Following a $2.5 million federal funding announcement, Garrett County Government is proud to share an update on next steps for the Garrett Pathways Initiative, a long-term effort to improve safety, connectivity, and mobility across the county.
The Garrett Pathways initiative is an effort to build a connected system of trails, shared-use paths, and on-road improvements that serve residents, visitors, and daily travel needs. This work is grounded in the County’s adopted safety and transportation planning efforts and is designed to address risks for vulnerable roadway users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
This federal investment will support pre-construction activities, including engineering, environmental review, and final design to position these projects to compete for future construction funding. Specifically, current planning includes both the MD 135 Pedestrian & Bicycle Pathways Concept Plan and the Oakland to Herrington Manor Trail.
The MD 135 project focuses on creating a system of curb-separated shared-use paths and sidewalk extensions to improve safety and link the towns of Oakland, Mountain Lake Park, and Loch Lynn Heights with parks, schools, and everyday destinations. These improvements are specifically intended to reduce conflicts between vehicles and non-motorized users, particularly along rural roadways where shoulders are limited and speed limits are high.
The Oakland to Herrington Manor Trail represents a complementary investment in recreational and active transportation infrastructure, serving as a natural-surface component of that system., The proposed alignment would connect existing trails and the Town of Oakland and extend into Garrett State Forest and Herrington Manor State Park. While a preferred route has been identified through feasibility study, alignments will continue to be refined through design and coordination with property owners, state agencies, and local partners.
Together, these efforts reflect a long-term approach to building a connected network that supports both daily use and outdoor recreation across Garrett County.
Garrett County is committed to maintaining transparency as these projects move forward.
“We’re encouraged and appreciative of this investment, but it’s important keep this long-range project in perspective,” said Siera Wigfield, Senior Planner for Garrett County Government. “This funding allows us to do the detailed work needed to move these projects toward construction, but there are still several phases ahead before any dirt is moved.”
While timelines for federally funded infrastructure projects are inherently multi-year, the County anticipates the following general schedule:
2026–2027: Preliminary engineering, environmental review, and coordination with property owners and partner agencies;
2027–2028: Final design, permitting, and right-of-way coordination;
2028+: Applications for construction funding through federal and state programs;
2029–2036: Phased construction, beginning with priority segments and advancing toward full network buildout.
This federal funding does not cover construction but will advance these projects from concept toward construction readiness. It is a critical step in ensuring projects are well-designed, community-supported, environmentally responsible, and competitive for future funding opportunities.
For details on these projects, please visit www.GarrettCountyMD.gov/pathways
