Grun-D Construction began work Monday, March 26 on the Stadium MKT Trail Connector, according to a news release.

The area is under Stadium Boulevard near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden. Prior to construction, it faced flooding problems from Flat Branch Creek, a nearby water source, said Steve Saitta, park development supervisor.

Trail users had to dodge wet spots on their walks in order to avoid trail damage.

Saitta said the condition of the trail was a problem with deteriorating concrete from water damage.

“We had a lot of concern from trail users over the years over the fact that the box stayed wet so often,” Saitta said.

In addition, the trail connector forms a blind spot for trail users not expecting the abrupt turn.

To fix these issues, Grun-D Construction will add a slight slope to the connector, allowing water to drain. They will install an 18-inch gutter to carry water out of a collection box. Construction will also make the slope of the trail more gradual to allow for more visibility and safety.

“This is something we have been wanting to do for many years,” Saitta said. “Without the funding of GetAbout Columbia Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program, the project would not have been possible.”

GetAbout Columbia foots the almost $115,000 contract that Grun-D Construction requires to fix the trail. In addition, there are some fees from engineering work done prior to the construction.

Contractors estimated at the time of planning that construction would only take two to three weeks, however, because of weather, work on the trail has been delayed.

Saitta estimates the trail connector will stay closed for two to three additional weeks, when upon construction’s completion, it will reopen to the public.

“If I had to guess right now, (the trail is) maybe 50 to 60 percent complete,” Saitta said.

Signs are posted surrounding the trail, allowing people to go around the area of construction. However, the City of Columbia urges pedestrians to use alternative trails and to take caution in crossing busy roads.

“We encourage people to be safe,” Saitta said.