Peoria agrees to ADOT trail partnership

Peoria residents will soon have the chance to hike to Scottsdale, if so inclined.

The Peoria City Council and the Arizona Department of Transportation will join forces to further develop the Skunk Creek Trail, which will connect with the northern end of Rio Vista Community Park and the Arizona diversion canal. From there city hikers can travel east using East Valley trails that eventually reach Scottsdale.

Work will include ramps near an overpass for Loop 101 that will connect 83rd Avenue and Rio Vista along Skunk Creek.

"(Skunk Creek Trail) is a critical link to connect our trail system to the rest of the Valley, and our main trail system to the New River corridor," said Parks Supervisor Kirk Haines.

"From day one, it has been a top priority for the mayor and council to develop the trail system in Peoria," said J.P. de la Montaigne, community services director.

The city will match $252,571 with ADOT for the project as part of the agreement. ADOT, with help from a grant, will receive $900,000 for the trail work, which includes the ramps around the overpass.