Originally published in msn.com
By Allura Leggard
The groundbreaking for phase one of the Red Rock Legacy Trail has officially begun.
For 20 long miles, the new Red Rock Legacy Trail will connect Summerlin and Hualapai Trailhead in this massive project. This will cost over $100 million Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones told news 3.
“This is an opportunity to enjoy Red Rock Canyon with all the safety you need,” said Jones.
This five-phase project is set to be fully completed in three years.
The county is focusing on phase one which starts at sky vista drive and extends for 1.1 miles to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
“It will cross over the bridge and be that first mile or so off the trail, and continue on from that. We’re also starting a separate project related which to the Trailhead parking lot and the signal at Charleston and Sky Vista,” said Jones.
Nearly five years ago, five cyclists were killed on US-95 near Searchlight when a box truck plowed into them.
Twenty years ago, Metro Police Officer Don Albietz was killed in a hit-and-run while riding his bike in the park, leaving behind his wife and two children. It was this tragedy that spear-headed this project by local advocacy group ‘Save Red Rock,’ to make a safer trail for cyclists and hikers.
Congresswoman Susie Lee is an avid hiker and is fully on board with this project.
This would not happen without local drive and input, and hard work.
She praised the efforts made by advocates to ensure this is a safe environment for those who want to go out to hike, run, and cycle.
Having this kind of infrastructure that really is about making sure that people are safe and they’re outside enjoying the outdoors, so it is a great investment.
