It’s a trail that has been enjoyed for years. But there has always been an element of risk involved for many folks who hike around Lake Zwerner—not because of the trail, but because of where there isn’t a trail.
Hikers, joggers, and anyone else who enjoys use of the walking path can now look forward to the day when they no longer have to evade cars on the bridge in order to walk the full loop.
Construction on the long-awaited pedestrian bridge is set to begin soon, as was announced by officials last week at an on-site ceremony.
Once the project is completed, it will be the conclusion of a nearly eight-year plan to connect the two ends of the trail.
Currently the only way for hikers to complete the entire reservoir trail loop is by traversing the long highway bridge that is part of Morrison Moore Pkwy/Highway 9 N.
This walk puts people just inches away from vehicles whizzing by in traffic.
Dahlonega City Engineer/Public Works Director Mark Buchanan spoke about this at the groundbreaking event.
“If you have walked across that bridge you know it is no fun,” Buchanan said.
Mayor JoAnne Taylor told the group that she is happy that the project is an “appropriate partnering with the County” to improve the amenities of the community.
“We wanted anyone who is walking on the trail to be safe,” she said. “I know many of you are going to be interested.”
Buchanan added that the project required the City to work with the Georgia DOT to complete the complex permitting process that comes along with a project such as this.
City Manager Allison Martin said GDOT will fund 80 percent of the project construction cost up to $4.95 million.
Buchanan told the crowd at the ceremony that the DOT’s portion was coming from a TAP grant—referring to the Georgia DOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program.
There is also a 20 percent local match, Martin added, with the City paying the bulk of the balance and the County chipping in a little funding.
Martin said the City is using TSPLOST proceeds to fund this.
The firm that will be completing the entire construction project is Strickland and Sons.
Martin pointed out that they have also budgeted for expenses to cover some work the City will have to do to beautify the areas that are used during construction.
More than just a new bridge, the project will also include a sidewalk from the Walmart parking lot down to the pedestrian bridge, Buchanan told the crowd.
He added that the project is scheduled for completion in late 2026.
