Can I cut the wire and splice it to run in two separate directions

Electrically speaking yes you can do this, not sure if that would void any warranty, don't exceed the 88w transformer and you should be fine. You should end up with a Y configuration where the splice comes off to run on the opposite side on the sidewalk. Ensure you follow all safe electrical practices when splicing, and please remove power from the transformer before you do.

Of course. You can buy either gel filled wiare caps and splice into them, or direct burial wire covers... go to the electrical area at lowes you'll see blue gel filled caps, which is what I used. You get about 20 in a container. They don't recommend direct burial but you'll be fine. Just cut one of the wires and splice into it.

Hello and Thank you for your question. Yes, this is possible, however you want to keep this practice to a minimum. You would simply splice an additional cable where necessary. Keep in mind that when splicing cable you may experience voltage drop due to the splice and additional cable. Consider the threat of voltage drop when designing the layout of landscape lighting. This occurs in low voltage systems when the electricity loses its voltage as it travels down a cable. The amount of drop depends on the length of the run, the number of fixtures on the run, and the cable gauge thickness. Using a thick cable will reduce the voltage drop constant and make it easier for voltage to flow. A good practice is to use 12 gauge cable so that you try to minimize any voltage drop. You will want to make sure that the splice is completed without leaving any exposed copper wire. Outdoor rated wire nuts with silicone inside are recommended.