C&D Canal Recreational Trail
Location: Delaware City, Delaware
Client: Delaware Department of Transportation
JMT designed sustainable trail facilities in support of a
multi-state project to implement the C&D Canal Trail.
On behalf of a committee comprised of more than a dozen Federal,
state, county, and municipal agencies across two states, JMT
provided a range of services to implement Phase 1 of the Chesapeake
& Delaware (C&D) Canal Trail. The Concept Plan
completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers outlined a
multi-purpose trail accommodating a mix of bicycling, walking, and
horseback riding, among other recreational activities, with trail
markers, restroom facilities, parking, information kiosks, picnic
areas, improved fishing piers, and controlled access points.
A service road adjacent to the canal would be redeveloped into a
10-12' wide paved trail surface with an adjacent 5-7' crushed
limestone equestrian trail facility. These enhancements would
facilitate existing and future activities such as fishing, dog
training, bird watching, hunting, and horseback riding, as well as
the preservation of the Canal's wetlands, wildlife, and natural
infrastructure.
The initial plan included approximately fifteen miles of trail
facility and six trailheads. JMT's activities began with completing
base information including: collection of data and standards from
each jurisdiction and responsible agency, topographic surveys, base
mapping displaying the existing and proposed conditions, right of
way, cultural and environmental data. JMT reviewed the Concept Plan
in detail and applied the master plan concept to the specific
project data collected. One unique aspect of the project was
developing project design criteria as the improvements were located
primarily within federal lands, crossed into two states, and
included three towns. JMT worked extensively with the multi-agency
committee to identify issues and provide recommendations for
solutions.
JMT completed preliminary engineering and landscape
architectural plans for the entire Phase 1 improvements. Based upon
the preliminary plans, JMT developed a public involvement plan that
included two public workshops, other local meetings, display
boards, public notices and flyers, web site materials, and
review/responses of public comments. JMT also assisted the USACE
with preparation of an Environmental Assessment in accordance with
NEPA.
Upon completion of the initial public involvement activities,
JMT proceeded into development of contract documents for the
initial nine-mile construction project, named for former Delaware
governor and U.S. Representative Michael N. Castle. The trail's
many sustainable features included solar-powered, composting
restroom facilities; pervious asphalt and grass buffers between
trails; and benches and tables composed of recycled materials.
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