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’)