Construction has kicked off for a pair of new multi-use trails in Baldwin Park.

A groundbreaking ceremony last week at Walnut Creek Nature Park marked the official start of work on the new Baldwin Park Commuter Bikeway and Big Dalton Wash Greenway.

“With this groundbreaking, the Baldwin Park City Council expresses its appreciation for the years of dedication and effort involved in getting these projects shovel ready,” said Baldwin Park Mayor Emmanuel J. Estrada.  “Through this expansion of our bike and trail network, the City of Baldwin Park renews its commitment to making it easier for people to get around town and the San Gabriel Valley without a car.”

The commuter bikeway, according to a city news release, will be a 2.5-mile Class 1 bike and pedestrian trail, running along the east side of the San Gabriel River from Ramona Boulevard to Baldwin Park Boulevard. The corridor will connect employment centers including a Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, a UPS Customer Center, and In-n-Out Burger's corporate offices.

In addition to a multi-use path, the project will include the addition of benches, bicycle racks, and water fountains, extending from an existing rail which connects to Hilda Solis Park. Likewise, plans call for ADA improvements such as sidewalk enhancements and the addition of high-visibility crosswalks.

“Our expanding bike, trail and parks networks provide both recreational and social benefits for the people using them,” said Baldwin Park Mayor Pro-Tem Daniel Damian. “Our goal through projects like these is to improve the quality of life in Baldwin Park for our residents.”

Funding for the $1.15-million project comes from Metro sales tax returns, as well as support from other state and local agencies.

Additionally, the bikeway will be accompanied by a $3.3-million greening project along the Big Dalton Wash between Hilda Solis Park and Walnut Creek Park, which would also include public art, lighting, landscaping, and signage, which was funded through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program.

For a closer look, head over to Streetsblog.