NEWPORT NEWS -- A plan to expand sidewalks and create new ones in places that need them most, is a welcome change to some residents in Newport News.
The city says the goal is to make commuting easier for drivers, walkers and bikers.
"More people will probably come out to do a little walking because they have access to sidewalks instead of the roads," Newport News resident Beverly Roberts said.
The area off Pilot House Drive is currently under construction. A new sidewalk has been placed just off the right lane, but the left side of the street remains unpaved and filled with dirt.
"In the winter or the rain, the dirt area is kind of sloppy to walk on," Roberts said.
City spokesperson Kim Lee said the new sidewalks are follow-ups to a project that had widened the sidewalks off J. Clyde Morris Boulevard to Menchville Road.
The sidewalks are also being widened to 8 feet where Warwick Boulevard meets Lucas Creek Road.
Lee said the goal of adding and widening these sidewalks is to give people and bicyclists a safe place to walk or ride--and keep them off of the streets.
"Usually they have to ride on the street. But if we get sidewalks, they won't have to ride on the street," Newport News resident Joseph Muntford said.
Lee said she's not sure if it will be mandatory for bicyclists and pedestrians to use these sidewalks once they're finished, but she does hope it will cut down on the amount of accidents on Newport News' roads.
