Which of the following is a direct benefit of reducing path width?

Reducing path width can lead to lower construction costs primarily due to a decrease in material use and labor required for construction. When paths are narrower, they consume less paving material, which directly costs less. Additionally, it may require less extensive site preparation work and potentially fewer site features such as drainage systems, which can further contribute to overall cost savings.

While other benefits may exist, such as enhanced aesthetic appeal or improved drainage, these are not direct financial savings linked to the reduction of path width. Likewise, user capacity may not necessarily increase with narrower paths, as wider paths generally accommodate more users effectively. Therefore, the most direct financial advantage from reducing path width is the reduction in construction costs.