Editor’s note: Ask Us is a weekly feature published online on Mondays and in print on Tuesdays. We’ll seek to answer your questions about items or trends in Rowan County. Have a question? Email it to askus@salisburypost.com.

By Jessica Pautz
jessica.pautz@salisburypost.com 

A Post reader asked about the cost of sidewalks on Jake Alexander Boulevard as well as the price of black decorative fencing seen around town.

The sidewalk project involved about 1.4 miles of sidewalk along Jake Alexander and Statesville boulevards, said Wendy Brindle, the city’s engineering director.

The project was partly funded through a grant program run by the Federal Highway Administration to help local and state governments meet requirements of the Clean Air Act. The funding is administered through the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Brindle said.

The construction contract was about $680,000, Brindle said.

After several requests for sidewalks in the area, the city applied for the grant in 2008, Brindle said. The grant was awarded in 2012.

“The scope of the project was modified during design to eliminate the proposed sidewalk along the east side of Jake Alexander near the railroad,” Brindle said.

To ensure pedestrian access to the east side of Jake Alexander Boulevard to the Social Security Administration Building, the sidewalk was not removed, Brindle said.

The black decorative fencing popping up around Salisbury is a protective handrail.

“It is installed in areas where there is a hazard (typically a significant grade difference) next to a pedestrian walk-way or gathering area,” Brindle said.

On average, the fencing costs about $60 per linear foot to install. However, the cost of the fencing can change with the construction industry, Brindle said.