Fairdale to Floyds Fork Corridor 1 Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan

1.0 Introduction

1.1 INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT recommendations; a cultural resources summary report and identification of path system’s future development. The strategic plan was originally developed in The Fairdale to Floyds Fork Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan is a cultural resource sites with potential for interpretation; and recommendations for 2010 and was updated in 2011. The vision of the Louisville Loop, as presented in the component of the overall planning effort for the Louisville Loop, a planned 100- ecological restoration opportunities. Louisville Loop Strategic Plan, 2011, states: mile pathway system that will surround Metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky. The Louisville Loop will provide bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to communities, The Louisville Loop: neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, places of worship, parks, and commercial 1.2 LOUISVILLE LOOP OVERVIEW • Enhances economic development opportunities within the Loopshed (0.5 mile districts; celebrate the natural and cultural history of Louisville through interpretive Before focusing on the specific elements of the Fairdale to Floyds Fork Shared-Use to 2 miles on either side of the Louisville Loop); Path and Ecological Restoration Plan, it is important to take a step back and gain a displays; improve degraded ecosystems along the pathway corridor through • Encourages sustainable development within the Loopshed; restoration projects; and be a catalyst for economic development. Approximately full perspective and understanding of the history, objectives, and current status of 30 miles of the Louisville Loop have been completed, with the remainder of the the Louisville Loop. • Provides safe and accessible opportunities to engage in active lifestyles; corridor either under construction, in the design phases, or currently being planned. • Connects neighborhoods to each other, schools, work, retail businesses, and 1.2.1 ORIGINS OF THE LOUISVILLE LOOP parks; The Fairdale to Floyds Fork Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan covers The origins of the Louisville Loop can be traced back to the Cornerstone 2020 Plan • Promotes the protection and appreciation of natural assets, culture, and history; a 10-mile-long by 3-mile-wide study area through the southern portion of Louisville for Louisville and Jefferson County, a comprehensive land-use plan developed in and, and Jefferson County. The study area begins in the Fairdale Community (atthe the 1990s. This comprehensive plan included two smaller plans, The Louisville & intersection of National Turnpike and Fairdale Road), and ends at Bardstown Road Jefferson County Multi-Objective Stream Corridor/Greenway Plan and The Parks • Enhances and improves air quality and the natural environment. (near the intersection of Little Spring Boulevard). This study area bridges the gap and Open Space Master Plan which establish some of the basic principles of what between two adjacent Louisville Loop corridors: the Pond Creek Corridor abutting was to become the Louisville Loop: The Louisville Loop Strategic Plan, 2011, also recommends the adherence to five the west side of the study area, and the Parklands of Floyds Fork Corridor at the east • The Louisville & Jefferson County Multi-Objective Stream Corridor/Greenway imperatives to ensure the success of the Louisville Loop. These five imperatives end of the study area (parts of which are currently under construction). This plan Plan describes the vision to develop an interconnected system of linear open include: includes four main components: an overview of the Louisville Loop; path alignment space corridors and greenways that would support improved floodplain and • Build Community Engagement – Create and nurture a widespread belief in the water quality management, land stewardship, alternative transportation, community that the Louisville Loop is Figure 1.1 A Constructed segment of the Louisville Loop recreation, and economic growth opportunities. an essential part of the region’s quality Figure 1.2 Loop Strategic plan • The Parks and Open Space Master Plan recommended a “County Loop” trail that of life that people will be inspired to would connect parks and open space areas to each other and to the surrounding support and defend. neighborhoods. Areas that were to be connected by this County Loop trail include • Encourage Health and Wellness – Use  the Ohio River Corridor, the Jefferson Memorial Forest, and the Parklands of the Louisville Loop to demonstrate Floyds Fork Corridor. and reinforce a lifestyle of health and wellness by promoting, partnering, and  In 2005, Louisville Metro officials announced an ambitious multimillion dollar, providing opportunities for all. multiyear “City of Parks” initiative to add a paved perimeter trail and thousands • Maintain and Conserve – Ensure the of acres of park land and protected green space to Metropolitan Louisville’s Louisville Loop is maintained at the highest “greenprint.” The Louisville Loop name was given to the paved perimeter trail as standards for safe public use, connectivity, part of this effort, and planning efforts began. recreation, and transportation. Ensure

stewardship of the Louisville Loop and  1.2.2 LOUISVILLE LOOP VISION AND IMPERATIVES the Loopshed that enhances the physical A strategic plan for the Louisville Loop was developed to provide a framework for and natural landscape.

CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2 Fairdale to Floyds Fork Corridor Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan

• Encourage Sustainable Development around the Louisville Loop corridor – Encourage growth and sustainable development in the Loopshed that creates healthy communities, supports local economies, and protects the environment. Ensure investment in infrastructure respects the existing communities yet creates vibrancy and sustainable community form for generations to cherish. • Ensure Funding to Develop and Sustain the Louisville Loop – Ensure the Louisville Loop has funding for planning, development, construction, and maintenance. Encourage regional economic growth through securing funds for the Louisville Loop.

1.2.3 LOUISVILLE LOOP DESIGN GUIDELINES In late 2009, a set of design guidelines were developed as the intended standard for designing and implementing the vision of the Louisville Loop. The Fairdale to Floyds Fork Corridor Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan will draw on these guidelines to develop alignment recommendations. Key principles of these guidelines include the following: • Develop an interconnected network of shared-use paths and on-street bikeways that would provide access to all destinations within Metropolitan Louisville. • Develop a complete streets approach that would guide future development to ensure that bicycle facilities as well as accommodations for pedestrians will be integrated into the community. • Design the Louisville Loop to accommodate all types and skill levels of bicyclists, from children and seniors to experienced professionals. • Design the Louisville Loop to accommodate all types of users, including pedestrians and equestrians as well as bicyclists. • Establish regulatory guidelines to meet safety requirements for users. ○○ Follow American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines for design ○○ Follow Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards for signs, ○○ Follow Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for accessibility standards, and other relevant standards. • Ensure that the design would meet applicable requirements in order to qualify for certain types of funding mechanisms. • Establish aesthetic standards to create a cohesive and unified character throughout the entire Louisville Loop while still allowing variations in distinct segments. ○○ Establish consistency in pathway materials, site furnishings, signs, and pavement markings so that consistency is maintained throughout the Louisville Loop. Figure 1.3 louisville loop Segment Map ○○ Amenities and support facilities within different areas of the Louisville Loop should also maintain a consistent look.

CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION Fairdale to Floyds Fork Corridor 3 Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan

Figure 1.5 the ohio river levee trail Figure 1.7 parklands of floyds fork under construction

Figure 1.4 the riverwalk Figure 1.6 Pond creek path trailhead Figure 1.8 olmsted parkways master plan

1.2.4 LOUISVILLE LOOP PROGRESS AND PLANNING UNITS The current status of planning and construction activities for various segments of • Ohio River Levee Trail: Intersection of 41st Street and Algonquin Parkway to was completed in 2012. This study provided a recommended pathway the Louisville Loop is summarized below (see Figure 1.3 for Segment Map): Watson Lane alignment as well as ecological restoration opportunities in the corridor between Watson Lane and National Turnpike. • The Riverwalk: Big Four Bridge through Shawnee Park to intersection of 41st ○○ Construction is complete from the Riverwalk to the Farnsley Moremen Street and Algonquin Parkway (the Big Four Bridge is mile “0” of the Louisville Landing. This was completed in two separate projects (14.8 miles) and • The Parklands of Floyds Fork Corridor – Bardstown Road to Shelbyville Road. Loop) includes both on road and off road facilities. A planning study will determine ○○ The Parklands of Floyds Fork Corridor is planned to include four new public the best way to replace the 3 mile section of the on-road facilities to an off ○○ Construction is complete for the 9-mile section between the Big Four Bridge parks linked by the Louisville Loop and a park drive. Additional amenities will and Shawnee Park; however, due to flooding and erosion issues, portions road shared-use path. include canoe access, biking and hiking trails, equestrian trails, and fishing of the Riverwalk have been re-routed to Northwestern Parkway until a ○○ A project is currently under design to extend the Ohio River Levee Trail an locations. A private, nonprofit corporation named 21st Century Parks is permanent solution has been determined. additional 2.5 miles from Farnsley-Moremen Landing to the Louisville Gas coordinating the development of the Parklands of Floyds Fork Corridor. & Electric (LG&E) plant on Watson Lane. This project will complete the Ohio ○○ The Big Four Bridge is a former railroad bridge over the Ohio River that ○○ Construction has been completed on the northernmost section of the project, has been converted to pedestrian bridge that will connect Louisville to River Levee Trail. and includes 2 miles of the Louisville Loop. Jeffersonville, Indiana. Construction is complete for the approach ramp on • Southwest Trail Corridor – Watson Lane (southern terminus of the Ohio River ○○ Construction is ongoing for the remainder of the project – the construction is the Louisville side of the river and the bridge itself; however, the approach Levee Trail) to Bardstown Road (western terminus of the Parklands of Floyds being completed in phases, with the final phase (the most southern portion ramp on the Jeffersonville side of the river is currently under construction. Fork Corridor) of the project) scheduled to be completed in 2015. See Figure 1.7. ○○ The section from Shawnee Park to the beginning of the Levee Trail ○○ Construction is complete for a 1.5 mile path along Pond Creek between the (approximately 1 mile) is currently in design to include a shared-use path CSX Railroad crossing of Pond Creek and West Manslick Road. See Figure 1.6. parallel to Southwestern and Algonquin Parkways. ○○ The Pond Creek Corridor Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan

CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION 4 Fairdale to Floyds Fork Corridor Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan

• Northeast Trail Corridor: From Beckley Creek Park on Shelbyville Road to City of Prospect at the northern end of River Road. ○○ The Northeast Metro Loop Planning Study is ongoing, although a preferred routing alignment and several alternatives have been identified. ○○ Construction documents are currently being produced for two projects within the corridor: along Shelbyville Road from Beckley Woods Road to Eastwood Cut-off Road (approximately 2.4 miles) and along Shelbyville Road from Old Shelbyville Road to North English Station Road (approximately 0.6 miles). • River Road Corridor: City of Prospect to Big Four Bridge ○○ A 1.4-mile segment of the River Road Corridor has been constructed. ○○ The River Road Corridor Management Plan, which explores a conceptual Louisville Loop route, has been completed; however, future planning efforts will be required to determine final alignment options. ○○ Funding has been secured for connecting the shared-use path on the future East End Bridge to the City of Prospect and to continue a shared-use path southeast toward the northeast and Floyds Fork regions of the Louisville Loop. The East End Bridge is a vehicular bridge with an adjacent shared-use path that will cross the Ohio River, and is scheduled for construction in 2013. • Olmsted Parkways – Connects through the historic context of the Olmsted designed parkways (Southwestern, Algonquin, Southern, and Eastern) that would provide connections from the Louisville Loop to Iroquois Park, Cherokee Park, and Shawnee Park. ○○ A master plan to restore the Olmsted Parkways was developed in 2007. See Figure 1.8. ○○ The Olmsted Parkways Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements project is a current design and construction effort to add shared-use path facilities along Southern Parkway, Algonquin Parkway, and Southwestern Parkway. Figure 1.9 study area ○○ Olmsted Parkways Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements – this project involves the design and construction of a shared-use path along Southern Parkway, Algonquin Parkway, and Southwestern Parkway. Although not part of the main loop that would circle the city, these parkways would provide connections between the Louisville Loop and the Olmsted Parkways. 1.4 PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The goals and objectives of the Fairdale to Floyds Fork Shared-Use Path and • Develop an alignment that achieves a proper balance between user experience, Ecological Restoration Plan are as follows: connectivity to destinations, cost implications, safety issues, land acquisition 1.3 FAIRDALE TO FLOYDS FORK SHARED-USE PATH • Identify three preliminary routes and a recommended alignment for the future cost and availability, constructability, and environmental sensitivity. AND ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION PLAN FUNDING development of a shared-use path that would eventually become part of the • Identify environmental, cultural, historical, and archaeological resources within The Fairdale to Floyds Fork Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan is jointly 100-mile Louisville Loop. This alignment would connect the Fairdale Community the corridor and indicate opportunities for ecological restoration and cultural funded by Louisville Metro Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to the Parklands of Floyds Fork segment of the Louisville Loop (see Figure 1.9). interpretation. Louisville District. This report was initiated under the general authority provided • Identify routes for a soft-surface path suitable for equestrian use. • Incorporate public participation into all stages of the planning process. in Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-251). This • Develop an alignment that maximizes path usership by connecting the corridor’s authority provides planning assistance to states under a cost-sharing agreement of population centers to key destinations, such as schools, parks, employment 50% Federal (USACE) and 50% non-Federal. The non-Federal sponsor for this project centers, and commercial districts. is the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government in Kentucky.

CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION