The Emerald Coast RC is currently developing a Corridor Master Plan to envision what a multi-use trail could look like along U.S. Highway 90 in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. This Department of Economic Opportunity funded project builds upon an existing initiative to create a connected bicycle and pedestrian network that will be a tourism attracter and contribute to a high quality of life for local communities in Northwest Florida. A similar effort was previously completed by Walton, Holmes, Washington and Jackson counties, with a historic tourism plan that draws upon the rich culture and history of the U.S. Highway 90 predecessor, the Old Spanish Trail.
The purpose of the master plan is to inventory and identify gaps in the current regional network, develop implementation strategies and propose recommendations to help complete connections throughout the three counties. Data collection and site visit reconnaissance will help to analyze land use, available right-of-way, access points, and other components that contribute to the feasibility of a multi-use trail. Site visits of targeted locations along U.S. Highway 90 are currently being conducted to evaluate the onsite conditions, opportunities, and constraints of a multi-use trail application. The assessment is an unbiased examination of the walking and biking environment, where citizens and the local working group can document issues related to safety, access, comfort, and convenience of the current network. A public workshop is scheduled for May and the plan will be completed in June 2021.
