Lake Kittamaqundi Multiuse Trail Feasibility Study January 9, 2013
Consultants & Designers, Inc. “Integrating Engineering and Environment� 1321 Mercedes Drive, Suite A Hanover, Maryland 21076
Phone: (410) 694-9401 Fax: (410) 694-9405
Lake Kittamaqundi
Site Features
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28 acre lake Downtown Columbia Developed western shore Natural eastern shore Recent lake restoration – dredging, wetlands, peninsulas and forebay Existing one-mile hiking/biking trail
Project Goals
Provide closed loop to increase interest and use of trail Enhance access to natural areas – eastern shoreline Provide vistas and panoramic viewing of lake Provide close connection to lake, wetland and forested areas Ensure trail is fully accessible – ADA compliant
Design Considerations
Limit Environmental Impacts
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Trail Use
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Wetlands Forest Floodplain Water Quality
Permittability
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Community
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Federal State County
Pedestrian Bikes ADA Compliant Maintenance
Goals Input
Cost
Alternate Alignments ď Ž
3 alternate alignments investigated to complete the trail (loop)
Alignment #1
Alignment #1 Existing Isthmus Trail on Eastern Shoreline
New paving on existing trails
Alignment #1 Lake Headwater Crossing Techniques
Footbridge across swale
Boardwalk through flood-prone area
Alignment #1 Existing Wooded Open Space on Western Shoreline
New paved trail – meander between existing trees
Alignment #1 Existing Gravel Trail at Western Shoreline Connection Point
New paved trail along existing gravel trail – no tree clearing needed
Alignment #1 Typical Footbridge and Paved Trail
Alignment #1 Key Considerations Existing Wetland Areas Along Western Shoreline
ď Ž
Alignment may have to be adjusted to avoid/minimize impacts
Alignment #1 Key Considerations Adjacent Residential Community
Minimum 120’ from residences New plantings will buffer views to the trail
Alignment #1 Alignment #1 Existing Trail to be Paved
1,800 LF
Bridge
36 LF
Boardwalk
90 LF
New Trail
670 LF
Total
2,596 LF
Length of Completed Loop
2.0 miles
Alignment #2
ď Ž ď Ž
Incorporates most features of Alignment #1 Provides upper lake crossing via boardwalk
Alignment #2 Boardwalk Across Lake Forebay
Alignment #2 Alignment #2 Existing Trail to be Paved
1,470 LF
Boardwalk
280 LF
New Trail
330 LF
Total
2,080 LF
Length of Completed Loop
1.8 miles
Alignment #3
ď Ž ď Ž
Incorporates short segment of Alignment #1 Provides bridge and boardwalk to cross the lake
Alignment #3
ď Ž ď Ž
Provides landmark bridge and unique lake viewing experience Provides boating access under the bridge
Alignment #3 Alignment #3 Existing Trail to be Paved
450 LF
Boardwalk
375 LF
Bridge New Trail
90 LF 100 LF
Total
1,015 LF
Length of Completed Loop
1.2 miles
Alternate Alignment Summary Length
Total Trail Length
Alignment #1
2,596 LF
2.0 miles
Alignment #2
2,080 LF
1.8 miles
Alignment #3
1,015 LF
1.2 miles
Project Costs
Design and Construction
Infrastructure Maintenance Costs
Alignment #1
$513,075
Alignment #1
$2,110/yr
Alignment #2
$644,925
Alignment #2
$4,520/yr
Alignment #3
$899,325
Alignment #3
$6,760/yr
Alignment #1 Summary
Provides the longest trail (loop) around the lake – 2.0 miles Allows full access to the lake for maintenance Avoids impacts to wetlands Least costly
Alignment #2 Summary
Provides substantial trail around most of the lake Creates additional separation from residential community Restricts access for maintenance of the uppermost lake Mid-cost option
Alignment #3 Summary
Provides shortest trail around (through) the lake Creates unique landmark bridge and boardwalk crossing Provides architectural feature Spans entire lake and creates superior vistas Allows access to upper lake Provides new downtown destination Most costly
Conclusion Lake Kittamaqundi Multiuse Trail
Three feasible alternatives with varying costs and benefits
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All alternatives satisfy project goals
Recommendation is to implement Alignment #1
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Provides the longest trail Least environmental impacts – wetlands Least cost – design, construction and maintenance
Lake Kittamaqundi Multiuse Trail
Questions
What’s Next?