The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded the Town of Emerald Isle a total of $500,000 for the construction of a new bicycle path along N.C. 58.

Funding for the project comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act federal stimulus funds.

The Board of Commissioners took several actions at its June 9 meeting to formally authorize the project and design work is under way. Construction is expected to begin in August, with completion later in 2009 or early 2010.

The new path will extend from the terminus of the existing bike path at Black Skimmer Drive to the east along the south side of N.C. 58. The town hopes to extend the path approximately 4 miles east to the Eastern Ocean Regional Access facility, which is also the site of the future Aquarium Pier at Emerald Isle.

The new bike path will complement the town's existing 2.3 miles of asphalt bike paths, and provide a safe bicycle and pedestrian link from eastern Emerald Isle to the main business district. The new path will be located entirely on N.C. 58 right of way. Town staff will be working with affected property owners to resolve any issues involving fencing, landscaping, or other private encroachments in the right of way over the coming weeks.