Trailway Feasibility Study

The study is an evaluation tool to help guide future decision-making. No routes are guaranteed for construction — they are conceptual until funding, right-of-way, and approvals are secured.

The Trailway Feasibility Study is focused on the construction of paved trailways only. Crushed limestone, gravel, or other non-paved surfaces are not being considered at this time. Paved trails provide a more durable and accessible surface for year-round use.

The Township’s paved trailways are typically 8 to 10 feet wide. This width allows safe shared use by pedestrians, bicyclists, strollers, and others.

Yes. The Trailway Feasibility Study considers a combination of off-road paved pathways (separated from the road) and on-road segments (such as widened shoulders, bike lanes, or shared lanes) where appropriate. The goal is to create safe, connected routes that work within available right-of-way and existing infrastructure. These on-road and off-road facilities vary by segment. An overview of on-road vs. off-road proposed segments is included in the below link. 

View the Proposed Conceptual Routes

Eventually, the Township plans to pursue grant funding to support the construction of new trailways. Many grants require local matching funds, which the Township would meet through designated capital improvement funds and potential partnerships — such as working with the Texas Township Friends of Parks & Trails, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

However, there is no timeline for the construction of these trails at this time. No final decisions have been made, and no trail routes have been approved or funded at this time. Community feedback will help the Township evaluate options and determine if, where, and how future trail connections could be developed. 

The Township anticipates maintaining publicly owned trailways in the same manner as it currently maintains existing trails. Preventative maintenance activities — such as crack filling and resealing — as well as long-term maintenance needs will be coordinated and funded through the Township’s annual operating budget and capital improvement budget.

Some maintenance activities, like snow removal and mowing the area between the trailway and the roadway, are determined by policy decisions made by the Township Board. Currently, some trailway sections are maintained in the winter while others are not, depending on location and usage. These same factors will be considered for any future trail segments.

Final maintenance responsibilities will be determined as part of the planning, design, and funding phases for each trail segment after the Trailway Feasibility Study is complete. 

Routine and preventative maintenance costs will be funded through the Township’s annual operating and capital improvement budgets. To help support long-term maintenance needs, the Township may also pursue grants, partnerships, and other supplemental funding sources.

Final maintenance responsibilities for each trail segment will be determined as part of the detailed planning, design, and funding phases after the feasibility study is complete.

No. Not all routes would be constructed at the same time. The Trailway Feasibility Study is meant to identify potential connections and help the Township prioritize projects over time. Trail segments would likely be built in phases as funding becomes available and as right-of-way, design, and community support align.

No decisions have been made yet in terms of prioritization of the routes. The study will help determine which routes are the most feasible and provide the greatest benefit based on factors like community input, safety, connectivity, cost, and ease of construction. Routes that close key gaps and connect popular destinations may be considered higher priority, but final priorities will be set by the Township Board with guidance from the Steering Committee and public feedback.

Community input is vital to this effort. We are seeking input and feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape trail priorities and design considerations. This engagement process and public comment period will continue through August 1, 2025.

How to Submit Written Comments

• Online: Submit comments online
• By Email: info@texastownship.org
• By Mail: 7227 West Q Ave | Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (Attn: Trailway Feasibility Study)