Commissioners Question Price Tag of Proposed Bike Path

MAY 22, 2025 |

Photo – Proposed bike path – Courtesy Adventure Cycling Association

Carbon County officials have questions about a proposed $13 million bicycle path from Rawlins to Walcott Junction.

At the May 20^th Rawlins City Council meeting, City Manager Tom Sarvey announced the Carbon County Visitors Council has requested to have a city representative attend its May 29^th meeting to discuss the 2025 Interstate Pathway Master Plan.

As part of that plan, Sarvey said the Adventure Cycling Association is proposing the construction of a paved bicycle path from Oregon to Virginia, called the TransAmerica Trail.

For safety reasons, Sarvey said the Adventure Cycling Association prefers to have the trail run along existing two-lane roadways. However, the Wyoming route connects Rawlins to Walcott Junction, leaving Interstate 80 as the only direct path between the two points, a situation Sarvey said is less than ideal.

Sarvey said the Adventure Cycling Association wants to construct a new 20-mile-long paved bike path between Rawlins and Walcott Junction, allowing cyclists to avoid Interstate 80 on their way to and from Saratoga.

The City Manager explained by locating the bike path along Interstate 80, the Adventure Cycling Association will avoid the need to negotiate with local property owners.

Sarvey said the total cost of the 20-mile-long bike path is $13.6 million. The state legislature has pledged to split the cost of the project between various agencies, including the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Sarvey said the Carbon County Visitors Council would like a city representative to attend its upcoming meeting and provide feedback on the potential impact the pathway will have on Rawlins.

The Rawlins City Council chose City Manager Sarvey to act as the city’s liaison during the meeting.

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners also discussed the proposed bicycle path during their May 20^th meeting. Chairman Travis Moore said the county has been asked to submit a letter of support for the project.

Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett and Commissioner Sue Jones agreed the $13.6 million would be better spent on repairing the county’s roads, which receive heavy tourist traffic.

Commissioner Jones said the county should ask the state for road repair funding. Tourists contribute millions of dollars to the local economy, but also wear down the roads, adding costs the county can’t cover.

Instead of submitting a letter of support for the bike path, Commissioner Jones asked if the county could request federal and state funding for road repairs. The Seminoe Reservoir and Continental Divide attract a large volume of tourists, potentially as many, if not more, than the proposed bike path.

Commissioner Jones argued some of the funding should be allocated to improving local roads.

Planning and Development Coordinator Kristy Rowan also raised concerns about the pathway’s upkeep. Although it will be built along WYDOT’s right-of-way, documents indicate local government will be responsible for maintaining the pathway.

County Attorney Ashley Davis offered to draft a letter with the Board’s comments and concerns, including their support or opposition to the project. Commissioner Jones said the Board will not support the pathway if the county is required to maintain it.

Commission Chairman Travis Moore expressed support for the project, stressing concerns for tourist safety. However, Chairman Moore said the plan does not appear to have been well thought out.

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners voted to send a letter of support for the concept of a paved bicycle path between Rawlins and Walcott Junction. Included in the letter were their questions about funding and maintenance of the bike path.