Murphy – A primitive section of the Murphy River Walk along the Hiwassee River and underwater four months out of the year may get significant upgrades.
The town is applying for a $500,000 American Rescue Plan grant to upgrade the dirt trail with a boardwalk, fishing pier and kayak launching area.
The dirt trail is part of the Murphy River Walk. It goes from the L&N Depot off of Hiwassee Street and follows the river until it cuts inland, then reconnects with the main River Walk trail off of Railroad Street near Depot Street.
The trail is submerged part of the year by the Hiwassee River, and a boardwalk would make the trail walkable throughout the year. The fishing pier and kayak launch would be other new amenities.
The town council awarded a $40,000 contract to Dockery Engineering to prepare a “shovel ready” plan to qualify for the ARP grant. Under the contract, Dockery Engineering will create plans for the boardwalk including structural and foundation details and special details for stream crossings, and will administer construction.