A proposed sidewalk intended to grant safe pedestrian passage from the new Morgan School to the town center has to first pass muster with the Inland Wetlands Commission, which expects to make a decision next month.

Because the walkway must go traverse wetlands and several other obstacles to reach the new Morgan School, the three-tenths of a mile sidewalk carries a relatively high cost and must clear several regulatory hurdles.

The sidewalk, which would link with the existing sidewalk that ends just north of Walnut Hill Road on the east side of Route 81 (across from Chow restaurant), will also require state Department of Transportation and Department of Energy & Environmental Protection approval, as well as a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. Estimates show a cost of between $680,455 and $763,542.

The plan and cost estimates provided were compiled by consultant Diversified Technology Consultants, Inc. (DTC), which is serving as the town’s engineer for the project.

IWC Chair David Radka noted at the commission’s Feb. 6 public hearing that “the only direct wetlands impact is the retaining wall” that will be built in the wetlands area.

No members of the public expressed support or opposition to the proposal at the hearing, though Jeff Morton expressed concern about the speed that cars in the area travel with a sidewalk nearby.

On Feb. 6, the IWC voted to hold off on making its decision until its Tuesday, March 6 regular monthly meeting.

Radka said that should the IWC vote in favor of the project next month, the project will next go to the Department of Transportation for approval. If all approvals are met, the project could begin this summer.

More information on the sidewalk proposal can be found at the town website at www.clintonct.org/508/Morgan-Sidewalk-Project.