HomeMy WebLinkAboutPEC150004_TC Memo 10-7-14_1422375300.docxTo: Vail Town Council
From: Department of Public Works
Date: October 7, 2014
Subject: Update on Library Trail and Associated Projects
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 trail, replacement of the Middle Creek culverts and stream bank and lighting improvements.
In 2007, it was determined that a portion of the path crossed private property of the Lodge at Lionshead Phase III (LAL III), who have informally requested that the path be relocated
to town-owned property.
BACKGROUND
In September 2013, staff led a Town Council site visit to area to discuss the proposed projects. Staff was directed to develop several alternative alignments that included partial and
full relocation.
Fully relocating the trail to town-owned property would require the removal of more than a dozen spruce and lodgepole pine trees. The Town Manager and staff have met with representatives
of LAL III twice to work towards an agreeable solution that would protect most trees while still relocating the trail to the south.
The following proposal has been discussed with representatives of the Homeowner’s Association, but not with the full Association Board. Staff is asking for Town Council’s direction
and endorsement of the plan prior to submitting it to their Board.
PROPOSED ALIGNMENT
Please reference the attached drawings for the following description:
From Lionshead to the Lodge at Lionshead Phase III property, the renovated Gore Valley Trail will follow its existing alignment . Across the LAL III property, the proposed alignment
is a compromise that generally leaves the western side near its existing
location thereby protecting trees, and moves the eastern end predominantly onto town-owned property . The trail will generally fall within the town’s utility easement along the south
property line.
The proposed alignment requires the construction of a bridge over a wetland area , and realigns the trail behind the library along the south edge of the library lawn . The walkway
to the south entrance of the library will be extended to the new trail alignment . This configuration also allows realignment of the Middle Creek culverts which reduces the tight curve
east of the creek , a significant safety improvement on the popular trail.
A certified arborist evaluated the trees in the corridor. While most of the trees are relatively healthy, it was determined that a spruce with four trunks on the western side of the
LAL III property (on town-owned land) is declining, with concerns about structural integrity. The arborist’s recommendation is they are not worth working around since construction
impacts will likely “finish them off.” Removal of these trees will facilitate construction of the bridge, reduce the impacts of the blind curve and protect the larger and healthier
trees on each side.
In addition to the spruce, the proposed alignment requires removal of three lodgepole pine trees , and three spruce for the construction of the bridge. In all, realigning the path
will require removal of two spruce clumps and three lodgepole pines.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Rebuild the trail in existing location: $ 250,000 *
Proposed alignment: $ 400,000
Relocate trail south of LALIII property line: $ 435,000
* these estimates do not include the cost of lighting, culverts or stream bank work
EVALUATION
Advantages
Protects the largest and healthiest trees in the corridor
Opens up nearly 900 sf of area for Lodge at Lionshead Phase III after relocation of the fence
Moves trail to the south edge of the library lawn area, providing an opportunity for a future outdoor library space such as a reading area, sitting area or programmable space.
Results in a Recreation Path Easement Agreement, protecting LAL III as well as allowing for future maintenance of the popular trail by the town.
Eliminates some of the blind curves and widens the trail to the town’s standard width of 10’
Disadvantages
Additional expense of approximately $150,000 to town for construction of a bridge
Removal of nine trees, although some are in poor condition
OTHER PROJECTS
As mentioned previously, there are additional projects that should be completed as part of the work. A brief description of each follows. As the alignment is finalized, staff will
determine the extent of these projects and provide additional information to the Council.
Renovated Lighting ($ 145,000)
The existing lighting is inadequate and outdated and should be replaced during the path renovation project.
Middle Creek Culverts Replacement ($ 150,000 currently budgeted)
The existing culverts carrying Middle Creek suffered erosion on both the upstream and downstream sides during the 2011 flooding. The culverts were intended to be replaced with a concrete
box culvert during the fall of 2013 using the Flood Mitigation funding, however the project was put on hold pending the trail renovation work.
Stream Bank Erosion & Safety ($ 150,000 currently budgeted)
A fifty-foot section of stream bank is significantly eroded behind LAL III with a drop-off of approximately 4-8’ down to Gore Creek. This area also appears to provide access to Gore
Creek as it shows significant wear/compaction. This project was recommended for repair under the Flood Mitigation Report. Additionally, the repair of eroded stream banks is an important
piece of the Gore Creek Water Quality Improvement Plan. It would make sense to repair this bank prior to rebuilding the recreation trail through this area.
ACTION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL
Staff is asking the Council to either endorse the proposed alignment or to provide direction towards an acceptable solution.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approve the proposed alignment pending the Lodge at Lionshead Phase III Board’s acceptance. Staff does not recommend fully relocating the trail to
town-owned stream tract since doing so would eliminate four additional large, healthy spruce trees. If Council endorses the recommended alignment, it will then be presented to the
Lodge at Lionshead Board in the coming weeks along with a request for a formal Recreation Path Easement.
Above: Heavy summer use
Below: Wear and tear on pavement, and outdated/insufficient lighting
Arrows indicate trees proposed for removal. Above: spruce clump
Below left: Three lodgepole pines; Below right: Three leaning spruce trees
Above: Middle Creek culverts/railings, worn out paving, lighting
Below: Heavily eroded stream bank