Construction on a long-stalled, $13 million project that would make recreation along the San Joaquin River more accessible to cars and foot traffic is scheduled to begin later this year, Fresno officials said Tuesday.
The river, a public space, is considered a potential economic driver for the Fresno area that could improve residents quality of life and draw more visitors. But many properties in the San Joaquin River Parkway, a collection of public green spaces planned to stretch from Friant Dam to Highway 99, remain either closed to the general public or difficult to access by vehicle or even on foot.
One access-enhancing project known as River West promises to one day add three new access points along the river just west of Highway 41 in Fresno, an area already popular with joggers and fisherman that has long needed improvements…