Nathan Pulver operates the backhoe removing sections of the asphalt for the new curb and trail along the north side of Eli Lilly Road. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

SYRACUSE — Construction began Monday, July 11, on a continuation to the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail on Eli Lilly Road. Completion of the project, barring no severe weather, is projected to be in four weeks.

Workers with Pulver Asphalt, Albion, began work Monday, cutting away the asphalt on the north side of the road, just right of the fog line and removing up to 9-inch thick slabs. Work will soon begin with pouring of a curb along the cut edges. It is estimated this will take several days to complete. Once curbs are installed concrete, 4-foot 6-inches wide, will be poured for the new sidewalk/trail.

Jeremy Fike operates the cutter while Trevor Pulver keeps an eye on traffic on Eli Lilly Road. The cutting away of the asphalt was completed Tuesday.

Megan McClellan, executive director of the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail, stated the curbs will stop at each driveway and catch basins will be added to help with drainage.

This is one of several projects underway by the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail. Additional work includes improving the safety of the Pickwick and SR 13 crossing, and working on the design and permitting of the Conklin Bay boardwalk and trail project connecting Syracuse to the Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes and Wetlands Education Center and many residents further south on Lake Wawasee. The Conklin Bay project is estimated to cost $1.7 million. The trail committee is looking for community support through financial donations.

Several preliminary trail layouts have been proposed, which are available to view at the trail office. Plans are to raise a majority of the needed funds and start construction in the spring of 2017.