulf Driver have begun in New Port Richey.
Robert Rivera, Director of Public Works, said this phase of the project will involve reducing the number of lanes on Grand Boulevard from four lanes to two lanes from Gulf Drive and Delaware Avenue. In addition, the width of the sidewalks along the east side of the street will be increased to 10 feet to help accommodate groups of pedestrians and bicycles.
This new multiuse path will connect to the city’s existing one, which is a trail of 2,000 feet in length that runs along Marine Parkway from Grand Boulevard to US 19. The new path will also have new landscaping such as shrubs, ground cover, trees, decorative street lighting, and improvements to stormwater drainage.
The long-term goal is that this extended path will enable residents to walk or bike to work in downtown New Port Richey. News about such projects and their benefits for the community is often made known with flyer printing.
Mike Peters, deputy mayor, said that with electric bikes becoming more popular, there will be a resurgence in cycling. He added that people in the southern part of the city will now have greater access to the downtown area, and it will provide a way for people without cars to reach it.
