[Dkryan]

Originally Posted by Normal

Over the past 3 weeks or so we have seen the development of a large sidewalk along route 44 that starts in Wildwood and has gone well past lake Okahumpka park, is now terminated somewhere near the Continental Clubhouse with excavation almost to Morse. Does anyone have an idea why? This seems like a huge waste in Sumter tax money.

Federal law includes sidewalks in most highway projects in or near communities. The idea is to keep pedestrians and bicycles etc off the highways. Do I agree with it, no. But it is your Federal dollars at work. There’s federal money in every state highway, so they need to follow federal guidelines.

[Mrs.Guy]

Originally Posted by Dkryan

Federal law includes sidewalks in most highway projects in or near communities. The idea is to keep pedestrians and bicycles etc off the highways. Do I agree with it, no. But it is your Federal dollars at work. There’s federal money in every state highway, so they need to follow federal guidelines.

Could you please STOP confusing the complainers with facts.......

[bark4me]

Originally Posted by Normal

Over the past 3 weeks or so we have seen the development of a large sidewalk along route 44 that starts in Wildwood and has gone well past lake Okahumpka park, is now terminated somewhere near the Continental Clubhouse with excavation almost to Morse. Does anyone have an idea why? This seems like a huge waste in Sumter tax money.

I had heard that the sidewalk will end by the Lake Deaton Bridge. It's for the homeless to have a safer way to access to/from 301, Sparr, McDonalds, Brownwood, etc

[merrymini]

County, state or federal, it is our money and it looks to be pretty stupid.

[Happydaz]

It is nice to be able to walk places instead of driving around all the time. Europeans have a walking culture and many cities have places for people to walk or cycle. Americans are an obese group because nobody walks farther than from a restaurant to their car. Many places in the US are dangerous to walk around. Our whole road and traffic patterns are made for automobiles and trucks only. I think it is a good idea to spend money on sidewalks. Why only spend billions on putting in cardiac stents, treating people for stroke and diabetes, etc.?

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

I’ll take the sidewalk to nowhere over the million dollar per mile Lake Miona walking trail. At least you can bring your dog with you on the sidewalk to nowhere.

What's wrong with having a Villages walking trail where one can enjoy walking WITHOUT dogs in the same place?

[pauld315]

Originally Posted by Kenswing

Don Wiley posted somewhere that this is not a county project but funded solely by the state.

ETA: This is what Don posted:

The sidewalk being installed along SR44 is being done by the State, with State funds, Sumter County had zero say in the work and has zero cost in the project. The project also has zero value to almost everyone in the county.

It makes it easier (and safer) for the people at Continental to drive their golf carts to Brownwood.

[westernrider75]

Originally Posted by Normal

Over the past 3 weeks or so we have seen the development of a large sidewalk along route 44 that starts in Wildwood and has gone well past lake Okahumpka park, is now terminated somewhere near the Continental Clubhouse with excavation almost to Morse. Does anyone have an idea why? This seems like a huge waste in Sumter tax money.

I noticed yesterday that it appears to be going all the way down to The Villages Grown now!

[Ptmckiou]

Amazing at the whining that goes on because the city is getting improvements. Sidewalks are needed when there is future planning of business development. Several plots of land have been sold along 44 for new businesses. Now is the time to upgrade, when doing the highway changes. I bet many of you aren’t even aware of the current construction happening now of Buena Vista being extended further south across highway 44, all the way down to Meggison.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Normal

Over the past 3 weeks or so we have seen the development of a large sidewalk along route 44 that starts in Wildwood and has gone well past lake Okahumpka park, is now terminated somewhere near the Continental Clubhouse with excavation almost to Morse. Does anyone have an idea why? This seems like a huge waste in Sumter tax money.

Sidewalks are often constructed to comply with the Federal ADA law (Americans with Disabilities Act). The law requires pedestrian access to many facilities, and it is very detailed regarding where sidewalks are required and how they are constructed. That is why you often see sidewalks being constructed where they appear to be unnecessary. I think the ADA law was probably cited as justification for the sidewalk along Route 44.

[Bogie Shooter]

After reading this thread I have clarification of what a “sidewalk superintendent” really means.

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by Normal

Ah, likely part of the awesome Infrastructure Bill? I guess we all pay for the waste.

Nothing wrong with the infrastructure bill, just how the state chooses to use it.

[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by Normal

Over the past 3 weeks or so we have seen the development of a large sidewalk along route 44 that starts in Wildwood and has gone well past lake Okahumpka park, is now terminated somewhere near the Continental Clubhouse with excavation almost to Morse. Does anyone have an idea why? This seems like a huge waste in Sumter tax money.

It is so people from TV can walk or bike to the park Okahumpa and enjoy the paths and trails.

[Flamingo2]

Coincidentally we emailed the Wildwood City Manager about this just a few days ago. This was his response...

Sent: Wed, Nov 16, 2022 10:28 am
Subject: RE: Sidwalk along 44

Mr. Lupini:

Thank you for your email and inquiry. The sidewalk is part of the FDOT’s resurfacing project on SR 44. It’s not a City project, so I can merely speculate why FDOT felt it prudent to include sidewalk in the project. It’s likely due to the forecasted urbanization on SR 44 and likelihood that the corridor will warrant a sidewalk in the not-so-distant future. They tend to design and construct with the future in mind. I’d argue that’s a smart business move.

Of note, they will be doing a similar project on US 301 from C-521 to SR 44 (sidewalk and resurfacing).

You will need to reach out to FDOT for a more formal answer. Let me know if you need a contact at FDOT, and I will provide you with one.

Regards,

Jason F. McHugh, CPM, AICP
City Manager

[Glorantha]

After they are done with this sidewalk to nowhere, are they going to construct another sidewalk on the north side so you can get back after going nowhere?