IOWA’S MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL PLAN Sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation Prepared by the Center for Transportation Research and Education, Iowa State University April 2003 Cover photos courtesy of Effigy Mounds National Park, Muscatine Chamber of Commerce, and MRT, Inc. The opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Iowa Department of Transportation or MRT, Inc. CTRE's mission is to develop and implement innovative methods, materials, and technologies for improving transportation efficiency, safety, and reliability while improving the learning environment of students, faculty, and staff in transportation-related fields. IOWA’S MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL PLAN CTRE Project 02-104 Principal Investigator David Plazak, Associate Director for Policy Center for Transportation Research and Education, Iowa State University Research Assistant Jamie Luedtke Center for Transportation Research and Education, Iowa State University Preparation of this plan was financed in part through funds provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation through its research management agreement with the Center for Transportation Research and Education. Center for Transportation Research and Education Iowa State University 2901 South Loop Drive, Suite 3100 Ames, IA 50010-8634 Phone: 515-294-8103 Fax: 515-294-0467 www.ctre.iastate.edu Final Report • April 2003 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS............................................................................................... xi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................. xiii Our Nation’s Mississippi River Trail......................................................................... xiii Benefits of the MRT in Iowa ..................................................................................... xiii Safety Benefits..................................................................................................... xiii Economic Benefits............................................................................................... xiii Recreational Benefits........................................................................................... xiii Iowa’s Unique MRT Plan .......................................................................................... xiv The Route............................................................................................................. xiv Implementation ......................................................................................................xv What to See on the MRT ........................................................................................... xvi CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 1-1 Vision Statement........................................................................................................ 1-1 Objectives .................................................................................................................. 1-1 Continuity ............................................................................................................ 1-1 Proximity to the Mississippi River ...................................................................... 1-1 Suitability for Cycling.......................................................................................... 1-2 Safety for Cycling................................................................................................ 1-2 Feasibility and Constructability ........................................................................... 1-2 Scenic Quality...................................................................................................... 1-2 Access to Attractions and Services...................................................................... 1-2 Implementation .................................................................................................... 1-2 Implementation and Coordination with Other Trail Systems.................................... 1-3 Implementation in Other States ........................................................................... 1-3 Other Trail Systems in Adjacent States ............................................................... 1-3 Other Key Trails in Iowa ..................................................................................... 1-4 Attractions and Services ............................................................................................ 1-6 Tourist and Other Key Attractions....................................................................... 1-6 Service Centers .................................................................................................... 1-7 CHAPTER 2. IOWA MRT MINIMUM DESIGN STANDARDS................................. 2-1 On-Road Standards, Cross Section, and Costs per Mile............................................ 2-1 Off-Road Standards, Cross Section, Costs per Mile.................................................. 2-3 CHAPTER 3. IOWA MRT ROUTE ANALYSIS........................................................... 3-1 Suitability Assessment of Potential On-Road Routes Required to Fill Gaps ............ 3-1 Route Evaluation and Mapping Using GIS ............................................................... 3-1 Alternatives Available to Fill in Gaps ....................................................................... 3-2 Existing Routes to Incorporate............................................................................. 3-2 Programmed Routes to Incorporate ..................................................................... 3-2 Planned Routes to Incorporate............................................................................. 3-2 iii Remaining Gaps................................................................................................... 3-3 Recommended Alignment Maps and Jurisdictional Responsibilities........................ 3-6 CHAPTER 4. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENT PLAN ......................................... 4-1 Costs of Recommended Improvements ..................................................................... 4-4 Recommended Prioritization ................................................................................... 4-12 Recommended Demonstration Projects............................................................. 4-12 Remaining Priorities for Shoulder Paving Projects ........................................... 4-14 Priority of Iowa MRT Off-Road Trail Building Projects .................................. 4-19 Recommended Alignment and Jurisdiction Considerations.............................. 4-20 User Ratings of Iowa MRT Segments ..................................................................... 4-21 CHAPTER 5. MRT IMPLEMENTATION..................................................................... 5-1 Known Difficulties along the Recommended Route ................................................. 5-1 Ownership and Lead Organizations........................................................................... 5-1 Coordination of Development.................................................................................... 5-1 Priorities for Development......................................................................................... 5-1 Paying for Development Costs .................................................................................. 5-2 Long-Term Development Opportunities.................................................................... 5-2 Maintenance and Operational Issues ......................................................................... 5-3 Paying for Maintenance Costs ............................................................................. 5-3 Marketing............................................................................................................. 5-3 Identity and Signage ............................................................................................ 5-3 Policy toward Motorized Vehicles on Off-Road Portions of the Iowa MRT...... 5-3 Liability................................................................................................................ 5-3 Variety of Riding Conditions............................................................................... 5-4 CHAPTER 6. ESTIMATED BENEFITS AND IMPACTS OF THE IOWA MRT........ 6-1 Usage Estimate and User Profile ............................................................................... 6-1 Safety Impacts to Motorists ....................................................................................... 6-2 iv APPENDICES APPENDIX A. GIS ANALYSIS FOR THE MRT ........................................................ A-1 Gathering Data for MRT Maps................................................................................. A-1 Trail Amenities ......................................................................................................... A-2 Trail Development Concerns .................................................................................... A-3 Bicycle Level of Service........................................................................................... A-4 Viability of Roads After Shoulder Improvements.................................................... A-6 Comparing All Levels of Trail Plan with Actual Conditions to Develop the MRT. A-7 APPENDIX B. IOWA MRT MAPS................................................................................B-1