Laurel T Rails – R Iverfront P Ark to M Aryland R Oute
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FEASBILITY STUDY City of Laurel Pedestrian Trail/Pathway Riverfront Park to U.S. Route 1 City of Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation December 18, 2017 Maryland Route 198 Park to Riverfront – Laurel Trails Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Project Purpose and Goals 5 Project Background 6 Cultural and Historical Significance 7 Current Planning efforts for the Patuxent River area in Laurel 7 City of Laurel Recreation and Parks Department 8 Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission / Prince George’s County 9 Maryland Department of Transportation 20 - Year Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 11 Anne Arundel County Planning 11 Howard County Planning 12 Department of Natural Resources 13 Existing Zoning Information 14 Existing Conditions Assessment 14 Environmental Assessment 16 Existing Wetlands Assessment 17 Existing Soil Assessment 17 Existing Utility Assessment 18 Project Methodology 17 Trail User Assessment 18 Trail Connection Alignments 19 River Crossings via Bridges 19 Feasibility Analysis 20 Evaluation of Proposed Alignments 22 Analysis Criteria 22 Option 1 Alignment 23 Option 2 Alignment 24 Option 3 Alignment 25 Trail Option Comparison Matrix 26 Preferred Trail Alignment Option 26 Anticipated Environmental and Regulatory Requirements 27 Department of Natural Resources Considerations 27 CSX and MARC Railroad Considerations 27 Estimated Project Cost 27 Estimated Trail Project Cost 27 Operating and Maintenance Costs 28 Final Recommendations 29 Closing 29 References and Resources 30 Appendix Photo Log Schematic Designs Design Cross Sections Project Name Laurel Pedestrian Trail/Pathway Feasibility Study Page 3 McLaren File No. 106155 December 18, 2017 Executive Summary The City of Laurel tasked McLaren Engineering Group, to prepare a feasibility study for a new trail extension from Riverfront Park, at its termination – near US Route 1 to Maryland (MD) Route 198, for a distance of approximately 1 mile. The proposed trail extension will be located near downtown Laurel and the Laurel MARC Rail Station and will link several existing trails within City of Laurel, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County and Howard County as indicated in their respective Master Plans. The development of the trail extension will provide a significant recreational and commuter benefit for the region. The project incorporates Master Plans from the City of Laurel, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Maryland Department of Transportation, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, along with a complete site analysis and photo log. These documents will help guide both the City of Laurel and the adjacent Counties, should the City of Laurel choose to move forward with the construction of this new trail extension. - Conceptual Sketches with Trail Options - Existing Conditions Assessment - Preferred Trail alignment Assessment The Laurel Pedestrian Trail/ Pathway Feasibility study analyzed the trail locations for the potential development of a pedestrian/ bicycle and equestrian trail along the Patuxent River within the City of Laurel limits. After careful considerations, we offer three (3) possible trail alignment options for the City of Laurel to consider. Option 1 - Connecting to the existing terminus point of Riverfront Park, and extending the proposed trail along the western shoreline, as the trail approaches the existing Second Avenue Bridge (US Route 1) with the aid of a new pedestrian bridge, the trail will cross over the river onto the eastern shoreline (Anne Arundel County) into Laurel Park. The trail will continue south along the existing paved Laurel Park access road, under the existing MARC/CSX railway bridge to a point opposite the American Legion. With the aid of a second pedestrian bridge, the trail will cross over the river back over the river to the western shoreline. There, the trail will continue south until it reaches its terminus at the Laurel Shopping Center parking lot. Option 2 - Connecting to the existing terminus point of Riverfront Park, and extending the proposed trail traveling in its entirety, along the western shoreline of the Patuxent River until it reaches it terminus at the Laurel Shopping Center parking lot. This option allows for several additional access points along existing sidewalk location at Washington Boulevard, Second Street and First Street. This option will also utilizes several pedestrian worn-paths at the Washington Boulevard Bridge. This trail alignment will also provide access to the proposed trail from a new access point located at the American Legion Option 3 - Connecting to the existing terminus point of Riverfront Park, and extending the proposed trail in its entirety, along the western shoreline of the Patuxent River until it reaches it terminus at the Laurel Shopping Center parking lot. This trail alignment will also provide access to the McLaren Technical Services, Inc. Project Name Laurel Pedestrian Trail/Pathway Feasibility Study Page 4 McLaren File No. 106155 December 18, 2017 proposed trail from a new access point located at the American Legion. This route incorporates along existing streets/roads. Given the three (3) options can all be constructed in their respective locations, each option has several opportunities and constraints. Each trail option analysis will provide a detailed breakdown of all opportunities and constraints for the respective alignments. The proposed trail alignments should be constructed to meet local, City, State and Federal regulations; similar to any construction project, permitting will be required prior to the commencement of construction. In-depth analyses of existing conditions, environmental constraints and topographical constraints will be addressed prior and during design development ensure that design and construction of the preferred trial alignment will enhance the user’s experience and ensure their safety. Trail projects throughout the Counties have shown to have many benefits to the local region. These benefits include: • Improved community physical and mental health • Improved water and air quality • Increased property values • Improved community/City image • Improved pedestrians and bicyclist safety • Improved sustainability • Enhanced neighboring awareness • Improved quality of life • Accelerates community revitalization • Increase environmental awareness. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City of Laurel proceed with the design and construction of the Trail Extension using the Option 1 with the use of existing land that is relative level and currently owned by the American Legion. This will provide expansion of the both the City of Laurel trail network, as well as Prince George’s County’s recreational trail system. Option 2 is less unlikely due to the increase construction difficulties and cost, associated with the construction of a trail that requires a “cantilevered” support system for several hundred feet. Option 3 is not likely due to the existing at grade street/road crossings at US Route 1 – northbound and southbound lanes. McLaren Technical Services, Inc. Project Name Laurel Pedestrian Trail/Pathway Feasibility Study Page 5 McLaren File No. 106155 December 18, 2017 Project Purpose and Goals The Laurel Pedestrian Trail/ Pathway Feasibility Study aims to recommend a preferred route that will connect the existing Riverfront Park to MD Route 198 with a non-motorized trail. The Study will identify several trail alignment options for the proposed trail connection from Riverfront Park to MD Route 198. This trail will increase the recreation opportunities that residents and others currently limited to Riverfront Park trail. The proposed connection will create a continuous trail linking existing and planned trails outlined in the City’s vision, as well as, in the Prince George’s County Masterplan. The Pedestrian Trail - Pathway Feasibility Study emphasizes the importance of the need for a non- motorized extension and connection along the Patuxent River. This Feasibility Study will: 1) analyzes constraints and opportunities of the site; 2) further develop the City’s plans, the Prince George’s County Trail Master Plan, as well as Anne Arundel County’s and Howard County’s Master Plans; 3) improves recreation and transportation options for pedestrians, cyclists and others; 4) Identify sections of neglected shoreline within this section of the Patuxent River. With several existing trails segments throughout the City, this project will be the catalyst for connecting a system to trails throughout the City of Laurel. Existing trails within the project area include, but are not limited to, the Riverfront Park trail, High Ridge Park trail, Laurel Park trail/access road and T. Howard Duckett Dam Trail. The most common trail users to be expected on this proposed trail extension will be pedestrians and cyclists. The trail will provide a wide range of short distance utilitarian trips, including traveling to and from the Laurel MARC Rail Station; to and from residential and/or other commercial areas. The proposed trail will provide a one (1) mile trail extension from the current terminus at Riverfront Park trail to MD Route 198 for cycling and pedestrians. The trail proposed should have a 10-foot wide asphalt shared use path from the existing Riverfront Park trail terminus. The Study will emphasize the importance of improving access for non-motorized users along this stretch of Patuxent River and offer the following: 1) Plans, alternative alignments and concept designs for the one (1) mile section of the Patuxent River; 2)