Madison Reporter

Due to a weather forecast for December 12, 2024, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Madison's new Autumn Ridge Path has been rescheduled. The event will now take place at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

The public is invited to join the celebration of this new multi-use path located on Madison’s east side. Originally scheduled for December 12, the ribbon cutting will occur at 4346 Commercial Avenue in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Autumn Ridge Path aims to enhance safety and accessibility for non-motorized transportation by creating a connection between Milwaukee Street and Commercial Avenue, north of Highway 30. This project includes a new bridge over Highway 30, which will better connect neighborhoods divided by the highway. The path is part of an effort to expand the area's bike network by linking with existing paths such as the Garver Path and Capital City Trail.

From its southern start point, the path involves reconstructing and widening an existing trail through Hiestand Park to ten feet. It continues through city-owned greenway property east of Hiestand Park and connects via Stein Avenue to a new segment near Thompson Road ramp off Highway 30. The path then climbs alongside the ramp to reach the newly constructed bridge overpass before descending on the north side of Highway 30 onto Ziegler Road.

The project received substantial funding from a federal grant totaling $2.5 million, with additional local city funding contributing $2 million. Construction began in June 2024, focusing primarily on building the bridge overpass featuring three prefabricated trusses and a multi-span loop on its north-side approach.

The ribbon-cutting event remains open to all members of the public. Media personnel interested in attending are requested to RSVP via email to Hannah Mohelnitzky.