Methuen Rail Trail City of Methuen Public Information Meeting Methuen City Hall September 22, 2016
Agenda 1 Welcome and Introductions 2 Methuen Rail Trail Update 3 What is a Rail Trail? 4 Conceptual Design 5 Next Steps and Questions
1 Introductions Project Team: City of Methuen Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) BR&R Design Team Brown, Richardson & Rowe Stantec Surveying and Mapping Consultants (SMC) LEC Environmental Consultants
2 Methuen Rail Trail Update Methuen Rail Trail near Five Corners Underpass
Public Outreach 2006 Methuen Rail Trail Alliance created Volunteers developed a single track path out over two years. December 20, 2011 Methuen Rail Trail Ribbon Cutting Former RR steel and ties removed and crushed stone surface installed. 2011 through 2016 Alliance Activation Hosted numerous interpretive events, moon walks, cleanups, and trail stewardship events since the ribbon cutting. Over ten sponsors have contributed funds to ensure stewardship of this recreational asset. The alliance hosts monthly public meetings at the Nevins Library. June 9, 2016 Design Kickoff Public Meeting The design team presented preliminary concepts to the Methuen Rail Trail Alliance. July 2016 Design Development Updated plans provided based on feedback.
2Project Methuen Overview Rail Trail Update Project Limits: Approximate length = 2 miles Manchester Street Park in Lawrence north to Salem, New Hampshire State Border Construction Cost = $2M
Project Location Connecting Methuen:» Manchester Street Park» Gill Ave Playground» Depot» City Hall» Nevins Nature Preserve» MSPCA» Salem NH to shopping Click to edit Master text styles
3 What is a Rail Trail? A rail trail is a shared use path created along a former railroad right-of-way. Cape Cod Rail Trail Nashua River Rail Trial
What are the benefits of a Rail Trail? Recreation A place for cyclists, hikers, walkers, runners, inline skaters, cross-country skiers and physically challenged individuals to exercise. Health Help people of all ages and abilities incorporate exercise into their daily routines by connecting them with places they want or need to go. Transportation Provide a safe transportation alternative for residents, workers and tourists of all ages and abilities.
Common Questions: Public Participation & Outreach
Common Questions: Property Value Being on or near the Minuteman Bikeway can increase the value of a home by 4 or 5 percent, said Brian Greeley, a realtor with Bowes GMAC in Arlington. The old saying in real estate is location, location, location, Greeley said. The path is one of the crown jewels in the area. We re in an age where physical fitness is a high priority. Having access to a bike path is analogous to years ago of having a house across from a park or playground.
Common Questions: Crime, Litter & Privacy Salem Evening News, November 2005 Several years ago, we received notice about a proposed plan to convert the former rail bed to a bike path. As abutters we were extremely apprehensive about this proposal. We envisioned that such a path would open access to undesirable activities such as drugs, drinking, graffiti, litter, gangs and neighborhood crime. We were also concerned about a lack of privacy, having streams of people walking and biking through our backyard. As a result of these concerns, the city did provide a fence and some landscaping to minimize impacts to bike path neighbors. Having lived with the bike path now for several years, none of the above concerns have materialized. The bike path has instead become a haven for families; couples strolling hand in hand, mothers with strollers, children pushing doll carriages, families on bikes, joggers, serious cyclists, neighbors walking their dogs, Salem State sports teams working out, etc. In the winter, it is a popular place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Mostly, it has brought neighbors together with a passing hello or to stop and chat while out for a walk. I have never felt unsafe on the bike path, day or night, and we have never had to report a problem of any kind.
Common Questions: Methuen Rail Trial Maintenance Mowing Trail cleanups Adopt a Trail Logan Greenway Connector Quequechan River Rail Trail Cape Cod Rail Trail - Harwich
Common Questions: Lighting Public parks and recreation facilities are typically open between dawn and dusk. Alternatives to lighting include painting tunnel walls white to help reflect the daytime light.
4 Conceptual Design Quequechan River Rail Trail Fall River, MA
Shared Use Path Design Design Considerations: 10 foot surface width (typical) 8 foot surface width acceptable in areas where there are environmental, historical and/or structural constraints Attractive to all ages and skill levels
Conceptual Design Begin Project at Lawrence City Line Shared use path 10 foot wide paved surface N Source: Google Maps
Conceptual Design Oakland Ave Underpass to Five Corners Underpass Shared use path 10 foot wide paved surface N Source: Google Maps = Depot Area
Conceptual Design Intersections Typical Intersection Treatment Example Project : Quequechan River Rail Trail in Fall River, MA
Conceptual Design Five Corners Underpass to Route 213 Underpass Shared use path 10 foot wide paved surface Equestrian trail 5 foot wide soft surface shoulder N Source: Google Maps
Conceptual Design Route 213 Underpass to NH State Border Shared use path 10 foot wide paved surface Equestrian trail 5 foot wide soft surface shoulder N Source: Google Maps
Conceptual Design Depot Area Open Space Public Gathering Area and Market Separation between passive and active uses 17 parking spaces Tree planting, flowering plants, and mown lawn
Conceptual Design Depot Area Open Space Trail at Old Rail Station Typical Trail Planting Trail at Lawn & Seatwall Gathering Area Paving
Conceptual Design Gill Ave Connection Ramp and stairs on grade with handrails Street Crossings New sidewalks to playground parking lot
Conceptual Design Trail Signage Interpretive Signage Depot History Bird Sanctuary Trail Map with Places of Interest and Trail Rules Trail Markers ¼ mile intervals City/State Markers
Conceptual Design Trail Signage Types Corten Steel Steel Stone
5 Next Steps Design Schedule: Fall 2016 - Design Team to revise drawings after comments from public and City Fall 2016 - Design Team to determine signage and furniture with City and Trail Alliance Winter 2016/17 - Design Team to submit Final Construction Documents Winter 2016/17 Construction Documents out to Bid
Questions? Website: www.methuenrailtrail.org Brad Buschur Groundwork Lawrence Phone: (617) 874-6498 Email: bbuschur@groundworklawrence.org Joe Giarrusso City of Methuen Conservation Officer Phone: (978) 983-8650 Email: jgiarrusso@ci.methuen.ma.us