Truscott to Owl Creek Trail Connection

There is currently a gap (approx. 1.3 miles) in the existing trail connection to transit stops on the south side of Highway 82 between the Owl Creek Road (Buttermilk) and Truscott / Hideaway Lane. Completing this gap is intended to connect businesses, residents and transit stops on this south side of Highway 82 to Truscott, which has a grade separated bicycle and pedestrian crossing, and Owl Creek Road / Buttermilk, which has a signalized crossing of Highway 82. The precise location and the Project concept are illustrated on Attachment A. The trail connection would be a year-round, 10’ wide, concrete multi-use trail. It is assumed that existing bridge/elevated structures may be utilized to facilitate this trail connection. Factors that would need to be considered during planning and engineering include (but are not limited to): property ownership, connection to other regional trails / transit connections / businesses / residences / park and rides, utilities and utility easements, user types, signage and wayfinding, drainage and snow removal, interaction with Nordic trails, and ongoing maintenance. There are four special considerations for the trail that will be integral to the project’s success. 1) The existing, limited sidewalk connections should continue to be utilized to the greatest extent possible; however, they should be expanded where necessary to create a seamless 10’ wide multi-use trail through this corridor. 2) This snow free route will coexist within sections of this trail with well-established Nordic trails that are groomed during the winter months, and consideration shall be given to how these two trail networks interact and function. 3) At the Truscott underpass, there are issues with snow accumulation during the winter months due to limited solar gain. The consultant should examine ways to improve upon the existing design to increase solar gain and drainage in this area. 4) A feasibility and design for a grade separated bicycle and pedestrian crossing at Owl Creek Road and Highway 82 (Buttermilk) will simultaneously be conducted. Coordination with this feasibility and design effort will need to be considered when developing this project. The project will need to consider a variety of complexities including topography, private and public lands, existing and proposed easements, protection of native habitat, and connectivity to the existing trail system, park and ride facilities, and transit stations. The design team must be skilled in trail design, land planning, engineering and experienced in providing creative solutions to complex problems.

Division 31 -	Earthwork, Earthwork Methods.
Division 32 -	Exterior Improvements, Bases, Ballasts, and Paving, Flexible Paving, Asphalt Paving, Rigid Paving, Concrete Paving, Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks, and Driveways.