SANTA FE RAIL TRAIL
RAIL WITH TRAIL GOUTAM VELLA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 5 2. SITE SELECTION, RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS 6 2.1 Site Selection 7 2.2 Site Analysis 8 2.2.1 Land Use 9 2.2.2 Site Surrounding Trails 2.2.3 Five Minute Walk Radius 10 2.3 Upcoming Development Context 12 2.3.1 Street Car 13 2.3.2 Project 180 14 2.3.3 Innovation District 15 2.3.4 Automobile Alley 16 2.3.5 Connecting With Fringe 17 3. RAIL WITH TRAIL 18 3.1 Introduction to Rail With Trail 19 3.2 Key Findings 20 3.3 Statistics 21 3.4 Railroad Classification 22 3.5 Corridor Ownership 23 4. CASE STUDIES 25 4.1 Frisco Trail 26-27 4.2 Traction Line Recreational Trail 28-29 4.3 Charlotte Trail 30 5. DESIGN PROCESS 32 5.1 BNSF Railroad Right-of-Way Guidelines 33 5.2 Analysis 34-35
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5.3 North End At-Grade Section 36-37 5.3.1 Site Pictures 38-40 5.3.2 Conceptual Sketches 41-42 5.3.3 Conceptual Planning 44-45 5.3.4 3D Section 46-47 5.3.5 Renders At-Grade Section 48-49 5.3.6 Intersection Design for Safety 50 5.3.7 Lighting Design for Safety 51 5.4 Bridge Section Design 53 5.4.1 Bridge 54-55 5.4.2 Site Picture 56 5.4.3 Conceptual Sketch 57 5.4.4 Conceptual Planning 58-59 5.4.5 3D Section 60-61 5.4.6 Renders at Bridge 62-63 5.4.7 Safety on Bridge 65 5.5 Ramp Section Design 67 5.5.1 Ramp Section 68-69 5.5.2 Site Pictures 70-71 5.5.3 3D Section 72-73 5.5.4 Renders at Ramp 74-75 5.5.5 LED Strip Lighting on Ramp 76 6. BROWNFIELD PLANTING FOR PHYTOREMEDIATION 77 6.1 Environmental Cleanup of Railroad Right-Of-Way 78-79 6.2 Plant List 80-81 6.3 Safety 7. CONCLUSION 82 8. REFERENCES 83
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1. INTRODUCTION Rail with trail are a small subset of rail trails in which the main right of way is used by rails and parallel runs a recreational trail which acts as an access route to users. A trail along the railway line has the potential to become an access point or main mode of transport to pedestrians and bicyclists. Railroads play a crucial role in development of country. It used to be the main mode of transportation for goods and raw materials. However, at present not all railroads are active, and some have been shut down due to bad economy. Yet there are some still operating, some of them connect few major cities acting as a travel route and some go through cities. This is the scenario in Oklahoma City BNSF rail line is close to downtown, and connects to Midtown, Bricktown and Automobile Alley. With two rail lines the right of way is 50 feet to 100 feet wide, it looks dry and dull throughout with sand and rocks. That is a lot of real estate being wasted. I propose to design an urban rail trail along the rail line starting from NW 13th Street to E Main Street. It stretches about one mile in distance going through major parts in the city. The trail will have walking and bike path which will be ADA accessible throughout with landscape, creating a recreational place for locals also acting as an access route to their work and chores. The trail also is park where users can relax and enjoy their free time. The trail would immediately draw attention and will be appreciated by locals due to upcoming development in Oklahoma City. This trail area is selected in way that it connects developments like Innovation District, Project 180 and OKC Streetcar. I also propose to connect the trail with Katy Trail which pulls people into the place. The intent of this project is to establish a pedestrian and bike accessible connection in dense urban area which makes commuting easy, serve recreational purpose and a safe place to walk. The trail will provide benefits like: Health and Wellness, Transportation, Ecology, Economic Revitalization and City Branding. Bisbee, Gene. “A Rail with Trail in St. Paul.� Biking Bis. March 01, 2012. Accessed April 21, 2019. http://www.bikingbis.com/2009/05/07/a-rail-with-trail-in-st-paul/.
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2. SITE SELECTION, RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
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2.1 SITE SELECTION
The site study area is a railroad corridor starting from NW 13th Street to NE 2nd Street in Oklahoma City. The area is a functioning BNSF railroad, the width of railroad right of way ranges from 80ft. to 100ft. Total stretch is one mile, passing through major roads in the heart of city. There are two rail tracks, which are classified under Class 1 railroad, which states that the speed limit of freight rail is 10mph and passenger rail is 15mph. Proposed Trail Area
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2.2 SITE ANALYSIS - 2.2.1 Land Use Proposed site is close to Downtown, Midtown and Automobile Alley. By inference from zoning, adjacent areas are zoned as planned unit development and Downtown Business District. Planned Unit Development are utilized for housing and mixed use development.
Rails
Zoning
Historic Preservation
Planned Unit Development
Parks
Downtown
Industrial
SimpliďŹ ed Planned Unit Development
Roads
OďŹƒce
Commercial
Housing
NORTH
Proposed Trail Area
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2.2.2 Site Surrounding Trails
Proposed connector along NW 4th Street with staircase - 1.3 miles
Sante Fe Trail has the potential to connect with neighboring trails. The closest to proposed Santa Fe Trail is Katy Trail, connecting to it enhances the experience for users who like to walk or bike miles for daily exercise. Katy Trail begins at Deep Fork Creek near Interstate 44 and Grand Boulevard, it runs south along roadway and parts of abandoned railroad. The trail ends at Washington Park on NW 4th Street which has a picnic shelter,playground and athletic fields.
Trail masterplan Katy Trail
Oklahoma River Trail - North
South Grand Boulevard Trail
Oklahoma River Trail - South
Rails
Keycheck63. “Find Trails.� TrailLink. September 01, 1970. Accessed April 21, 2019. https://www.traillink. com/trail/katy-trail-(oklahoma-city)/.
Parks
Roads
Proposed Trail Area
North
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2.2.3 Five Minute Walk
5M inu te wa
lk diu ra
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Trail on elevated section: street access only by new stairs.
Trail start/end point at NE 2nd Street.
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2.3 URBAN DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT
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2.3.1 STREETCAR ROUTE Streetcar route in OKC is a beneficial development since it is within a 5 minute walk to the proposed trail. This would help pedestrians, commuters, and students to access the Streetcar by walking through Santa Fe Rail Trail. To achieve a connection with streetcar, the trail should have dedicated exit and entrance points which will be accessible for streetcar commuters. Goals: • Identify streetcar stops - incorporate connection with trail • Signage in the trail - Streetcar schedule • Connecting trail with sidewalk
Downtown Parking Streetcar Stops Spokies
Streetcar Routes
Districts
City Center
Bricktown Loop
Arts
Deep Deuce
CIRC
Automobile Alley
Midtown
Downtown Loop
Bricktown
“Ride Guide.” Oklahoma City Streetcar. Accessed April 21, 2019. http://okcstreetcar.com/.
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2.3.2 PROJECT 180 Project 180 is a street revitalization project in Oklahoma City. Recommendations of this project: • “Provide 2 way traffic on all streets in the Central Business District • Provide 10 foot wide vehicular lanes, 11 foot wide lanes for transit routes and single lanes for each direction • Provide for automatic walk signalization on all pedestrian crosswalks • Introduce bike lanes between on street parking spaces and vehicular traffic • Provide for pedestrian walkability and accessibility for all users • Create a continuous canopy through the Central Business District” Goals: • Connecting to downtown • Signage
PROJECT 180
Proposed Trail Area
NTS The Office of James Burnett. Oklahoma City_STREETSCAPE. PDF. Oklahoma City: DDRC Presentation, January 21, 2010. Page 10
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2.3.3 INNOVATION DISTRICT
Oklahoma City announced the highlighted area as Innovation District, a district master plan is being prepared by Perkins & Will. A report from Brookings Institution and PPS informed that the district will be a magnet for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development.
INNOVATION DISTRICT
Proposed trail is within border of Innovation District. This is a good opportunity for Santa Fe Rail Trail to act as a green corridor for the upcoming establishment. Goals: • Creating a corridor access • Connecting to neighborhoods “Home.” Okcid. Accessed April 21, 2019. http://www.okcinnovation.com/.
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2.3.4 AUTOMOBILE ALLEY City of Oklahoma City Planning and Public Works Departments developed The Downtown Development Framework (DDF) in September 2015. "Policy Framework illustrates the holistic development vision for downtown, outlining policies related to density and scale, land use, street design and configuration, parking, and alternative transportation."
AUTOMOBILE ALLEY
In the development framework the city talks about future development plan and retail priority areas. They included Automobile Alley as a commercial corridor and plan to construct/ widen roads and sidewalks to increase economic development. Santa Fe Trail passes through Automobile Alley, a potential walkway in future for pedestrians and commuters. Goals: • Create a safe walkway City of Oklahoma City Planning, Public Works Department, Downtown Oklahoma City Inc., The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Development Framework. PDF. Oklahoma City: The Planning Commission of The City of Oklahoma, September 2015. Page 11
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2.3.5 CONNECTING WITH FRINGE
Proposed Santa Fe Rail Trail
AUTOMOBILE ALLEY
INNOVATION DISTRICT
PROJECT 180
Trail masterplan Katy Trail
Oklahoma River Trail - North Oklahoma River Trail - South
Streetcar Stops Streetcar Routes Spokies Bricktown Loop
CIRC
Downtown Loop
Proposed Trail Area
North
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3. RAIL WITH TRAIL
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3.1 INTRODUCTION TO RAIL WITH TRAIL The term 'Rail With Trail' means, a trail is located adjacent to an active rail line. These crucial spaces provide safe transportation routes to pedestrians and bicyclists. Space surrounding rail tracks are often left as railroad right-of-way, it ranges from 50ft. to 150ft. Some railroads pass through cities, bisecting into two parts. Using this space and converting into a walkway or a green corridor helps in city's economic development and promotes healthy routes to pedestrians. Rails-To-Trails Conservancy is an organization started on February 1, 1986; which promotes rails to trails and rails with trails movement. They study existing rail trails and develop guidelines to construct a rail with trail. Rails-To-Trails Conservancy (RTC) helped develop more than 21,000 miles of rail trail throughout the country. Rails-To-Trails Conservancy produced a report in September 2013 examining the characteristics of 88 existing rails-with-trails in 33 states. The report provides information about trend, benefits and guidelines for constructing one. This project is developed based on guidelines of this report.
Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “America’s Rails-with-Trails | Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.” Rails. September 2013. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/americas-rails-with-trails/
Frisco Trail, AR
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3.2 KEY FINDINGS: (from RTC report) • “At the time of publication (2013), RTC located 161 rails-with-trails in 41 states, a 260 percent increase since 2000. Rails-with-trails represent almost 10 percent of all rail-trails in America. Another 60 rail-with-trail projects across the country are currently in various stages of development. • Out of the tens of thousands of fatalities on railroad corridors in recent decades, only one involved a trail user on a rail-with-trail. This suggests that a well-designed pathway provides a safe travel alternative and reduces the incentive to trespass or use the tracks as a shortcut. • Class I railroads continue to express formal opposition to the concept of trail development within or adjacent to their corridors. However, smaller private railroad companies and public rail authorities have reached agreements with trail managers on rail-with-trail development that have satisfactorily addressed any concerns about risk and liability. • There is a growing trend of rail-with-trail development alongside local and regional transit corridors. Fifteen percent of the active railswith-trails identified in this study are located adjacent to mass transit corridors. • The vast majority of the rails-with-trails interviewed for this report are insured by an existing local umbrella policy, similar to most railtrails and greenways.” Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “America’s Rails-with-Trails | Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.” Rails. September 2013. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/ americas-rails-with-trails/. Page 3 & 4
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3.3 STATISTICS
Growth
Safety
From the report by RTC, they have identified 161 trails in 41 states, which is a significant increase from the year 2000. California state has the most rails with trails (33). There are 60 rail with trail projects currently under development.
A well designed pathway dedicated to pedestrians and bicyclists is a key to safe design, it decreases the possibility of danger. From the report by RTC, they stated “Significantly, our research found only one record of a fatality involving a rail-with-trail user and a train, and just two reports of injury, in the 20-year period of our study of the subject.”
Dual Benefits Constructing a rail with trail in cities increases the value of community and helps develop new businesses. It multiplies economic growth also providing transportation options to locals.
Range of Designs Design of rail with trail is diverse, it depends on local context, proximity of railroad, type of rail and speed of rail. Some trails are within 30 feet of active railroad tracks. Most of the trails have barriers - fences to keep pedestrians and bicyclists entering on track.
Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “America’s Rails-with-Trails | Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.” Rails. September 2013. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/americas-rails-with-trails/. Page 3 & 4
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3.4 RAILROAD CLASSIFICATION In the United Sates railroads are classified into three types by Surface Transportation Board based on their annual revenues. Class 1 Annual revenue for this classification exceeds $433 million dollars based on 2011 statistics. Seven Class 1 railroad account for majority of freight and passenger rail in United States. Speed: 10 mph for freight, 15 mph for passenger.(When going through city) Railroad passing through Oklahoma City is a Class 1 railroad owned by BNSF. Class 2 Annual revenue exceeds $34.7 million, based on 2011 statistics. This class carries haul freight and sometimes referred as ‘regional railroads.’ Speed: 25 mph for freight, 30 mph for passenger. Class 3 Annual revenue is less than $34.7 million, based on 2011 statistics. Generally referred to ‘short line rail roads.’ Speed: 40 mph for freight, 60 mph for passenger.
BNSF Railroad Right of Way R.Friesen. Union Pacific Railroad-BNSF Raileay. PDF. Union Pacific and BNSF, January 5, 2016. Cover page
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3.5 CORRIDOR OWNERSHIP From Rail-With-Trail report it is understood that a majority of rails-with-trails examined exist within or alongside privately owned rail corridors. Amongst these, 28% are owned by Class 1 railroad. Of all the trails some of them exist in privately owned corridors which include Class 1 railroad, it is observed in the report that Class 1 railroad companies are not interested in rail-with-trail development, although there are few precedents set by existing rail-with-trails in many Class 1 railroad companies. These companies are supportive of the movement, sometimes also being the stakeholder in trail development process. There are several methods to acquire railroad corridors from privately owned railroad companies for trail development. They are often obtained by easement or a license agreement from railroad company. The agreement or license may or may not include a fee for the total time period of lease agreement. For example, Frisco Trail, Fayetteville runs 1.3 miles along the railroad corridor of Arkansas and Missouri Railroad Company; the railroad company given the rail corridor of trail development purpose for a lease period of 99 years for free to City of Fayetteville.
Example easements and license agreements: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Licence and Agreement; Certificate of Liability Insurance Easement Lease Agreement and Terms of Use Joint Lease for Encroachments License Agreement Lease Agreement and Premise of Use License Agreement (for tunnel crossings) Lease and Operating Agreement (county is leasing to railroad)
Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “America’s Rails-with-Trails | Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.” Rails. September 2013. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/americas-rails-with-trails/. Page 23
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4. CASE STUDIES
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4. 1 FRISCO TRAIL, FAYETTEVILLE State: Arkansas Municipality: City of Fayetteville Railroad: Arkansas and Missouri Railroad Company Year: 2008 Type: License and Agreement; Certificate of Liability Insurance Trail length: 1.3 miles Lease length: 99 years - for free Start point/end point: Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Scull Creek Trail (W. Prospect Street) Surface type: Asphalt, Concrete Uses: Bicycling, inline skating, and walking; wheelchair accessible Difficulty: Easy Full length of trail was opened in 2010. It had an impact on the city providing connection to the vibrant entertainment centre of Fayetteville. After trail construction, it helped in community development. Population growth has increased 27% in the last decade. In past few years Fayetteville was ranked one of the best places to live, to go college, to do business or to retire. “Among the number of developers drawn to Fayetteville by its trail system is the Specialized Real Estate Group, which is building an apartment complex for more than 600 residents close to the Frisco Trail.”
Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “The Frisco Trail – Fayetteville, Arkansas.” Rails. December 2013. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2013/december/01/the-friscotrail-fayetteville-arkansas/.
Trail improved safety along the railroad corridor since there is a convenient pathway to users. There were incidents where people trespassed crossing the tracks on their way to and from downtown. Constructing the trail eliminated danger of crossing on active railroad. Frisco trail connects with Scull Creek Trail through Frisco Park, an undeveloped section of woods. The trail is well lit during night time making it safe for night time travellers.
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Lessons learned • Fence high enough to stop people form crossing railroad • Stop sign at intersection to warn trail users • Narrow space between railroad and trail-concerns safety
Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “The Frisco Trail – Fayetteville, Arkansas.” Rails. December 2013. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www. railstotrails.org/trailblog/2013/december/01/the-frisco-trail-fayetteville-arkansas/.
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4.2 TRACTION LINE RECREATIONAL TRAIL State: New Jersey Counties: Morris Railroad: New Jersey Transit-line Trail length: 2.7 miles Start point/end point: Morris Ave. and Washington Ave. (Morristown) and Danforth Road (Madison) Surface type: Asphalt Uses: Bicycling, inline skating, and walking; wheelchair accessible Difficulty: Easy In June 1986 Morris county dedicated this trail for recreational purpose, it runs parallel to New Jersey Transit-line railroad tracks. In 1990, a nine station Parcourse Exercise unit installed to enhance health aspects of the trail. Lessons learned • Very thin patch of green bed on railroad side • No separate lanes on the trail • Fence seems like 6ft high
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Ridgedale Avenue
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donated by BASF
1 Calf Stretch, Fitness Facts
6 Body Raise, Reverse Pull Up
2 Upper Hamstring Stretch, Side Stretch
7 Balance Walk, Heartbeat Check
3 Hanstring Stretch, Quadriceps Stretch
8 Side Bend, Fitness Facts
4 Sit Up, Leg Raise
9 Hamstring Pull, Lift and Drop
5 Leg Stretch, Push Up
10 Tension Release
MAP CREATED BY DAVID MASHAS 2012
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4.3 CHARLOTTE RAIL TRAIL State: North Carolina Counties: Mecklenburg Railroad: Charlotte Trolley Trail length: 3.3 miles Start point/end point: Clanton Rd. & South Blvd. and E. 9th Street Surface type: Asphalt, concrete Uses: Bicycling, inline skating, mountain biking and walking; wheelchair accessible Difficulty: Easy The rail line of this trail used to be an abandoned railroad in Charlotte. The original trolley was closed in 1938. A history professor from University of North Carolina tracked down the last trolley - No. 85 and brought back to service. This trolley along with a walkway runs through major parts of city providing pedestrian access and promoting health. Lessons learned • Trail width is narrow but can be safe with proper design • Low fence height, anybody can jump over it
Asullivan1, Choover89, Jhaake_tl, Stedyedy, Monttrail, and Nancypierce. “Find Trails.” TrailLink. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.traillink.com/trail/charlotte-rail-trail/.
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5. DESIGN PROCESS
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5.1 BNSF RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY GUIDELINES
According to the BNSF Guidelines for Grade Separations Projects-If a fence to be constructed, it should be 9ft away from the center line outer most existing rail track
R.Friesen. Union Pacific Railroad-BNSF Raileay. PDF. Union Pacific and BNSF, January 5, 2016. Cover page
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5.2 ANALYSIS Analysis map to understand the surroundings and railroad area to propose trail on either east or west side of railroad. Considerations include connectivity, better access and width of rail corridor.
Railroad corridor from NW 13th Street to NE 2nd Street has 5 at-grade crossings, which are potential entry and exit points to trail. After NW 7th Street intersection, railroad continues as bridge, meaning NW 6th Street is 12’ below railroad.
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NW 13th Street and abandoned railroad at NE 2nd Street will be start and end points to this trail. The ramp of abandoned railroad is at a slope of 2.6%, which makes it ADA accessible.
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Addressing safety and security on the trail, it will be lit during nights and will have railings on bridges at 8ft high. The fence close to railroad will be of 8ft high as per BNSF guidelines.
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5.3 NORTH END AT-GRADE
North End At-Grade Section NW13th Street to NW7th Street Typical plan
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5.3.1 SITE PICTURES NW 13th Street to NW 10th Street Looking South - West of railroad Irrespective to property lines - Existing conditions Initial thoughts • Wide enough for a trail • Shade required in some areas • Relatively flat to walk on
Fence 8ft high
33 Feet
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NW 9th Street to NW 8th Street Looking South - West of railroad Irrespective to property lines - Existing conditions Initial thoughts • Wide enough for a trail • Minimum shade existing • Relatively flat to walk on
Fence 8ft high
NW 8th ST
30 Feet
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NW 8th Street to NW 7th Street Looking South - West of railroad Irrespective to property lines - Existing conditions Initial thoughts • Wide enough for a trail • No trees • Relatively flat to walk on
Fence 8ft high 30 Feet
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5.3.2 CONCEPTUAL SKETCHES
Fence at 8ft high
Understory planting and trees close to building
Drinking water fountain
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Fence at 8ft high
Minimum of 6ft wide grass bed
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AT-GRADE DESIGN
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5.3.3 CONCEPTUAL PLANNING - AT-GRADE SECTION
This sections ranges from NW 9th street to NW 7th street addressing intersection at NW 8th street. This trail will feature on the east side of railroad.
BNSF guidelines states that railroad should have a fence at 9ft away from centre of rail track. I propose the fence at 12ft away from centre of rail track. This leaves 39ft in between.
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I have divided 39ft into 3 parts, 13ft each. From railroad fence, 13ft of planting, 13ft of trail and 13ft of planting adjacent to buildings. I propose to use phytoremediation plants, since railroad has contaminants.
Planting design depends on visibility and function of the site, hence trees are proposed on adjacent planting bed by the buildings and shrubs, grasses and plants which does not exceed a height of 8ft are proposes by the fence.
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5.3.4 3D SECTION
Information board
13ft wide plant bed
Metal fence 8ft high
Concrete seating
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Drinking water
Metal sculpture
Barrier with stop sign
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Painted crosswalk
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5.3.5 RENDERS: AT-GRADE SECTION
This section of trail is a typical section from NW 13th street to NW 7th street. Being widest corridor of 39ft, it features a plant bed of 13ft consisting phytoremediation plants which help in purifying soil from contaminants. Edging of trail is undulating concrete structure at 18 inches high which acts as seating at wide ends throughout trail length. To break the monotony in design I have designed metal sculptures which represent plants used on site. The trail will have a signage board at every intersection which consists information of trail also talking about plants and their uses. Sun study: https://youtu.be/yUV8qSPFV2I
Looking South
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5.3.6 INTERSECTION DESIGN FOR SAFETY
18 inch high edging to keep bike riders on trail
18 inch high barrier to slow down bike and pedestrian traffic
Painted crosswalk
Stop sign at every intersection
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5.3.7 LIGHTING DESIGN FOR SAFETY
Trail will be always well lit during night and early morning with pole lights at 40ft apart.
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5.4 BRIDGE SECTION DESIGN
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5.4.1 BRIDGE
NW7th Street to Bridge Narrow corridor - 26ft wide
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5.4.2 SITE PICTURE NW 7th Street to Bridge Looking South - West of railroad Irrespective to property lines - Existing conditions Initial thoughts • Wide enough for a trail • No trees, minimal soil bed • Relatively flat to walk on
Fence 8ft high
30 Feet
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5.4.3 CONCEPTUAL SKETCH
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5.4.4 CONCEPTUAL PLANNING - BRIDGE
This sections ranges from NW 7th street to bridge addressing safety while walking or biking on the bridge. This trail will feature on the east side of railroad.
The corridor width on the bridge becomes a little bit narrow compared to corridor on land. The total width of the corridor is 26ft, 10ft being trail in center and 8ft plant beds on either side.
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Since the bridge has a limited amount of soil bed, plant materials are restricted to understory planting. These plants will also support phytoremediation.
Lighting continues on bridge also having seating at intervals.
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5.4.5 3D SECTION Metal sculpture
8ft high railing
8ft wide planter bed for understory planting
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Lights at 40ft apart
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5.4.6 RENDERS AT BRIDGE Trail corridor from NW 7th street continuing into bridge has a narrow space for trail design which is 26ft compared to 9th street section which is 39ft. The challenging part of this section is to design wide enough trail with plant beds on either sides also providing safety for users while walking on bridge. A railing of 8ft high is incorporated on the bridge facing road, this makes people feel safe while walking or biking through the trail. The width of corridor is divided into 3 parts while the trail being widest at 10ft followed by 2 planter beds on either side of 8ft. Flythrough: https://youtu.be/ORx_7Jprphg
Looking South
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5.4.7 SAFETY ON BRIDGE
3.5ft high railing
8ft high railing on bridge
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THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
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5.5 RAMP SECTION DESIGN
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5.5.1 RAMP SECTION
Bridge to ramp at NE 2nd street Slope of Ramp-2.6%
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5.5.2 SITE PICTURES
Concrete bridge continues to wooden bridge
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Wooden trestle bridge
Entrance point at NE 2nd Street
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5.5.3 3D SECTION Xeriscape
Esparto planter box
Seating space with shade and movable furniture
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ADA accessible ramp
Row planting of street trees
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5.5.4 RENDERS AT RAMP
Connecting trail to the abandoned railroad and transforming it into an ADA accessible ramp is a challenging aspect of this project. The slope of ramp is at 2.6% which makes it ADA accessible and easy for users. Advantage of connecting this section opened up an extra space on the bridge where I proposes a gathering/seating space with movable furniture and shade for people to enjoy the trail. The seating space is enclosed by a planter box with Esparto grass acting as a visual barrier towards railroad. This makes people feel comfortable to enjoy the space. Other sections of rail trail has trees and plants which help in phytoremediation, to make the ramp section interesting I designed it with xeriscape where maintenance is minimum and creates a different experience for users.
Flythrough: https://youtu.be/zs1XTq5N3Zc
Looking North East
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5.5.5 LED STRIP LIGHTING ON RAMP
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6. BROWNFIELD PLANTING FOR PHYTOREMEDIATION
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6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP OF RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY Railroads are contaminated on a daily basis because they transport many goods such as metals, construction materials, oils, industrial solvents etc. Railroad ties are usually treated with chemicals such as creosote. Rails to Trails Conservancy reported the following contaminants on railroads: • Lead • Arsenic • Oil, gasoline and cleaning solvents • Herbicides • Asbestos • Metals - Zinc, Copper, Chromium etc. https://www.railstotrails.org/build-trails/trail-building-toolbox/ acquisition/environmental-contaminants/
Nabil, Alsharif, Eman, Nassib, Mohammed, Alshelmani, and Amani. “Phytoremediation Potential of Suaeda Vera for Some Heavy Metals in Roadside Soil in Benghazi, Libya.” Asian Journal of Green Chemistry. January 01, 2019. Accessed April 22, 2019. http://www.ajgreenchem.com/article_67060. html.
Phytoremediation is a technique of using plants to clean soil, air and water which are contaminated with hazardous contaminants. It is a low cost cleanup technique used to clean wide variety of environmental contaminants. To address this issue of contaminated soil along railroad right-of-way there are a list of plants and trees that thrive in these conditions and are suitable for Oklahoma.
Brownfields to Greenfields. A Field Guide to Phytoremediation. PDF. Www.youarethecity.com, 2011. Page 17
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Contaminants Annuals
Perennials
Trees
Plant material Indian Mustard Wild Cabbage Field Chickweed Sunflower White Lupine AlfaAlfa Alpine Pennycress Wheat Yarrow Colonial Bentgrass Common Foxglove Blue Sheep Fescue Creosote Bush Northern Starwort Honey Locust Holly Willow Baldcypress
Arsenic
O
O
Cadmium O O O O O O
Chromium O
Copper
O
O
O
O
O
Mercury
O
O O O O O
O
Nickel
O
Lead
O
O
O
O O
O O O
O
O
O O
O
O
In addition to these plants I propose a seeding mix, native annual and perennial plants which can grow in any soil type; sand, loam, clay, caliche and can withstand full to partial sun with minimum moisture. An example seed mix could be: • Bush Sunflower • Cutleaf Daisy • Foxglove • Gayfeather • Golden-Wave • Greenthread • Indian Blanket • Limestone Guara • Missouri Primrose • Purple Prairie Clover • Texas Bluebonnet • Standing Cypress • Yellow Prairie Flax Apache Plateau Mix Product Detail at Native American Seed. Accessed April 22, 2019. http://www.seedsource.com/catalog/detail.asp?product_id=1805.
O O
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6.2 PLANT LIST ANNUALS
Indian Mustard Brassica juncea Absorbs: • Cadmium • Chromium • Copper • Nickel • Lead
Wild Cabbage Brassica oleracea Absorbs: • Cadmium
Field Chickweed Cerastium arvense Absorbs: • Cadmium
Sunflower Helianthus annuus Absorbs: • Cadmium • Chromium • Copper • Mercury • Nickel • Lead
White Lupine Lupinus albus Absorbs: • Arsenic
Alfalfa Medicago sativa Absorbs: • Cadmium • Lead
Alpine Pennycress Lithasia lima Absorbs: • Cadmium • Chromium • Copper • Nickel • Lead
Wheat Triticum aestivum Absorbs: • Nickel • Lead
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PERENNIALS
Yarrow Achillea millefolium Absorbs: • Cadmium
Colonial Bentgrass Agrostis capillaris Absorbs: • Arsenic
Creosote Bush Larrea tridentata Absorbs: • Chromium • Copper
Northern Starwort Stellaria calycantha Absorbs: • Cadmium • Lead
TREES
Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos Absorbs: • Lead
Holly Ilex Absorbs: • Cadmium
Common Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Absorbs: • Cadmium
Willow Salix Absorbs: • Cadmium
Blue Sheep Fescue Festuca ovina Absorbs: • Lead
• • • •
Chromium Copper Mercury Lead
Brownfields to Greenfields. A Field Guide to Phytoremediation. PDF. Www.youarethecity.com, 2011.
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7 CONCLUSION Rail with trail encourages cities to use the recognize railroad right of way which can be a safe access route to citizens and users in city. In case of Oklahoma City the railroad passes through a vital part of city connecting nearby businesses, offices and residences.
Phytoremediation plants are used as border planting which help with aesthetics and ecology by cleaning up contaminants present in soil. The plants include annual and perennial plants so that there is some bloom interest throughout the year.
This will be safe for pedestrians and cyclists to commute on daily basis also providing a recreation space to nearby residences. The trail projects multiple benefits: • Health and Wellness • Transportation • Ecology • Economic Revitalization • City Branding
This one mile long trail is a starting point for increasing pedestrian mobility in OKC. In future this can expand to connect into larger network of bicycle paths and routes.
Since the trail is vehicular free, many pedestrians and cyclists will use it to commute or for recreational purpose, this serves Health and Wellness. The trail is situated in busy part of the city, hence users will access to get to different places, which promotes safe Transportation. Trail is designed to have number of flowering plants which attract pollinators, this contributes to healthy Ecology. This project will serve as a new attraction for tourists as well as citizens in the city, which promoted Economic Revitalization and City Branding. With upcoming developments nearby, the trail will be used as a major access to commute between spaces. The ADA accessible ramp section leads to a plaza space on the bridge with seating spaces providing a vantage point to look at the city. The plaza has movable furniture and shade structure which welcomes users to stop by and have a beverage or a meal during their leisure.
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8 REFERENCES •
Bisbee, Gene. “A Rail with Trail in St. Paul.” Biking Bis. March 01, 2012. Accessed April 21, 2019. http://www.bikingbis.com/2009/05/07/a-rail-with-trail-in-st-paul/.
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Keycheck63. “Find Trails.” TrailLink. September 01, 1970. Accessed April 21, 2019. https://www.traillink.com/trail/katy-trail-(oklahoma-city)/.
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“Ride Guide.” Oklahoma City Streetcar. Accessed April 21, 2019. http://okcstreetcar.com/.
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The Office of James Burnett. Oklahoma City_STREETSCAPE. PDF. Oklahoma City: DDRC Presentation, January 21, 2010. Page 10“Home.” Okcid. Accessed April 21, 2019. http://www.okcinnovation.com/.
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City of Oklahoma City Planning, Public Works Department, Downtown Oklahoma City Inc., The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Development Framework. PDF. Oklahoma City: The Planning Commission of The City of Oklahoma, September 2015. Page 11
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Apache Plateau Mix Product Detail at Native American Seed. Accessed April 22, 2019. http://www.seedsource.com/catalog/detail.asp?product_id=1805.
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Asullivan1, Choover89, Jhaake_tl, Stedyedy, Monttrail, and Nancypierce. “Find Trails.” TrailLink. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.traillink.com/trail/charlotte-rail-trail/.
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Brownfields to Greenfields. A Field Guide to Phytoremediation. PDF. Www.youarethecity.com, 2011. Page 17
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Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “America’s Rails-with-Trails | Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.” Rails. September 2013. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/americas-rails-with-trails/.
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Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “America’s Rails-with-Trails | Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.” Rails. September 2013. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/americas-rails-with-trails/. Page 3 & 4
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Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “The Frisco Trail – Fayetteville, Arkansas.” Rails. December 2013. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2013/december/01/the-frisco-trail-fayetteville-arkansas/.
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City of Oklahoma City Planning, Public Works Department, Downtown Oklahoma CIty Inc., The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Development Framework. PDF. Oklahoma City: The Planning Commission of The City of Oklahoma, September 2015. Page 11
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“Home.” Okcid. Accessed April 21, 2019. http://www.okcinnovation.com/.
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Nabil, Alsharif, Eman, Nassib, Mohammed, Alshelmani, and Amani. “Phytoremediation Potential of Suaeda Vera for Some Heavy Metals in Roadside Soil in Benghazi, Libya.” Asian Journal of Green Chemistry. January 01, 2019. Accessed April 22, 2019. http://www.ajgreenchem.com/article_67060.html.
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R.Friesen. Union Pacific Railroad-BNSF Raileay. PDF. Union Pacific and BNSF, January 5, 2016. Cover page
Goutam Vella MLA 2019 Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture The University of Oklahoma goutam.vella-1@ou.edu archivella.goutam@outlook.com