I have often wondered how much trails and greenways cost to build in comparison to the costs of roads. Of course, I would expect a path to cost less than a street for numerous reasons, but I wondered just how much less.
Well now I know.
The average cost, per lane mile, for a road to be built is between $500,000 and $1,000,000. (How come I'm picturing Dr. Evil with his pinky up next to his mouth right now?)
The average cost to build an asphalt trail (Asphalt is more expensive than dirt and gravel trails, but less expensive than concrete so it makes a nice average, plus roads are usually asphalt, so it also makes a good comparison.) is $25,000 to $100,000.
As I said, I expected trails to be less expensive to build, but that is considerably less expensive. And that doesn't even factor in the most important figure... the cost of maintaining trails compared to roads. Some trails can go many years with little or no maintenance whereas roads are in a constant state of repair and disrepair.
And let's take the tally a step further. Which is more beneficial in certain important categories:
It's plain to see that trails cost significantly less to build and maintain than roads; and they're much more beneficial. But who has more money to throw at congressmen, oil lobbyists or trail lobbyists? So where do all the tax dollars go?
Once you figure it out, please let me know. I'd love to get your input on this one.
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Well now I know.The average cost, per lane mile, for a road to be built is between $500,000 and $1,000,000. (How come I'm picturing Dr. Evil with his pinky up next to his mouth right now?)
The average cost to build an asphalt trail (Asphalt is more expensive than dirt and gravel trails, but less expensive than concrete so it makes a nice average, plus roads are usually asphalt, so it also makes a good comparison.) is $25,000 to $100,000.
As I said, I expected trails to be less expensive to build, but that is considerably less expensive. And that doesn't even factor in the most important figure... the cost of maintaining trails compared to roads. Some trails can go many years with little or no maintenance whereas roads are in a constant state of repair and disrepair.
And let's take the tally a step further. Which is more beneficial in certain important categories:
| · Health | _ü_ trails | ____ roads |
| · Environmental benefits | _ü_ trails | ____ roads |
| · Family togetherness | _ü_ trails | ____ roads |
| · Recreation | _ü_ trails | ____ roads |
| · Relaxation | _ü_ trails | ____ roads |
| · Safety | _ü_ trails | ____ roads |
Once you figure it out, please let me know. I'd love to get your input on this one.
