Albany - Sasser Rail Trail

Transcription

1 Albany - Sasser Rail Trail Corridor Study, Branding, and Implementation Report Prepared September 2, 2016 by: PATH Foundation and KAIZEN Collaborative

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3 Albany-Sasser Rail Trail Corridor Study, Branding, and Implementation Report September 02, 2016 Prepared for the City of Albany and the South Georgia Rails to Trails, Inc. Prepared by the PATH Foundation and KAIZEN Collaborative

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5 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Sasser 4 Lee County 8 Albany Branding and Design Standards Logo Design 22 Sign Concept 23 Trail Amenities 24 Construction Details and Standards 25

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7 1. Introduction Americans young and old are flocking to the nearest greenway trail to exercise, socialize, and travel without using cars. Greenway trails are becoming a critical component of infrastructure in cities competing for employers and the educated millennial s they wish to employ. The health, recreation, and social benefits of greenways is also becoming more aparent as their usage increases. The City of Albany and the surrounding communities have recognized this, and have identified an extraordinary opportunity in their backyard: a mile abandoned railroad corridor stretching from the urban core of Albany, through the open fields of Lee County, to the quaint storefronts of Sasser, Georgia. South Georgia Rails to Trails, Inc. and the City of Albany staff recognize the need to establish a greenway trail network to promote a healthier, happier lifestyle for their citizens. In addition to providing amenities for the existing population Albany and the surrounding region must provide greenway trail infrastructure to promote walking, biking, hiking, skateboarding, birding and other uses in order to compete for business and industry that will employ today s generation of workers. Greenway trails also entice the areas young people to stay home instead of moving away. The Albany-Sasser Rail Trail master plan proposes a 12 wide asphalt greenway trail system from downtown Albany to Sasser, along a 100 wide mile abandoned rail corridor. This trail will feature connections to neighborhoods, parks, shopping, and other public facilities. Citizens that previously looked to other destinations to get outside and be active will now have a great trail system close to home to fill that desire. The 200th mile of trail constructed by the PATH Foundation on April 10, will promote a healthier commmunity for its citizens, keep our young folks at home and attract new businesses, students and young professionals to the region. This document details opportunities to enhance the mile railroad corridor with trailhead access points, spur trail connections, and trail routes needed to connect the greenway trail to Albany s existing Riverfront Trail. With the branding and design standards established within this master plan, the City of Albany is well positioned to implement a successful greenway trail project that Introduction 1 Chapter One

8 2. For years, the railroad corridor from Albany to Sasser was utilized to transport goods to the City of Albany, the Flint River, and across the Southeast. Since the abandonment of the rail, it has become an overgrown eyesore of little importance to the region.that s until now. South Georgia Rails to Trails, Inc. and the City of Albany commissioned the PATH Foundation and KAIZEN Collaborative to plan the resurrection of this once busy transportation corridor for a completely different purpose: a multi-use greenway trail for non motorized travel. The rehabilitation of this old rail bed into a trail system for recreation will increase the overall health of the region, and will once again make this corridor a vibrant asset and economic generator for the community. The route utilizes the abandoned railroad from Sasser, Georgia to the Jefferson Street overpass in the City of Albany, where the rail bed is integrated with the west side of the Norfolk Southern rail line. The goal is to make a connection to the existing Riverfront Trail along the Flint River and downtown Albany. One option for connectivity is a pedestrian bridge to span the rail line and allow trail users to access the Riverfront Trail on the other side. Overgrown, abandoned railroad corridor at Ledo Road An alternative is to exit the abandoned rail corridor near N. Monroe Street utilizing city and county greenspace, city right-of-way, and transition to a shared-use path along North Washington Street to downtown Albany. This alternative would make its final connection to the Riverfront Trail by way of Flint Avenue behind the Riverquarium parking lot, terminating at a trailhead leading directly into the Riverfront Trail. An alternative option is to end the trail at the train depot on W. Roosevelt Avenue. This is already a great community space that can be retrofitted into a bright and vibrant trailhead where the rail trail ends, and the Riverfront Trail begins. 2 A junk yard which has over taken the abandoned railroad corridor near the Flint River

9 Sasser Chain Gang Rd Head Rd Old Sasser Rd Armena Rd Legend Trailhead Opportunity Existing Parking Access Existing Riverfron Trail Oakland Rd Lee County Links to the Rail Trail Proposed Rail Trail Terrell County Oakland Park Library Oakland Pkwy Proposed Forrester Pkwy Palmyra Rd Fussell Rd Grand Island Golf Course Ken Gardens Park Dougherty County Pheobe Hospital Albany Tift Park Medical College of Georgia Pheobe Putney Memorial Hospital Riverwalk Connection 3

10 - Sasser This abandoned rail corridor ends a few hundred feet short of Main Street in the very quaint town of Sasser, Georgia. Additional acquisition of the railbed is recommended in order to end the trail at the center of town where there are antique and craft shops and potential for new shops catering to trail users. Providing a trailhead for the Rail Trail will insure Sasser an opportunity to make an economic impact on its small community. It is envisioned the trail in Sasser will have parking, benches, kiosk and identification signage, and a small restroom facility. The trail would end at Main Street where an at-grade crossing should be installed to connect the west side of the street and sidewalk to several store fronts. View east from Main Street Sasser showing abandoned railbed. View north along Main Street in downtown Sasser. 4

11 Legend 1 Sasser De Short Road Trailhead Opportunity Existing Parking Access Hattie Albritten Rd Existing Riverfron Trail Main St W Links to the Rail Trail Proposed Rail Trail Murphy R Brim Rd Mark s Melon Patch Chain Gang Rd Florida Short Route Terrell County Head Rd Lee Co Old Sasser Rd 5

12 1 Proposed Sasser Connection Above: Existing condition of downtown Sasser at-grade crossing. Right: Proposed at-grade crossing and trailhead including kiosk sign, benches, traffic calming landscape islands, and brick stripe thermoplastic crosswalk. 6

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14 - Lee County Between Albany and Sasser, the greenway trail would pass through Lee County where several neighborhoods have been developed near the rail corridor. With plans from developers to continue building future neighborhoods, it is important for both the existing and proposed residential developments to embrace and make connections available to the trail. Two trailheads are proposed in Lee County, one at Armena Road and the second at the proposed Forrester Road extension. A third smaller trailhead is proposed at the Oakland Library where there is existing parking and public facilities available. A spur should be made through the Oakland housing development, across an existing dam to Oakland Pkwy, where it will parallel the road to the library. Armena Road trailhead location Oakland Library - existing parking and public facilities 8

15 Legend 4 miles to Sasser 2 Oakland Rd Leesburg Trailhead Opportunity Existing Parking Access Primary Trail Head Opportunity Existing Parking Access Armena Rd RAILS TO TRAILS Existing Riverfron Trail Links to the Rail Trail Existing Riverfront Trail Spur to public Library Proposed Rail Trail Proposed Rail Trail Alternate Riverfront Connection Winifred Rd US 82 Oakland Library Oakland Pkwy Forrester Road Expansion TERRELL COUNTY LEE COUNTY LEE COUNTY Fussell Rd Grand Island Golf Course Palmyra Rd 3.5 miles to Albany DOUGHERTY COUNTY 9

16 2 Proposed Armena Road Trailhead Left: Existing condition of the intersection at Armena Road and the abandoned railroad corridor. Below: Proposed at-grade crossing and trailhead including benches, restroom facility, and informational signage. 10

17 - Albany Once the rail trail enters Dougherty County and continues towards downtown Albany, it passes by a new Walmart location where it intersects Hwy 19 (Slappey Blvd). This is a popular destination for trail users and an ideal location for a trailhead at the edge of the existing parking lot. The trail continues along the rail corridor towards Albany, running adjacent to several neighborhoods. Residents in these neighborhoods will be able to access the trail by using existing sidewalks or intersecting residential streets. The goal is to make a connection to the existing Riverfront Trail along the Flint River. There are two viable and equally important options to make this connection. The first option is to continue down the rail corridor and build a pedestrian bridge over the active Norfolk Southern rail lines allowing trail users to safely cross this obstacle. The trail will continue along the abandoned corridor for a short distance before connecting directly into the riverfront trail. The second option is to link this trail into the Albany community by connecting to Tift Park and into downtown Albany. Feedback from our community meetings has shown us that a strong connection to Tift Park is desired by many Albany residents. This is a focal point for the community and is a critical link for the Rail Trail corridor just a few blocks north of the park. We believe the best way to make this connection is to merge off the rail corridor at North Monroe Street on the east side, and head south to Tift Park. This multi-use path will weave through city and county owned property for this entire segment with no acquisition or easements needed. Once the trail reaches 7th Ave, an at-grade crossing with rapid flashing beacons will provide a safe crossing into Tift Park. Community feedback suggests a major trailhead is desired at Tift Park for locals and visitors to access the trail. Once the trail reaches the proposed trailhead at Tift Park, it will head southeast connecting to the adjacent Boys and Girls Club, tennis courts, and the existing community bathrooms. Once to the corner of 5th Ave and Jefferson Street, the trail will cross 5th and continue south on the west side of Jefferson Street. The sidewalk is proposed to be widened to accommodate a 10 wide side path. At 4th Ave the trail will cross Jefferson Street on the south side and head east to North Washington Street modifying the sidewalk to a 10 wide side path. This will allow the trail to link into Phoebe Putney Hospital, the UGA College of View of the existing rail trail corridor across the new intersection at Slappey Blvd and the new Walmart entrance. The improved pedestrian crossing will be utilized for the rail trail. Pharmacy, and the new medical student housing development. At the corner of 4th Avenue and Washington Street a small trailhead is proposed where Phoebe Putney Hospital has purchased two adjacent lots. At this point the trail will head south on the west side of the street, as a side path within the right-of-way to Broad Ave. In areas where the right-of-way is constricted, there are areas where the curb and gutter will need to be modified to obtain a 3 foot minimum buffer between the trail and roadway. The side path will continue down to Broad Avenue making critical connections to two proposed trailhead locations. The first location is at the Thronateeska Heritage Center at the open greenspace just to the south side of the train depot museum. The second is at the end of Flint Avenue where the existing spur to the Riverfront Trail is located. 11

18 MAGN OL IA CLEVELAND DAVIS MONR OE VAN BUREN JACKS ON MA DISON Rail Trail Spur WA SHINGTON FRONT Albany-Sasser - Rail Trail Master Plan Legend STUAR T LMYR A Trailhead Opportunity Existing Parking Access Existing Riverfron Trail WHISPERING PINES Links to the Rail Trail 3 14TH 17TH MCINTOSH LIBERT Y Wal-Mart Albany-Sasser Rail Trail 16TH 18TH Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital PA LMYR A 4 PA CE 15TH MONR OE Kinchafoonee Creek MA XWEL L HODGES WA SHINGTON Cox Landing Park CRUSOE VILLAGE PHILEM Lake Chehaw Legend Primary Trail He Opportunity Existing Parking Existing Riverfro Connecting Op Riverfront Trail Proposed Rail T Alternate River Connection Proposed Rail Trail 11TH Rail Trail Connector COOLIDGE HOOV ER 10TH 6 8TH 5 HEDRICK TA FT SLAP PEY HARDING 7 Tift Park 7TH 6TH 5TH Student Housing Medical Phoebe College Putney Memorial Hospital 4TH 3RD 2ND INGLESID E DAWSON RESIDENCE TIFT 1ST 9 Riverfront Trail Flint River GILLI ONVILLE FL INT ROOS EVELT 8 Thronateeska Heritage Center and Weatherbee Planetarium 10 Flint RiverQuarium Sasser to Albany Riverfront Trail Connections 12 KAIZENCOLLABORA Landscape Architecture Planning

19 3 Proposed Walmart trailhead Right: The abandoned rail corridor runs adjacent to the new Walmart parking lot in an open greenspace Below: New Walmart Neighborhood Market location. The abandoned rail corridor runs along the south side of the parking lot (right side of picture) to the new intersection crossing at Slappey Blvd. The existing parking and adjacent greenspace provides opportunity for a trailhead location. 13

20 4 Proposed trailhead at Phoebe North Hospital Left: Existing property condition at Phoebe North Hospital. This illustration is located where 13th Avenue dead ends at the abandonoed rail corridor. Below: Proposed improvements to the parking area with trailhead amenities and signage with a spur to the rail trail. 14

21 5 Proposed pedestrian bridge over railroad Right: Existing condition of abandoned railroad corridor beneath North Jefferson Street, heading east where it intersects with active Norfolk Southern railroad tracks. Below: Proposed pedestrian bridge to extend over the active railroad tracks to create a safe and inviting connection to the existing Riverfront Trail. Opportunity for a future trailhead is shown adjacent to the trail. 15

22 6 Proposed trail through National Guard property Left: Existing condition at the National Guard property looking south towards Tift Park. Below: Proposed trail adjacent to North Monroe Street utilizing city right-of-way. A 10 trail with a 5 grass buffer is desired. 16

23 Photos of Washington Street Existing condition on Washington St looking north from downtown. It is proposed to shrink drive lanes to 10 wide to make room for the trail (see pg. 19) Existing condition of Washington St. and 3rd Ave. Proposed trail widens existing sidewalk to 10 with 5 grass buffer. Existing condition on Washington St. It is proposed to widen sidewalk to 10 to accomodate the trail. 17 Existing condition of 4th Ave and Jefferson St intersection. It is proposed to cross to the south side of 4th avenue at the lighted intersection then head east towards Washington St.

24 7 Proposed trail entering Tift Park Left: Existing condition at Tift Park looking north to Monroe Street Below: Proposed multi-use trail crossing 7th Ave into Tift Park. The at-grade crossing at 7th Ave may require a rapid flashing beacon to assist pedestrians to cross the road safely. 18

25 8 Proposed trail along Washington Street Right: Existing condition of Washington Street just north of downtown Albany. Below: Proposed multi-use trail extending along the west side of Washington Street. This portion of the trail is achieved by bumping the curb and existing parking out and narrowing the lanes to create a 10 multi-use trail. Site amenities are added in this area to make a more inviting entrance into downtown and for the adjacent store fronts. 19

26 9 Proposed spur trail to historic train depot building Left: Existing condition of West Roosevelt Ave. which terminates at the historic train depot and Thronateeska Heritage Center Below: Proposed terminous of the downtown connector trail at the historic train depot building. Open greenspace allows for a bright and vibrant trailhead with benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, and pocket park. Possible opportunity for a fountain as a place for trail users to cool off. A proposed mural along the existing brick wall helps to create a sense of excitedment to the space. The existing wide street allows for ample parking. 20

27 10 Proposed Flint Avenue greenway trailhead Right: Existing condition of Flint Avenue looking east towards the Riverfront Trail. Below: Proposed terminus of the Albany-Sasser greenway trail and trailhead with kiosk, benches, bike racks, and existing parking. Existing access to the Riverfront Trail would be directly behind the proposed trailhead. There is opportunity for businesses to develop on the north side of street. The Riverquarium is directly south of the trailhead along with additional existing parking. 21

28 3. Branding and Design Standards With the rail trail corridor spanning through three different counties, it is crucial to create a brand for the trail that is reflective of all areas the trail connects and the people it will serve. With the vast railroad history related to the rail line, and the surrounding area, options for a name and logo were presented to the steering committee for consideration. Emphasis on the railroad and other cultural, geological, and historical elements were considered as well. From this effort, the four names below were created. Through this rail trail planning process, a larger scale trail master plan was initiated for Dougherty County which the rail trail project connects into. It is proposed to have a name and logo that will compliment the overall trail network with opportunities for sub-branding of key destinations and sponsorships. The final logo family is proposed below. Preliminary Logo Development: Final Overall Logo: SOUTH GEORGIA R A I L T I L R A Branding and Design Standards 22

29 Trail Signage After considering all logo options, the design team created the trail signage. The sign types for the Rail Trail are information kiosks, secondary identification signs, regulatory signs, mile marker signs, and bollards. The sign style established by the Steering Committee uses weathered steel in the sign structure with local Flint River stone bases to allow for the sign to be in character with both the urban and rural areas of the rail corridor. This sign design was also chosen for the Flint River Trails master plan as well to have a sense of consistency throughout the trail system. The following rendering of the trail signage conveys the overall design intent. Downtown Sasser Trailhead Armena Rd Albany 5.5 mi 10.7 mi 4 MILE 6.4 km 1090 elev Main St Main St Albany Riverfront Trail 13 Albany-Sasser Rail Trail Bollard Mileage Marker Regulatory/ Directional Signs Identification/ Information Signs Kiosk Sign Chapter Three 23 Branding and Design Standards

30 Trail Amenities The trail amenity options relate to the existing amenities along the current Riverfront Trail and downtown Albany. The style and materials entail a traditional powder coated metal finish. As the trail transitions away from the rail corridor and into Downtown Albany, incorporation of wood with the metal is suggested. This will allow for a more seemless connection between the two trail systems and help tie the Dougherty County trail system together as one. Cycle Sentry Series by Victor Stanley model #BRCS-105 Description: standard five loop bike rack, in-ground mount, and steel powder coated black. Production Collection by Victor Stanley model #PRS-127 Description: 6-foot bench, surface mounted, vertical steel scrolls, powder coated black GreenSites Series by Victor Stanley model #RTH-36 Description: 36-gallon capacity, solid vertical side slats, standar tapered form lid, black plastic liner, available with dome lid or convex lid with self-closing door Production Collection by Victor Stanley model #PRS-10 Description: 6-foot bench, walnut recycled plastic slat seat, surface mounted, powder coated black steel components Fixit Service Station by Dero Powder coated black; includes all tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance with air pump kit 3. Chapter Three 24 Branding and Design Standards

31 Construction Details and Standards The Albany-Sasser greenway trail system is proposed as a 12-foot wide, asphalt paved, multi-use trail located along an abanded railroad line from Sasser to Albany, Georgia. Standard details for the construction of the trail system are included within the following pages. Multi-use asphalt rail trail with a 12-foot wide asphalt surface Branding and Design Standards 25 Multi-use trail through existing box culvert requires a 7 6 minimum vertical clearance. Chapter Three

32 Water Fountain by Haws model #3500D Description: vandal-resistant, barrier-free, square pedestal dual level drinking fountain, powder coated black. Chapter Three 26 Branding and Design Standards

33 Note: To be field located with city project manager Pocket parks provide opportunities for trail users to enjoy time with friends and neighbors. Branding and Design Standards 27 Root bridging insures protection of existing trees and allows the trail to blend into a wooded setting. Chapter Three

34 Typical trail intersection with signage, bollards, and pavement striping. Structural slabs can span up to 30 feet across small ditches and tributaries and allow drainage under the trail. Chapter Three 28 Branding and Design Standards

35 Side Paths- adjacent to roadways are used in urban environments where there is adequate Right-ofway. Typically 8-10 wide with a 3-5 buffer between vehicular lane. Custom steel bridge structures allow the trail to naturally blend into wooded areas. Two-Way Cycle Tracks- typically used in urban environments when right-of-way is restricted and roadways have room to accomodate. Typically wide with a buffer between the vehicular lane. Prefabricated steel bridges allow trail to cross above existing roadways, streams, or railroad tracks. Branding and Design Standards 29 Chapter Three