Tyler Wins Grant for Legacy Trail

TYLER — The Texas Transportation Commission has voted to award the city of Tyler more than $3.5 million in grant funds for the construction of a multi-use trail that will eventually extend from Grande Boulevard down to Gresham. According to a news release, Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin calls the project the first regional trail project in East Texas. The plan had been underway since Mayor Martin Heines came into office. Heines says expanding the local trail system has been one of his priorities, and he lauded Austin’s support.

The city originally dedicated half-cent funds for a new trail as part of the Cumberland Road project; however, right of way could not be obtained to allow that plan to work, according to the release. Instead, the city began plans for what will be called “The Legacy Trail.” Phase I of The Legacy Trail will start at Three Lakes Parkway and incorporate sections of Old Jacksonville Highway southward to Gresham. The trail will also go along the new section of Cumberland Road northward to Three Lakes Parkway. Future phases will extend the 10-foot-wide concrete trail from Three Lakes Parkway northward to West Grande Boulevard. Matching funds of $1.6 million will come from the city’s Half Cent Sales Tax fund, according to the release. Longtime cyclist Tyler Austin also praised Austin and said cycling community members are pleased with the grant award.