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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPEC150004_Project Narrative 2-23-15_1424445240.pdf To: Vail Planning and Environmental Commission From: Department of Public Works Date: February 23, 2015 Subject: Gore Valley Trail Improvements – Lionshead to West Meadow Drive I. INTRODUCTION The Gore Valley Trail behind the Vail Public Library connects Lionshead with West Meadow Drive. It is one of the more scenic and popular sections of trail in Vail. However, there are several projects required along the corridor including:  Renovation of the existing trail due to drainage and pavement deficiencies  Replacement of the Middle Creek culverts with an open span bridge  Stream bank stabilization work  Pathway lighting improvements Additionally, in 2007, it was determined that a portion of the path (150 LF) crossed private property owned by the Lodge at Lionshead Phase III (LAL III). The LAL III Homeowners Association has requested that the path be relocated to town-owned property. Negotiations between the Town and LALIII are ongoing to allow a portion of the trail to remain on LAL III property under a Trail Easement and Maintenance Agreement while relocating the majority of the trail to town-owned land. A. Trail Renovation Work The existing trail is approximately 1100’ long between the Vail Lionshead Center parking lot at the west end and West Meadow Drive on the east end. Trail width varies between 9 and 10 feet wide. The existing pavement is deteriorating in many locations and drainage deficiencies on the west end result in significant ice buildup during the winter months. The Town proposes to remove and replace the existing pavement, with minor horizontal adjustments to improve steep grades at the west end. Drainage improvements and new inlets will direct runoff into an existing water quality vault to be treated prior to flowing into Gore Creek. This should eliminate the majority of the surface flow that creates icy conditions during the winter. Town of Vail Page 2 The Town also proposes to reconstruct the path at a width of 11’ to accommodate the significant pedestrian and bicycle traffic that uses this corridor year-round. Other paths throughout the town are constructed at 10’ width. B. Trail Realignment As noted previously, approximately 150 linear feet of the trail crosses property owned by LAL III. After evaluating several alignment options, and working with the LAL III board, town staff is proposing an alignment described as follows: On the west end of LAL III property, the path is essentially located in the same location as it is today in order to protect several large, healthy spruce trees. By the middle of the property, the trail is almost entirely on Town-owned property, following the southern property line to its eastern end. This alignment, agreed upon in concept by the LAL III Homeowners Association, returns approximately 900 square feet of land back to LAL III. Realigning the path requires the construction of a new 40’ long pedestrian bridge (see “Bridges” below) over an existing drainage/wetland area and across the southern edge of the existing bluegrass turf area of the Vail Library, opening up the lawn as one large area instead of the current divided area. Staff proposes to eliminate the turf south of the new alignment, reestablishing the native vegetated buffer between the trail and Gore Creek. Two benches with flagstone paving are proposed to be added to the area. C. Middle Creek culverts The two existing steel culverts carrying Middle Creek (60” diameter) suffered erosion on both the upstream and downstream sides during the 2011 flooding. The culverts were recommended for replacement by the Gore Creek Flood Assessment Report. The town is proposing a 30’ long, open span bridge as a replacement for the culverts. The new bridge abutments will be placed back from the stream edge to reduce construction impacts, and the stream bed will be returned to a natural condition from its current hard surface in the culverts. D. Bridges As noted above, there are two bridges proposed for this project. The town is proposing that both bridges shall be prefabricated steel truss bridges similar to those located in other areas of town. (Donovan Park, Dobson Ice Arena, Golf Course Pump House, Aspen Court and Katsos Ranch Open Space). The bridges will be designed to support a 40,000 lb vehicle weight to ensure equipment access behind the library. The bridges are proposed as weathering steel, and approach rails will be constructed to match the bridges. The abutment heights will be minimized, materials to be exposed colored concrete with vertical form liner face. Town of Vail Page 3 E. Stream bank stabilization work A fifty-foot section of stream bank is significantly eroded behind LAL III with a drop-off of approximately 4-10’ down to Gore Creek, creating a safety concern for this heavily used area. This area also appears to provide access to Gore Creek as it shows significant wear/compaction. It is proposed to install wooden cribbing on the bank similar to bank work completed at Bighorn Park and Aspen Court. The cribbing will be constructed of lodgepole and spruce trunks (see “Tree Removals” below) and shall be constructed with short terraces to allow for the planting of native plant species. As the plants establish, their root systems will support the bank soil, similar to naturally vegetated banks. As the logs deteriorate, the vegetation will hold and project the soil from erosion. A wooden fence is proposed along the top of bank to allow the vegetation to establish, restrict access to the steep bank and as a safety measure to prevent falls into the creek. F. Tree Removals Realignment of the trail will require the removal of two spruce clumps(3-5 close trunks), and four lodgepole pines. Please see the attached arborist report. In addition, the stream bank stabilization requires removal of three small lodgepole pines for equipment access and to reduce the overall bank height requiring stabilization. G. Pathway lighting improvements The existing path lighting was installed in the early 1980’s and is out-of-date and in poor condition. It is proposed to replace the existing fixtures with a combination of the standard Louis-Poullsen trail bollards used throughout town and five overhead “Ford Park” lights at key locations along the path. (Library entrance, bridges, each end) II. PROJECT BENEFITS A. Trail Experience Replaces deteriorated pavement, improves drainage/ice conditions, widens trail, improves sight distance in some locations, reduces west end grade, improved lighting conditions B. Water Quality Stabilizes/vegetates eroded stream bank, no floodplain impacts, no wetland impacts, increases native buffer behind library, directs west end drainage into existing water quality vault, eliminates mud/runoff at west end, improves biotic conditions in Middle Creek by eliminating steel culverts C. Property Rights Relocates a public facility onto town-owned property, returns private property to owner D. Library Moves trail to south edge of library property which opens up the turf area for new library uses and a potential future outdoor facility (seating, reading area, lecture area) Town of Vail Page 4 Above: Heavy summer use Below: Wear and tear on pavement, and outdated/insufficient lighting Town of Vail Page 5 Above: Mud, sediment and melting snow at the projects, west end Below: A steep grade and icy conditions require traction sand, which can enter Gore Creek. The project proposes to improve both situations shown here. Town of Vail Page 6 Arrows indicate trees proposed for removal. Above: spruce clump Below left: Three lodgepole pines; Below right: Three leaning spruce trees Town of Vail Page 7 Above: Middle Creek culverts/railings, worn out paving, lighting Below: Heavily eroded stream bank to be stabilized, restrict access Town of Vail Page 8 Above: Steel truss bridge over Middle Creek at Dobson Ice Arena (50’) Below: Steel truss bridge at Aspen Court (70’)