Pedestrian paths should be in western downtown before winter

BRICKELLTOWN — Walking through Brickelltown used to mean skirting traffic, walking in dirt or trudging knee-deep in snow. But now being a pedestrian in the western end of downtown Truckee should get a lot easier.

The Truckee Redevelopment Agency (the town council wearing different hats), approved an interim sidewalk project Thursday night that promises to fill in the gaps between existing sidewalk segments. The new sections will be built this fall along the north side of Donner Pass Road between Spring Street and the roundabout.

“I think this project is great — it connects Brickelltown to downtown,” said Dave Wilderotter, owner of two properties in Brickelltown, including Tahoe Dave’s.

Work is expected to last two weeks with limited lane closures, starting at the end of September or beginning of October, said David Griffith, redevelopment and housing coordinator for the town.

“We’re going to make sure to accommodate the Oct. 4 Wine, Walk & Shop,” Griffith said. “And we will make every attempt to keep access to all businesses in Brickelltown.”

The project, which will include both sidewalks and some drainage improvements, was bid by Advanced Asphalt at $189,173.97, said Mike Vaughan, senior engineer for the town.

The asphalt sidewalks will be painted with a similar material to what’s used on tennis courts, rather than the finish found elsewhere downtown, because the project is temporary, said Dan Wilkins, public works director for the town.

“Really the intent of this is to recognize that we’re building a more significant project in three, four, maybe five years,” Wilkins said.

That more significant project is the planned realignment of Donner Pass Road to the south through Brickelltown which will change parking and sidewalks through the area, Wilkins said.

Bridge Street closure makes room for railroad work

Union Pacific Railroad recently announced their intention to replace railroad ties where the tracks cross Bridge Street in downtown Truckee, so the Redevelopment Agency held an emergency hearing on using that time to fix some issues on that stretch of road.

Advanced Asphalt, the contractor building the Brickelltown, will also do the roadwork around the railroad crossing, said Public Works Director Dan Wilkins.

Check back in the Sierra Sun for Bridge Street closure dates, alternative routes, and other information.