Construction to begin on new trail, pedestrian bridge at Augusta Canal
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Augusta Canal Trail will soon be expanding, making it easier for you to get out and enjoy it.
Soon, construction will begin on a $2.5 million access trail to the Augusta Canal from behind Top Golf and Bass Pro Shop on Riverwatch Parkway.
The canal is where the water moves slowly, and the world around grows quiet.
“You’re isolated, but you’re not far,” said Kent Kronowski, who uses the canal trail.
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Runners find their rhythm, dogs explore all the open space around and others pause to take it all in.
“It’s my therapy, I guess,” said Kronowski.
Renee Campbell, who also uses the trail, said: “Part of the beauty of coming out here with him is that it’s not very crowded. It’s just peaceful. It’s beautiful out here.
The canal trail connects the community from several different points, like Lake Olmstead and downtown, but soon a new entrance will make that connection even stronger.
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“This is basically about halfway between the headgates and the Kroc Center. So, it’s gonna be right in the middle. It’s going to bring a lot more people to the canal, I believe,” said Russ Gambill, vice chair for the Augusta Canal Authority.
Gambill says movement on the project could start within the next six months.
“One of the things we’re going to do besides the pedestrian bridge, which will allow bicycles and strollers and joggers and everybody else in the canal, we got a grant in now for an adaptive kayak dock. It will be placed right at the bridge. So, you’ll also be able to paddle up to the access point and walk up here and stuff,” said Gambill.
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They’re creating a path for more opportunity.
“This will tie the commercial section of Augusta into the natural part of Augusta, and it’ll just allow more people to access the canal, access to the clearing, which is a really popular place to go picnic. It’s going to do a lot for the city,” said Gambill.
For a place that’s an open invitation for all, a new path waits for those to explore.
The Augusta Canal Authority says this project will take a year or two to complete.
They’re still working to get the rest of the funding needed and have already gotten money from the state.
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