S E C T I O N F I V ETRAIL DESIGN STANDARDS
SECTION FIVE CONTENTS
This section focuses on trail facility design standards such as typical path construction and layout, wayfinding signing and markings, rail and road crossings, rail-with-trail design standards, on-and off-road bikeways, security and landscape fencing, lighting, bridges and crossings, habitat enhancement, and any operational and management specifics that might be warranted as a result of sensitive biological resources. The design standards are presented in list form and supported with photos, graphic sections, and elevations.
5.1 Regulatory Framework 5-2
5.2 TrailClassifications 5-5
5.3 TrailCrossingsandIntersections 5-11
5.4 TrailAmenitiesandFeatures 5-21
5.5 UniversalTrailDesign 5-35
5.6 CaliforniaCoastalCommissionandConservancyAccessibilityStandards 5-35
5.7 UserConflictReductionStrategies 5-36
5.8 DogsonTrails 5-38
5.9EquestriansonTrails 5-39
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5.1 REGULATORY FRAMEWORKStateandfederalstandardsguideand/ordictatethedesignstandardsfortheMontereyBaySanctuaryScenicTrailNetworkMasterPlan.Additionally,professionalorganizationsprovidespecificdesignandimplementationguidelinesandstandardstoensurethatmulti-usepathsareconstructedtoaconsistentsetofthehighestandbeststandardscurrentlyavailableintheUnitedStates.Planning,design,andimplementationstandardsarederivedfromthefollowingsources:
• Caltrans:HighwayDesignManual(Chapter1000BikewayPlanningandDesign,andothersections)
• AmericanAssociationofStateHighwaysandTransportationOfficials(AASHTO):APolicyonGeometricDesignofHighwaysandStreets
• ManualofUniformTrafficControlDevices
• UnitedStatesDepartmentofTransportation(USDOT),FederalHighwayAdministration(FHWA):SelectingRoadwayDesignTreatmentstoAccommodateBicycles
• Bicycle-FriendlyAdvocacy:SelectingandDesigningBicycleRoutes
• U.S.DepartmentofTransportation/FederalHighwayAdministration:ConflictsonMultiple-UseTrails
• InstituteofTransportationEngineers:DesignandSafetyofPedestrianFacilities
• RegionalTransportationCommission:Rails-with-Trails,SharingCorridorsforTransportationandRecreation
• CaliforniaCoastalTrailAccesswayStandards
• LocalCoastalProgram(s)
• NationalAssociationofCityTransportationOfficials(NACTO)-UrbanBikewayDesignGuide
• CaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecreationAccessibilityGuidelines(2009)
• IowaPacificRailroadDesignPreferences
ItisusefultonotethatwhilethereareaconsiderablenumberoftrailsonactiverailroadsaroundtheUnitedStates,fewdesignguidelineshavebeendevelopedspecificallyforthistypeoffacilitytodate.Thesourceslistedaboveprovidedetailsonmanyaspectsofarailtrail,but:(a)maycontainrecommendationsthatdisagreewitheachother,(b)arenot,inmostcases,officiallyrecognized“requirements,”and(c)maynotcoveralloftheconditionsonmostrailtrails.ExceptfortheCaltransguidelines,alldesignguidelinesmustbeconsideredassimplydesignresourcesfortheMontereyBaySanctuaryScenicTrailNetworkMasterPlan,tobesupplementedbythereasonablejudgmentsofprofessionals.
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Inadditiontothepublishedresourceslistedabove,theMasterPlanstandardshavebeendrawnfromtheexperiencesofactiverailtrailsaroundCaliforniaandtheUnitedStatestoestablishacceptedpractices.Thereareonlyafewdistinctpatternsaroundthecountryintermsofgradecrossings,fencing,setbacks,andotheritems.However,effortsarecurrentlyunderwaybyplanningandtrafficspecialiststoestablishanofficialreviewingbodyinCaliforniacomposedofCaltrans,thePublicUtilitiesCommission,andotheragenciesandorganizationstoestablishasetofstandardsforrailtrailsinthestate.
Thefollowingtablesummarizesthebreakdownbetweenthosedesignstandardswhicharemandatoryversusthosewhichareadvisoryonly.Thisframeworkformsthebasicfoundationforthetraildesign.
TABLE 5.1 - Mandatory/Advisory Design StandardsMandatory Standards Advisory StandardsTrailWidth SigningandStripingSeparationofPathwaytoRoadway IntersectionsandCrossingsDesignSpeed HorizontalAlignmentClassIBikePath StoppingSightDistanceClassIIBikeLanes LateralClearanceonHorizontalCurvesClass III Bike Routes GradientsBridgeandGrateStandards StructuralSectionSigning,Markings,andTrafficControls DrainageSidewalks Barrier Posts
BikewayandRailroadIntersectionsTrailSetbacksfromRailroadTracks
Multi-UsePaths
APPLICATION OF STANDARDSTheMasterPlanhasbeendesignedinaccordancewiththebasicguidelinessetforthbyCaltrans.WherethereareconditionsthatarenotexplicitlycoveredintheCaltransorAASHTOguidelines,advisorystandardsfromappropriateresourceshavebeenapplied.Inconjunctionwithfutureconstruction,thefinalengineeredplansforsegmentsofthetrailwilldemonstratecompliancewithallapplicablemandatorystandards.Compliancewillbedeterminedbytheappropriatejurisdictioninwhichthetrailislocated.
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CONTINUOUS THEMETheapproximately50-milelengthoftheMBSSTNetworkpresentsadesignchallengeintermsofmaintainingauniformandcohesiveappearance.Sincethetrailnetworkcrossesthroughseveraljurisdictions,certaindesignfeaturesbecomecriticaltomaintainingacontinuousthemeandtrailexperience.Thesekeyunifyingdesignfeaturesarelistedbelowandareillustratedinthissection.
• Trail logo
• Directionalsigns
• Kiosksandinformationresources
• Landscapingfeatures
• Pavementmarkings
• Mile markers
• Interpretativeexhibitdesign
• Trailentrancefeatures
California Coastal Trail logoConceptual wayfinding signage for the Coastal Rail Trail
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail logo
California State Parks logo
Coastal Walk
CO A S T AL
RAIL TRAIL CORRIDOR COASTAL RAIL TRAIL CORRIDOR
COASTAL R A I L T R A I L C O R R I D O R
West Cliff Coastal Walk
Depot Park Trailhead
West Cliff Coastal Walk
Depot Park Trailhead
Wilder Ranch State Park
Coast Dairies State Beach
Beachfront TrailheadSANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Informational Vehicular EntryDirectional Trailhead
COASTAL RAIL TRAIL CORRIDORWest Cliff Coastal Walk
1.8 m
1.5 m
.40 m
.25 mmi
mi
mi
mi
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5.2 TRAIL CLASSIFICATIONSThetrailnetworktravelsthroughavariedlandscapeforitsapproximately50-milelength.ThesegmentswithinSantaCruz,Capitola,Aptos,andWatsonvilleareurbaninnature,characterizedbytheadjacencyofresidences,businesses,andagreaternumberofpublicstreetcrossings.Incontrast,thesegmentsnorthofSantaCruzandsouthofAptosaresurroundedbyrurallandsand,forthemostpart,workingagriculturaloperations,stateparks,oropenspace.TherecommendedtrailalignmentinSection4identifiesthetypeoftrailtobeconstructedwithineachsegment.ThesetypesoftrailsincludeClassImulti-usepavedpaths(virtuallyalloftheCoastalRailTrail),ClassII-designatedbikelanes,ClassIIIon-streetbikeroutes,unpavedtrailsurfaces,sidewalks,andboardwalks.
MULTI-USE PAVED PATH (CLASS I)
Amulti-usepavedpathisaderivativeoftheCaltrans-definedClassIbikepath.Unlessotherwisenoted,theterms“trails”and“paths”inthisdocumentareusedsynonymouslytorefertopavedbike/pedestrianmulti-usefacilitiesdefinedbyCaltransasa“ClassIBikeways(BikePaths)”intheCaltransHighwayDesignManual,Chapter1000,BicycleTransportationDesign,Topic1003-BikewayDesignCriteria.AClassIbikepathprovidesbicycletravelonapavedright-of-way,completelyseparatedfromanystreetorhighway.Amulti-usepavedpathpermitsavarietyofusers,inadditiontobicyclists,includingwalkers,joggers,wheelchairusers,andnon-motorizedscooterusers.
Typicaldesignelementsmayinclude:
• Pavedsurfaceofeighttotwelve(8-12’)feetwideorwiderifright-of-wayexistsand/orhighuseisanticipated(concrete,asphalt,orpermeable),andatwo-foot(2’)wideshoulderoneachside
• Centerlanestriping• Separationfromadjacentroadwaysbyatleasttwelve(12)feet• Safetyfenceseparatinginnertrailedgefromrailline(e.g.,
fifty-four-[54-]inchminimumpostandwire)asneeded• Lightingfixtures• Useofnoninvasiveornamentalbarrierplantsasabufferor
tohelpsoftenfencing• Provideclearlyillustratedandproperlylocatedsignagewith
informational,interpretive,andregulatorymessages• CompliancewithADArequirementsintraildesignwhere
possible
• Minimum8’6”setbackfromrailroadcenterline
Multi-use paved path adjacent to railroad tracks
Two-way cycle track, separated from the street via bollards Planters or other decorative elements may be used in place of bollards (Image from NACTO)
Where rights-of-ways and easements allow, additional trail width should be considered in order
to separate users.
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DESIGNATED BICYCLE LANE (CLASS II)DesignatedbicyclelanesaresynonymouswithCaltrans-definedClassIIbikelanes.Oftenreferredtoasa“bikelane,”anon-streetbikelaneprovidesastripedandstenciledlaneforone-waytravelonastreetorhighway.
Typicaldesignelementsinclude:
• Pavedsurfacefourtofive(4-5)feetwide
• Lanestriping
• Streetmarkingsindicatingbikerouteorbikelane
EnhanceddesignelementsInclude:
• Coloredbikelane
• Bikebox
Class II painted bike lane, area in green (Image from NACTO)
Class II bike lane (Image from NACTO)
A bike box, a bright green rectangle painted onto asphalt at intersections, reserved exclusively for bikes is a possible treatment (Image from NACTO)
Designated Class II bike lane
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ON-STREET BIKE ROUTE (CLASS III)On-streetbikeroutesaresynonymouswithCaltrans-definedClassIIIbikeroutes.Generallyreferredtoasa“bikeroute,”anon-streetbikerouteprovidesforsharedusewithmotorvehicletrafficandisidentifiedonlybysigning.OptionalsharedroadwaybicyclemarkingpavementstencilsarealsoavailableforuseonClassIIIbikeroutes.
SHARED LANE MARKINGS (“SHARROWS,” CLASS III)ItisimportanttonotethatbicyclesarepermittedonallroadsinCaliforniaexceptwherespecificallyprohibited.Inordertooptimizevehicleandbicycleuserunderstanding,amarkingreferredtoasa“sharrow”maybeused.SharrowreferstosharedlanepavementmarkingandisconsideredaClassIIIfacility.Thismarkingisplacedinthecenterofatravellanetoindicatethatabicyclistmayusethefulllane.Thesharrowsymbolconsistsofabicyclesymbolwithtwochevronmarkingsabovethebicycle.Thebestpracticeistouseasharrowinconjunctionwitha“BikesMayUseFullLane”sign.
Typicaldesignelementsinclude:
• Sharedlane
• Pavementmarkingsindicatingroute(chevronstencils)
• PolesignageindicatingrouteA sharrow reminds drivers to share the road with bicyclists, while also informing bicyclists to make use of the full lane and position themselves away from vehicle doors
Class III bike route sharrow pavement markings (Image from NACTO)
Class III bike route sharrow in Santa Cruz
On-street bike route with sharrows
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UNPAVED TRAIL SURFACEUnpavedtrailsurfacesarelocatedintheremoteareasofthecorridor,includingthenorthernmostportionoftheNorthernReachandthesouthernmostportionoftheWatsonvilleReach.Unpavedtrailsarefivetosix(5-6)feetwidethroughsteepterrainandsensitiveareas.Tokeepthetrailasmaintenance-freeaspossible,thesetrailsaredesignedtoavoidexceedinggradesgreaterthantwelvepercent(12%)whenpossible.Unpavedtrailsmayrequiresomehand-tooledsegmentswithdrainagecrossingsthatblendwiththesitecharacterandslopeasmuchaspossible.
Unpavedtrailsmayalsobeprovidedadjacenttoapavedsurfacewhereright-of-waypermits.
Unpaved trail surface with trail seating
Unpaved trail on coastal bluff
Improved unpaved trail surface
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SIDEWALKSSidewalksandwalkwaysenhancethewalkabilityofanarea.Sidewalkdesignshouldincorporateanappropriatewalkwaywidth,safetylighting,pleasantwalkingsurfacetexture,benches,andalandscapedseparationofpedestrianandvehiculartraffictocreateapleasurablewalkingexperience.Sidewalkwidthisregulatedbytheimplementingentity.Typically,existingsidewalksvarybetweenfour(4)feetwideandten(10)feetwide,dependingonavailableright-of-wayandadjacentlanduse.Sidewalkssix(6)feetwideorwiderareoptimalsothattwowheelchairusersmaytravelside-by-side.
BOARDWALKSBoardwalksareusedtospanunavoidablewetareas,sensitiveresourceareas,ordepressions.BoardwalksshouldbeconsideredforSegment17wherewetlandandsensitivehabitatareasarelocated.Theyalsocanbeusedtoprovidetrailinareaswheregradingandfillingmightharmtreerootsorcreatetrailsurfacesthatwildlifesuchasamphibianswillnotcross.Footingsvarydependingonsoilconditions.Plasticlumberismoreexpensivethanwoodbutverylong-lastingfordeckboards.Itsheavierweightcanhelpavoidfloatinginsitesthatfloodandthepronouncedtexturecanreduceslipperysurfaces.
Woodsurfacesinshadedormoistsitesmaybecomeslickorevengrowmoss.Thiscanbemanagedbyattachinghalf-(1/2-)inchhardwarecloth(wiremesh),especiallywhereboardwalksfollowcreekgrade,andbeattachedwithone-and-a-half-(11/2-)inchheavy-dutystaplesapproximatelyeighttotwelve(8-12)inchesapart.Theuppersideofthemeshshouldhavewiresperpendiculartothedirectionoftravel.Theendsofhardwareclothshouldbetuckedbetweendeckboardsorlappedoverthesidesandstapledeveryfourtosix(4-6)inches.Paintwithsandtexturemayalsohelp,dependingonsiteconditions.Anannualcleaning(afterautumnleavesfall)isrecommended.Akickrailisparticularlyimportantalongaccessibletrailswhereithelpspeopleusingcanesorwheelchairsstayonthestructure.
Boardwalk without fencing
Boardwalk over wetland area Boardwalk over sensitive habitat area
Boardwalk with bicyclist and fencing
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Bicycle with surfboard attachment at Pleasure Point
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5.3 TRAIL CROSSINGS AND INTERSECTIONS5.3.1 TRESTLE AND BRIDGE CROSSINGS
Trailsegmentscrossingcreeksorotherstreamsanddrainagemayrequireabridgeorlow-watercrossing,buttheseshouldbekepttoaminimumandcarefullydesignedtoavoidhabitatimpacts.Approachestobridgesshouldbelevelandstraight.Bridgewidthsshouldcorrespondtothetrailtreadwidth.Onmulti-usepaths,crossingsshouldbestructurallysuitabletosupportpickuptruckmaintenancevehicles.Bridgesshouldbedesignedtoaccommodatealltrailusergroups.Whenbridgerailingsarerequired,theyshouldmeetcurrentCaltransstandards.Bridgefootingsshouldbeconstructedoutsideofthetopofthestreambank.
Therearetwomaintypesofbridges:trussandbeam.Trussbridgeshaveastructuremostlyabovethedeckandarecapableofspanninggreatdistances.Abeambridgehasalowerprofile,foruseinareaswheretheemphasisisonthebeautyofthelandscape.Thesuperstructureofthebridge(timberorsteelbeams)isunderthedecksurface.Themosteconomicalmeanstoacquiringabridgeisthroughaprefabricatedbridgemanufacturer.Manyprefabricatedbridgescanbecustomizedtofitthearchitecturalpreferencesoftheowneragency.Itshouldbenotedthatpre-engineeredbridgescannotbeinsertedanywhereasthenameimplies;rather,acomplexdesignofabutments,foundationsystems,andapproachworkwillneedtobeengineeredtosupportthebridge.
ThemultitudeofrailbridgeandtrestlecrossingsalongtheCoastalRailTrailalignmentwillcreatethegreatestphysicalandbudgetarychallengestolinkingthetrailfromoneendofthecountytotheother.TherailbridgespandistancesvarythroughoutthelengthoftheMasterPlanarea,withthegreatestnumberofbridgecrossingsandlongestbridgespansoccurringprimarilyintheCentralandWatsonvilleReachesofthecorridor.Therearethreebridgecrossingtreatmentsthatwillbedevelopedincorrelationwiththeprioritizationoftrailfacilityimprovements.Thesequencingoftheplannedrailbridgecrossingswillalsobedependentuponalternatebikefacilitystreetroutesuntilthevariousbridgeprojectsarebudgeted,designed,andconstructedalongwiththetrailsegmentsthatconnectthemtothesystem.EachbridgecrossingwillbeginwithcoordinationanddesigncollaborationwiththeRTCastheowneroftherailright-of-wayandwithinputfromtheoperator.Thefollowingbridgecrossingtreatmenttypesdescribethreepossibledesignconceptsforexistingrailroadbridgeandtrestlecrossings.Section4segmentmapsidentifyeachcrossingandtherecommendedtypeofbridge.
Capitola train trestle
Pajaro River Bridge crossing
Santa Cruz Harbor Bridge
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RAIL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT - TYPE 1 CROSSINGTheType1trailbridgecrossingwillbeintegratedintolong-termrailbridgereplacementefforts.Followingtheengineeringevaluationofeachrailbridgethroughoutthecorridor,anyrailbridgeslatedforreplacementshouldbeconsideredforaredesignthatincludestheadditionofmulti-usepathfacilitiestothebridgedeck.ThisMasterPlanhasnoproposedtrailbridgereplacementtype1crossings.However;onewillbeneededatSoquelCreekoverthelongterm.Theminimumwidthforthemulti-usepathshouldincludeaminimumeight-(8-)-foot-widepavedtrailtreadwithtwo-(2-)foot-wideshouldersoneachside,foratotaloftwelve(12)feet.However,theCaltransminimumrequirementisaten-(10-)foot-widestructure.Thetrailplatformcouldduallyserveasbridgemaintenanceaccess.Planningforadditionalwidthtoaccommodaterailmaintenancevehiclesshouldbeconsideredinthebudgetaryanddesignphases.
Illustration of rail bridge replacement bridge
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RETROFITTED RAIL BRIDGE - TYPE 2 CROSSINGExistingrailbridgesthatareconsideredstructurallysoundandhavebeenevaluatedtopotentiallyaccommodatearetrofittedtrailbridgeattachedtotheexistingsuperstructurewillprovideanalternatesolutionforatrailcrossingwherethereisnoroomforanew,separatetrailbridge.ThisdesignalternativecansometimesbethemostcostlyandshouldbeevaluatedagainstbridgecrossingsTypes1and3forcost,span,scheduling,connectivityefficiency,environmentalimpacts,andclearances.Thepossibilityofretrofittingarailbridgeislimitedtoonelocationforthisproject.ThisoccursattheuppercrossingonHighway1inSegment12.
Illustration of proposed improvements to the westerly Highway 1 bridge crossing in Aptos
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NEW MULTI-USE TRAIL BRIDGE - TYPE 3 CROSSINGItmaynotbefeasibletoretrofitsomerailbridgestructureswithamulti-usetraildeck;orarailbridgereplacementisnotconsideredforcertainrailbridges.Intheselocations,amorecost-effectivesolutionmaybetoinstallanew,separatetrailbridgeparalleltotheexistingrailbridgestructure.Thisscenariowillincludenewabutments,aprefabricatedbridge,andpermittingforthenewcrossing.ThisMasterPlanincludes23separatedmulti-usetrailbridgetype3crossings.
Illustration of new multi-use trail bridge adjacent to existing bridge
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DRAINAGE WAY CHARACTERISTICSThedrainagewaycharacteristicsmaydictatethestructuraldesignofthebridge.Whencrossingachannelsubjecttoflooding,thebridgeshallbedesignedtobeabovethe100-yearfloodlevel.Whencrossingchannelsnotsubjecttoflooding,itmaystillbedesirabletodeterminewhetherthebridge’ssuperstructureshouldbeaboveorbelowthedeckbasedonclearanceunderneath.
BRIDGE LENGTHWoodbridgesthatclearspansofoverfifty(50)feetaregenerallydifficultwithoutspeciallyfabricatedstructuralmembersormid-spanpiers.Steelbeambridgescanspangreaterdistances,butthebeamdepthwillincreaseinproportiontothespan.Steeltrussbridgescanspanuptotwohundred(200)feetwithoutadditionalpiers.
BRIDGE PLACEMENTBridgesshallbealignedalongthepathtoavoidperpendicularorsharpturnsatthebridgeapproachandmaximizesightdistance.Ifthebridgeisatthebottomofagradeexceedingfourpercent(4%),ashort,flattransitionareaisneededtomeetthebridgedeckgrade.
LIVE LOADBridgeswhichwillallowforsmallvehiclesandmachineryformaintenanceandemergencypurposesshouldbedesignedtocarryaminimumeight-(8-)tonliveload.
BRIDGE AESTHETICSTheproposedbridgematerialsshouldreinforcethethemeofthelocalarea,andmayincludesteelandwoodwithstonemasonryabutments.
RAIL TRACK REALIGNMENT/RELOCATIONRealignment/relocationofrailtracksisnecessarytocompletethepreferredalignmentofSegment10(LiveOak-JadeStreetPark).Therailoperator(IowaPacific,doingbusinessasSantaCruzandMontereyBayRailway)isawareoftherecommendedrelocationoftherailtracksandsuppliedafigureofapproximately$1,000,000
Multi-use path bridge in San Clemente, CA
Multi-use path bridge in Whittier, CA
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permileforsucharealignment.
5.3.2 ROADWAY CROSSINGS
Trailsshouldcrosspublicstreetsatintersectionsinthesameplaceacrosswalkwouldnormallybeplaced.Ifthereisnointersectionwithintwohundred(200)feetoftheproposedtrailcrossing,anat-gradetrailcrossing,includingmedianbreak,maybeconsidered.Implementingentityand/orPublicWorksdepartmentswillmakethedeterminationastowhetheratrailcrossingataroadwaycanbesafelyachieved.Trafficvolumes,timesofday,travelspeed,sightlinestoandattheintersection,andproblemsuniquetothecrossingorintersectionswillbeusedinmakingthedetermination.Inaddition,thePublicUtilitiesCommission(PUC)hasidentified101crossingsalongthecorridor.Thesecrossingsareheavilyrestricted/regulatedandrequireadditionalpermitsandscrutinyifmodified.
Ifanintersectionwithpedestriancrossingexistswithintwohundred(200)feetofwhereatrailisproposed,pavement,barriers,andlandscapefeatureswithappropriatesignagewillbeinstalledtoguidetrailuserstotheintersection.Injurisdictionswhereridingonthesidewalkisprohibitedbyordinance,anadditionalbicycle-crossingfacilityshouldbeidentifiedandstenciled(seetoprightimage).
Atotalofeleven(11)typesoftreatmentsweredevelopedandconsideredforthecrossinglocationsalongtheCoastalRailTrailcorridor.Theseimprovementswillbeinstalledatrailroadcrossingsandstreetintersectionsormid-blockcrossingsinthevicinityofeachcrossing.RecommendedcrossingtreatmentsareprovidedinAppendixF.Insomelocations,acustomtreatmentwillbenecessaryandmayincludeunusualcombinationsofthestandardtreatments,oranaltogetheruniquetreatment.AppendixFincludesillustrationsofcustomcrossingtreatments.Thetreatmenttypesarelistedinahierarchyofthelevelofcontrolandarefollowedbythenumberofoccurrenceinstancesinparenthesis:
TypeA: Railroadsignalequipment-newsignalormodificationofexisting(13)
TypeB: Trafficsignalmodification(1)
TypeC: Hawktrafficsignal/pedestrianhybridbeacon(2)
TypeD: Activeenhancedmid-block-Pedestrian-activatedwarningsystem(4)
TypeE: Passiveenhancedmid-block-Additionstothestandardmid-blocktreatment(9)
TypeF: Standardmid-block-Signsandmarkings(6)
TypeG: Traffic-calmingmeasures-Raisedmedians,curbextensions,orbulb-outs(3)
TypeH: Connectionfacilities-Pedestrianwalkways,intersectioncrosswalks,and/orbicycle markings(12)
TypeI: Railcrossingwithoutrailroadsignalequipment(verylowcrossingvolumes)(2)
TypeJ: Standardprivatecrossing-Typicalcontrolsincludeacombinationstopsign/ privatecrossing/notrespassingsign(36)
Bike and pedestrian mid-block crossing.
Source: Nick Jackson, Toole Design Group
Right-of-way priority at all roadway crossings
shall be determined by the RTC and/or implementing entity, in consultation with private property owners
(where appropriate), during the design of individual trail segments. Where feasible,
right-of-way preference shall be given to the facility
with the higher volume of traffic. Right-of-way
shall be indicated with an appropriate stop sign or yield sign that applies to the roadway or multi-use
facility cross-traffic.
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TypeK: Noadditionalimprovementsorchanges(9)
Figures5.1through5.3 detailroadwaycrossingconceptsthatillustratehowthetrailwillinteractwithexistingstreetsandwiththerailtracks.
Figure 5-1 Detailed roadway crossing concepts: Types A, B, C, and D
Rapidflashingbeacon(whereappropriate)
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Figure 5-2 Detailed roadway crossing concepts: Types E, F, G, and H
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Figure 5-3 Detailed roadway crossing concepts: Types I and J
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Natural Bridges State Beach
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5.4 TRAIL AMENITIES AND FEATURESInadditiontouserfacilitiesatreststopsandstagingareas,trailamenitiesintheformofbenches,shadestructures,informationalsigns,andtrashcontainerswillbelocatedalongtheMBSSTNetworkinstrategiclocations.Thedesignoftheseelementsisintendedtoreflectanoceantheme.Theuseofwood,stone,wirefences,selfweathering(rusted)steel,andotherrusticmaterialswillreinforcethisimage.
5.4.1 TRAIL FENCING
FencingalongtheMBSSTNetworkwillvarydependingonthelocationandagreementsbetweenadjacentlandownersandtheRTC.TheuseoffencingalongtheCoastalRailTrailcorridorshouldbeusedconservativelytomaintaintheopenfeelandviewsofthecoastalenvironmentaswellastomaintainneighborhoodconnectivity.Whereright-of-waypermits,alandscapedbuffershouldbeprovidedinsteadoffencing.Fencescanbecostlyifinstalledunnecessarilyandthelong-termmaintenanceaddstolong-termbudgetimpacts.Thefencedesignsproposedforthetrailcorridorarestandardsthatcanbeappliedtoseveralscenarios.Fencingwilltypicallybeusedforthefollowingreasons:safety,security,trespassprevention,environmentalimpacts,andprivacy.Thefollowingnarrativedescribesthetypesoffencingappropriateforvariouslocationsandneeds.NotanyonetypeispresumedforusethroughouttheMBSSTNetwork.Effortswillbemadetopreserveandencourageneighborhoodconnectivity.
FenceswillbeusedwhenrequiredbyeitherRTCortheadjacentlandowner.Whenafenceisrequired,itwillbelocatedattheright-of-wayedgeoraminimumoftwo(2)feetfromtheoutermostedgeofthetrailsurface.Thespecificlocationofthetrailfencewillbedeterminedatthetimeofthepreliminarydesignandfinalizedintheconstructiondocumentsforeachimplementationphaseoftheproject.Whereauthorizedprivatefarmcrossingsexistorareplanned,theimplementingentity,withRTCapproval,andtheadjacentlandownerwillmutuallydeterminethemostappropriatemethodofasecuredgatedtreatmentoropenfencesegmentsforfarmvehicularaccessand/orpublicaccesstopubliclands,shouldtheybedeemednecessary.
WIRE SECURITY FENCEWheretheupmostsecurityisnecessary,aseventy-two-(72-)inch-highwoven-wirefencewithmetalposts(refertoFigure5-4)isrecommended.Thisfencetypeprovidesahighleveloftrespasspreventionandsecurity.Thisfencealsoprovidesanopportunityforscreeningwithvineplantingstosoftenthelookofthefenceandcouldprovideadditionalprotectionfromtrainblowndustanddebris.
• Urbanandindustrialareas
• Railtrackandtrailseparator(wherehighnumberofillegalcrossingsareexpected)
• Safetyandsecurityneed
• Agriculturallandboundaries
Existing trail fencing and bollards near the Sanctuary Exploration Center
Figure 5-4 Wire security fence
6’
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SMOOTH WIRE FENCESmoothwirefencingisfifty-four(54)incheshigh,includesten(10)wirestrands,andhasaconcreteormetalpost(refertoFigure5-5).Thisfencetypereducestrespassingandprovidesopenvisibilityofthesurroundinglandscape.
• Ruralandurbanareas
• Agriculturallandboundaries
• Railtrackandtrailseparator(wheretrailiswithinfifteen[15]feetofrailtracks)
• Scenicareasandopenspace
• Environmentallysensitivesites
CONCRETE SPLIT-RAIL FENCEConcretesplit-railfencingisforty-eight(48)incheshighandincludesthree(3)concreterails(refertoFigure5-6).Concretemaybestamped/formedandpaintedtolooklikewood.Thisfencetypeprovidesalowleveloftrespassprevention,someopenvisibility,boundarydelineation,andemulatesaparklandcharacter.
• Urbanareasandruralresidential
• Openspaceandparklands
Inurbanareas,afencemaybeusedtoseparatethetrailfromadjacentproperty.ThedesignanduseofthisfenceissubjecttothediscretionofeachimplementingentityasapprovedbyRTC.Thestyleofthefenceinurbanareasshallreflectthedesigncharacterestablishedbylocaldesignplans.Fencingtypesmayincludewood,woodsubstitute,stoneandwroughtiron,wroughtironorothersuitablematerialsexcludingchainlinkmaterials.
PRIVACY FENCEAseventy-two-(72-)inch-highconcreteprivacyfencewithmetalposts(refertoFigure5-7)shouldbeprovidedwhereenhancedprivacyisnecessary.Thisfencetypeprovidessomeleveloftrespassprevention,security,andprivacyforadjacentlandowners.Thisfencealsoprovidesanopportunityforscreeningwithvineplantings.Theconcretecomponentsincreasethelifeofthefenceandreducethelong-termmaintenancecost.
• Urbanandindustrialareas• Residentialareas
• Safetyandsecurityneed
Otherbarriertypesbetweenthetrailandprivatepropertymaybeusedsuchasditches,berms,and/orvegetation.Recommendedvegetationtypesshouldbelow-water,low-maintenancevarieties.Ditchorbermgradientsshouldnotexceedtwotoone(2:1)slopesorbegreaterthanten(10)feetindepthorheight. Figure 5-7 Privacy fence
Figure 5-6 Concrete split-rail fence (between trail and rural residential parks, and open space)
48”
6’
Figure 5-5 Smooth wire fence (between rail and trail or between trail and agricultural land)
54”
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5.4.2 TRAIL FURNISHINGS
BENCHES AND SEATING AREASBenchesforthetrailsystemshouldbedurableandcapableofwithstandingboththeharshcoastalenvironmentandtheremotestretchesoftrailsegmentsoutsideoftheurbanareas.Thebenchesshouldbesecuredtotheirlocationstoavoidtheftandorvandalism.Sincethetrailwillbepassingthroughmultiplecommunitiesandgoverningagencies,eachwithitsowncharacterandsetting,thebenchstylefortheCoastalRailTrailshouldbeconsistent,ratherthantryingtoconformtothebenchstandardsofeachlocaljurisdiction.Benchesshouldbeplacedataminimumeveryquarter(1/4)tohalf(1/2)miletoprovideconvenientandattractiverestingplacesalongeachsegment.Areaswherethenewtrailconnectswithexistingbeachtrailheads,reststops,interpretiveoverlooks,orotherexistingparkfacilitiesmaynotneednewbenches.Newtrailrestareasandtrailheadsshouldfirstbeevaluatedforconformancewithexistingadjacentparkfurnishingsbeforeaddingnewbenches.Existingadjacentparkfurnishingsshouldoverridetheimplementationofnewfacilitiesiftheyarealreadypresentandingoodcondition.Eachbenchplacementshouldbeanalyzedtoavoidredundancyorclutter.Otheralternativestofabricatedbenchescouldincludetheuseoflargebouldersforseatinginmoreruralornaturalsettings.Benchesshouldbeclusteredwithtrashreceptaclesandotherkeyfurnishingelements.
TRASH AND RECYCLING RECEPTACLESTrashreceptaclesshouldbeplacedinareaswheretherearebenchesandatallmajortrailheadlocations.Thetrashreceptacleunitshouldincludeone(1)trashcontainerandone(1)recyclingcontainer.Thecontainersshallincludeanimal-prooflids,andthedesign,color,andstyleshallstayconsistentalongthetrailsegmentsoutsideoftheexistingagency’sparkandtrailsegments.
BIKE RACKSBikeracksshouldbelocatedatrestareas,existingandproposedtrailheads,neartransitstops,picnicsites,parksites,andcommercialareasadjacenttothetrail.Bikeracksshouldbeprovidedinconjunctionwithcommercial,office,andmulti-familyresidentialdevelopmentsadjacenttothetrailcorridor,bothexistingandproposed.
PICNIC AND SHADE SHELTERSSheltersshouldbeplacedalongthetrailcorridorwhereexistingparkfacilitiesarefartherthanaquarter(1/4)mileindistance.Theyshouldbeconvenientlylocatedattrailheadparkingareas,restareas,scenicoverlooks,andremoteorexposedsegmentsalongthetrailcorridor.Becausethetrailpassesthroughmultiplecommunityandparkagencyboundaries,theshelterlocationsshouldbecarefullyselectedtoworkwithexistingparkandtrailfacilitiesandavoidredundancy.Picnicandshadeshelterdesignandstyleshouldbeconsistentalongthetrailcorridor.Shelterdesignexceptionsmayoccurwhenaproposedshelterlocationisadjacenttoorwithinanagencyjurisdictionthathasanexistingshelterinthatsiteorwithinviewofthetrailcorridor’schosenlocation.
Concept of concrete bench with MBSST logo
Existing concrete bench near the terminus of East Cliff Drive
Concrete trash can
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BOLLARDSThepurposeofbollardsistokeepunauthorizedmotoristsoffthepath.Considerationshouldbegiventowhethermotorvehicleentryislikely,andthusbollardswillenhancesafety,orifitisunlikelyandthusbollardswillpresentahazardtotrailusers.Ifused,bollardsshouldberemovableforemergencyandmaintenanceaccess,lightincolorandreflectorizedforvisibility,litwithsolar-poweredLEDlights(wherefeasible),andbetweenthirty-sixandforty-six(36-46)inchestall.Bollardsshouldbepositionedatleastfive(5)feetapartsoasnottorestrictwidthforwheelchairandothertrailusers,andshouldincludediversionstripingonthepavement.
5.4.3 UTILITIES AND LIGHTINGSurfaceandsubsurfaceutilitiesarelocatedwithintherailroadright-of-wayandmayimpactthelocationandconstructionoftheCoastalRailTrail.Subsurfaceutilitiesandinfrastructuremustbeidentifiedduringpre-constructionactivities.Utilitiesincludeactiveandabandonedrailroadcommunicationscable,signal,andcommunicationboxes,fiberopticcable,waterandsewerlines,andtelephonelines.TheCoastalRailTrailwillbedesignedtoavoidhavingtomovemostactivesurfaceutilities,althoughutilitypolesnolongerinusemayberemoved.Installationofundergroundutilityinfrastructuretomeetexistingandpotentialfutureutilityrequirementswillbeconsideredtominimizetheneedtodigupandpatchanyconstructedtrailsegments.Thetrailmaybelocateddirectlyoverexistingsubsurfaceutilitiesassuming:(a)adequatedepthexistsbetweenthetrailsurfaceandutilitytopreventdamage,and(b)agreementscanbereachedwiththeutilityownerregardingaccessforrepairsandpotentialimpacttothetrail.Theuseofsolarpoweredpanelswillbeencouragedtominimizetheneedforsurfaceandsubsurfaceutilitycables.
Portionsofthetrailmaybelighted,especiallywherethereisconsiderableeveningpedestrianandbicyclecommutertraffic.Therewillbesomelightingbenefitfromexistinglightsourcesalongadjacentroadwaysandatcrossings.Darksky-compliantlightingshouldbeusedtoilluminatethetrail.Darkskylightingmustprojectlightdownwardwithoutreleasinglightingupwardsintotheatmosphereoroutwardpasttheintendedprojectedpath.
Typical bike rack found throughout Santa Cruz County
Metal bollard along multi-use path
Trail lighting that is dark sky-compliant due to downward-facing light with shield
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5.4.4 TRAIL ACCESS/STAGING AREAS
Twenty-two(22)trailaccessandstagingareasexistincloseproximitytothetrailalignment,forexampleatDepotParkandattheWilderRanchStateParkVisitorCenter.Featuresincludeparkingforvehiclesandbicycles,drinkingwater,trashreceptacles,kioskswithtravelerinformation,andotheramenities.Asfutureusageincreases,additionalstagingareasmaybewarranted.Aconceptforfuturetrailaccess/stagingareasisidentifiedonFigure5-8.AllnewstagingareasandretrofitsshallbecompliantwithADAstandards(handicappedaccessibility).RefertoFigure5-8fortypicalfeatures.
PURPOSE AND CHARACTER
• Placetoparkvehiclesandunloadbikes
• Accessfromurbanareastotrail
• Widerangeofservicesforrecreationalusers
• Tiedtosharedpublicused(e.g.,traindepots,parks,museums,civicuses,etc)
Seascape Park
Seascape Resort
Pacific Ocean
Public Parking
Potential Trail Staging Area
Railroad Tracks
Sumner Avenue
Via Medici
Via Soderini
Seascape Park in Aptos has the potential to incorporate additional staging area amenities
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TABLE 5.2 - Existing/Planned Trailhead/Staging Area AmenitiesPavedParking
Lot
AccessibleParking
Street Parking Shelter
Overlookwith
Benches
TrashCans
Bike Racks
AccessibleRestroom
DrinkingWater Benches Picnic
Area Other/Notes
WaddellBeach X X X
GreyhoundRockBeach X X X XScottCreekBeach X X X XDavenportBeachLanding X X X X XDavenport Unpavedparkinglot
CapitolaVillage X X X X X X X X X X
CoastDairies,BonnyDoonBeach X XCoastDairies,YellowbankBeach UnpavedparkinglotWilderRanchStatePark,4MileBeach UnpavedparkinglotWilderRanchStatePark,OldCoveLanding
X X X X X X Trailerparking
NaturalBridgesStateBeach X XNearyLagoonPark-PLANNED ExistingboardwalkDepotPark X X X X X X X X OtheramenitiesMainBeach X X X X X X X OtherparkamenitiesSantaCruzHarbor X X X X X X X OtherparkamenitiesSimpkinsSwimCenter X X X X X X X X OtheramenitiesJadeStreetParkat47thSt. X X X X X X OtherparkamenitiesNewBrightonStateBeach X X X X X X X X OtheramenitiesAptosVillage X X XHiddenBeach X X X X LawnareaSeascapePark X X X X X X X X Lawnarea,trails
ManresaStateBeach X X X X X X X X
WatsonvilleSloughTrails X X X Lawnarea,trailsWalkerSt.,Watsonville X
Shade Trees
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DESIGN ELEMENTS
• Pavedparking(permeableoraggregatebaseinsensitiveareastofilterrunoff)
• Informationkioskwithatraildirectorymap/trailinformation
• Picnictables,benches
• 911callboxes(ruralareas)
• Drinkingfountains
• Trashandrecyclingcans
• Safetylighting
• Bikeracks
• Shadeandshelter
• Potentialforcommercialvendingandservice(food,bikesupport,equipment)
• Interpretivesigns
• Foodkiosk
• Bikeshop/stationrental
• Chargingstationsfore-bikes
• Securitycameras
Figure 5-8 Trail access/staging area design elements
Bike Racks
Information Kiosk
Drinking Fountain
Public Bathroom
Public Parking
Shade Trees
Railroad Tracks
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REST AREASFacilitiesforcomfort(benches,trashreceptacles,shade,andwater),safety(phonesandkioskswithtravelerinformation),andinterpretativeinformation(historical,cultural,andeducationalinformation)shouldbedevelopedalongthetrail.Restareasshouldbelocatedatplacesofinterestandatregularintervals(approximatelytwotothree[2-3]milesapart).
DESIGN ELEMENTS:• Trashcans
• Emergencyphone
• Drinkingwater
• Shadeelement
• Directionalsignage/trailinformation
• Bencheswithbackrestsandarmrests
• Gradesthatdonotexceedfivepercent(5%)
Wilder Ranch parking lot, trail access, and staging area
Figure 5-9 Typical rest area design when located adjacent to the railroad corridor
Wilder Ranch restrooms
Depot Park parking lot, trail access, and staging area
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5.4.5 UNIFORM TRAIL SIGNING AND MARKING
Uniformsigndesignandlogothemewillbeprovidedalongthetrail.Signingandmarkingwillunifythetraildesignandprovidefunctionalinformation.Elementssuchasbollardstopreventunauthorizedtrailaccess,milepostmarkerstoidentifyspecificlocationsalongthetrail,directionalsignstovariousplacesofinterestanduserservices,informationalandtrafficcontrolsignsandatraillogowillallprovidenecessaryinformationandhelptounifythedesign.
SignsalongthetrailshouldbedesignedtomeetalloftherequiredandrecommendedsigningandmarkingstandardsdevelopedbyCaltransinChapter1000oftheHighwayDesignManual.Inaddition,allsignsandmarkingsshouldconformtothestandardsdevelopedintheManualofUniformTrafficControlDevices(MUTCD).
Ingeneral,allsignsshouldbelocatedatleastthreetofour(3-4)feetfromtheedgeofthepavedsurface,haveaminimumverticalclearanceofeight-and-a-half(8.5)feetwhenlocatedabovethetrailsurface,andbeaminimumoffour(4)feetabovethetrailsurfacewhenlocatedonthesideofthetrail.Allsignsshouldbeorientedsoasnottoconfusemotorists.Thedesigns(thoughnotthesize)ofsignsandmarkingsshouldbethesameasusedformotorvehiclesaspertheMUTCD.
Directionalsigningmaybeusefulfortrailusersandmotoristsalike.Formotorists,asignreading“CoastalRailTrailXing”alongwithatrailemblemorlogohelpsbothwarnandpromoteuseofthetrailitself.Fortrailusers,directionalsignsandstreetnamesatcrossingshelpdirectpeopletotheirdestinations.TheRTCwillworktoensuretrailconnectivitytootherbikeandpedestrianfacilitiesthroughway-findinganddirectionalsigns.Refertopage5-32fortrailmarkingandsignexamples.
Bike stop sign
Bike route signage on West Cliff Drive
Signage at Wilder Ranch
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5.4.6 COASTAL RAIL TRAIL SIGNAGE
AcustomizedwayfindingsignageprogramfortheCoastalRailTrailshouldbefurtherdevelopedtoorientusers,provideeducationalopportunities,andtounifythetrailcorridor.ThedesignshouldmirrortheMBSSTsignprogramintermsofheight,scale,andfonttype.However,thesignsshoulddifferfromtheMBSSTintermsofcolorsandmaterialsused.AlltrailsignageshouldbeidentifiedwiththeMBSSTlogo.Conceptualillustrationsofcompatiblesignagetypesareprovidedbelow.
Inaddition,aCoastalRailTraillogoshouldbecreatedtoenhancetheidentityoftherailtrail.ThelogomaybeavariationoftheMBSSTlogobykeepingthesameorientation,font,anduseofblack.Thecolorsandcentraldesignshouldbemodifiedinordertoreflectarailtrailtheme.
HISTORIC AND EDUCATIONAL THEMESTheMBSSTNetworkoffersauniqueopportunitytophysicallyconnectthecommunitiesinSantaCruzCountytooneanotherandcreatetiestoitscultureandhistory.InadditiontotheexhibitlocationsidentifiedbythepreviouslypreparedMBSSTStandardsManual,additionalhistoricandeducationalexhibits(interpretiveexhibits)willbeplacedalongthetrailatstrategiclocationsofferingavarietyofinformation.Forexample,informationconcerningthehistoryofrailroads,lumber,beaches,andfarmingintheareacanbeportrayed.Educationalexhibitsdescribingtheenvironmentandnaturalresourcesshouldbedevelopedtoeducatevisitorsandresidentsaboutcurrentissuesandstewardship.Allofthesetopicswillbepresentedinacohesivedesigntohelpreinforcethecontinuityoftraildesign.Coastal Walk
CO A S T AL
RAIL TRAIL CORRIDOR COASTAL RAIL TRAIL CORRIDOR
COASTAL R A I L T R A I L C O R R I D O R
West Cliff Coastal Walk
Depot Park Trailhead
West Cliff Coastal Walk
Depot Park Trailhead
Wilder Ranch State Park
Coast Dairies State Beach
Beachfront TrailheadSANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Informational Vehicular EntryDirectional Trailhead
COASTAL RAIL TRAIL CORRIDORWest Cliff Coastal Walk
1.8 m
1.5 m
.40 m
.25 m
Figure 5-10 Conceptual signage for Coastal Rail Trail
Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Seacliff Beach State Park with the cement ship, the Palo Alto, in the background (1930)
Interpretive Design Themes
•MontereyBayNationalMarineSanctuary
•Locationspecificfloraandfauna
•Coastal-dependentindustrialhistory
•NativeAmericanpresenceandculture
•Watershedandunderwatergeography
•Climateandhabitat
•RailroadHistory
•Rivers,Estuaries,Beaches
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SANCTUARY SCENIC TRAIL SIGNAGETheRTCandtheSantaCruzCountyInteragencyTaskForcesecuredfundingfromaFederalTransportationEnhancementGranttodevelopconceptualdesignsforatraillogo,awayfindingsystemtoorienttrailusers,andaninterpretationsystemtoshowcasedistincthabitatareas,andillustratethemesandstoriesconsistentwiththeconservationandeducationgoalsoftheMontereyBayNationalMarineSanctuary.Throughthisprocess,aseriesofwell-designedwayfindingandinterpretiveexhibitsweredesignedtobedistributedalongtheoriginal11-milealignmentoftheMontereyBaySanctuaryScenicTrail.Therearefive(5)typesofsignsandexhibits:trailmarkers,directionalsigns,orientationsigns,minorinterpretiveexhibits,andmajorinterpretiveexhibits.Ahandfulofthesesignshavealreadybeeninstalled.
Thenow-expandedMBSSTNetworkincorporatestheCoastalRailTrailintotheearliermulti-year,multi-agencyefforttocreatetheoriginalalignmentoftheMBSSTthroughtheSanctuaryScenicTrailStandardsManualandDraftLongRangeInterpretivePlan.ThoughthedocumentsarenotpartoftheMBSSTNetworkMasterPlan,opportunitiesexisttohighlighttheoriginalSanctuaryScenicTrailalignmentandthedocuments’visionsofprovidingopportunitiesforcoastalaccessandappreciationoftheMontereyBayNationalMarineSanctuarythroughaseriesofcoordinatedwayfindingsignsandinterpretiveexhibits.Aseriesofscenicloopsorspursonexistingandproposedfacilities,identifiedthroughdirectionalsignage,couldbedevelopedtoguidetrailusersateachkeyjunctureoftheoriginalSanctuaryScenicTrailalignmentandtheCoastalRailTrail.
Thefollowingloopsandspurhavebeenidentifiedforconsiderationoncetheproposedsegmentsareimplemented:
• AWestCliffScenicLoopthatjoinstheCoastalRailTrailatNaturalBridgesDr.andatPacificAve.• APleasurePointScenicLoopthatjoinstheCoastalRailTrailatLakeAve.andatOpalCliffDr.• ASeacliffScenicSpurthatjoinstheCoastalRailTrailatStateParkDr.andcontinuesonStateParkDr.
andalongSeacliffStateBeach,acrossthebike/pedestrianbridgeoverAptosCreek,andalongBeachDr.uptothelockedgate.
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail interpretive signage installation at Lighthouse Point Park
Figure 5-11 Directional and interpretive signage (Identified by the Sanctuary Scenic Trail Standards Manual - June 2005), Graphics by LSA
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COUNTYWIDE BICYCLE ROUTE SIGNAGEInanefforttofurtherincreasebicycleridershipandprovideaviabletransportationalternative,theRTCisdevelopingaCountywideBicycleRouteSignageProgram.Wayfindingsignageforthecurrenton-streetnetworkisthoughttoincreasethenumberofbicyclistsontheroad,aswellasimprovebicyclists’visibilityandsafety.Theexactsigntypehasnotbeenagreeduponyet,butthemock-upsproposed(seeimagebelow)willfitinwithexistingsignage,willbeeasilyintegratedintotheproposedsigntypes,andwllbeincompliancewiththeMUTCD.
MULTIPLE TRAIL DESIGNATIONSIncertaininstances,theCoastalRailTrailwillincludeadditionaltrailnetworkalignmentssuchastheCaliforniaCoastalTrailand/orthePacificCoastBikeRoute.Whenthisisthecase,theapplicationoftheproperlogo(s)shouldbeappliedtotrailsignagetoinformtheuserofthemultiple-routestatus.Aconceptofapostwithtraillogosisillustratedbelow.
Typical Pacific Coast Bike Route signPost sign with multiple trail designations
Possible countywide bicycle route signage Existing trail signage on East Cliff Drive
California Coastal Trail logo
California State Parks logo
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5.4.7 LANDSCAPE DESIGN
ThelandscapingtreatmentalongtheMBSSTNetworkwillvaryalongthecorridorasittraversesfromoneregiontoanother.Thelandscapetreatmentwillbelimitedbyavailabilityofspaceinthetrailcorridor,narrowrights-of-way,railwayoperationalclearance,agriculturaloperations,sensitivecoastalbluffs,maintenanceagreements,andothermitigatingfactors.
CurrentlythereareexistingsegmentsoftheMBSSTNetworkcorridorthatfollowhighlyurbanizedareaswithlandscapetreatmentsexistingalongstreetcorridors,parks,adjacentopenspace,harboredges,andbeachfrontareas.ThelandscapefornewsegmentsoftheMBSSTNetworkwillvarywiththesettingandwiththeagencyresponsibleforthedesign,implementation,andlong-termmaintenance.Thelandscapetreatmentwillalsovarybysetting.Theproposedtrailcorridorliesalongoneofthemostbeautifulcoastlinesintheworld,traversingmanydifferentenvironmentsrangingfromintenselypopularurbanareastoruralandnativecoastaledges.LandscapetreatmentinintenselyurbanizedareascanincludebothCalifornianativeandnon-nativedrought-tolerantplantpalettes.Theseurbanareasofferabroaderrangeofchoicesforplantspeciestobeusedinthelandscape.However,inareaswherethetrailislocatedinand/oradjacenttonativelandscapesettings,orruralandagriculturallands,everyeffortshouldbetakentomaintainCalifornianativeandindigenousplantspeciesintheplantingandrestorationefforts.Plantpaletteswillbedeterminedaspartofthedesignphaseforeachsegmentincoordinationwiththeimplementingentity.Plantingplanswillalsocomplywithenvironmentalstudiesandrecommendationsconcerningsensitiveorcriticalnativeplanthabitats.Otherprecautionsshouldconsistofthestrictavoidanceofinvasivespecies.
Drought-tolerant grasses used in median treatment
A combination of flowering shrubs and groundcover should be used at key areas
Drought-tolerant succulents thrive in Santa Cruz County
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5.4.8 DRAINAGE AND EROSION CONTROL
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS DURING TRAIL CONSTRUCTIONDrainageimprovementstoaccommodatethetrailsectionwillbemadeinconjunctionwithtrailconstruction.Traildesignwillbeengineeredsoasnottoincreaseanyhistoricrunoffontoaproperty.Drainageengineeringwillbecoordinatedwithanyadjacentandregionaleffortsthatmaybeunderwayatthetimetoresolvehistoricalproblemstothegreatestdegreefeasible.Acombinationofculverts,channelization,andimprovedbridgecrossingswilloccurinconjunctionwithtrailconstruction.Trailengineeringwillfocusonmethodstominimizeriverdepositsthatmaycausemaintenanceissues.Constructionmaterialsthatmaintainhistoricrunofflevelsandmeetwaterqualitystandardswillbeused.
CULVERTSCulvertscanbeusedinseasonaldrainagewaysorseepsalonggulliesandswales.Culvertsshouldbesizedtohandlethehighflowduringseasonalrains.Theculvertsmayconsistofplasticormetalcorrugatedpipe.Trailapproachesshouldbedesignedatastraight90-degreeangle.Culvertcrossingwidthshouldmatchthetrailapproachwidthonbothsides.Culvertfacesshouldbeconcealedwithnativestoneandchannelsdownstreamofculvertswithlargerocks.
SEA LEVEL RISE AND CLIMATE ADAPTATIONGenerally,theCaliforniaCoastalCommission(CCC)requiresnewdevelopmenttobesetbackfrombluffedgessothatdevelopmentwillbesafefrombluffretreatforatleast100years.However,theCCCdoesmakeexceptionstothesetbackrequirementsforrecreational/trailprojects.The100-yearseariseprojectionisunlikelytoimpacton-streettrails.However,naturalsurfacetrailsalongcoastalbluffsmaybeimpactedanddevelopmentofnewtrailsshouldconsidersealevelriseimpacts.
Measurestoassurethelong-rangeviabilityoftheMBSSTNetworkwillbedevelopedasneededwhensegmentsmoveforward.Thepotentialforshorelineretreatand/orsealevelriseshouldbeaconsiderationinthedesignofeachsegment.Whereprojectsorplacementofshorelineprotectiveworkswillimpairthecontinuityoftheshorelinepublicaccessroute,analternativemeasureforprovidingsuchaccesswillbeconsidered.Onesuchexampleisabluff-topbypassroutes.
Sand dune encroaching onto railroad tracks
Exposed drainage infrastructure
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5.5 UNIVERSAL TRAIL DESIGN“Accessibility”or“universalaccess”shallbeconsideredabestpracticeinthedecision-makingprocesses,includingplanning,design,construction,andmanagementoftheMBSSTNetwork.Universalaccessincludesdesignstrategiesthatprovidetrailaccesstothosewithandwithoutdisabilitiesincludingfamilies,seniors,andpeoplewithmobilityimpairments.Ataminimum,currentstateandfederalregulationsconcerningtheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)shallbeappliedtoprovideaccesstoawiderangeofusercapabilitiesasrequiredbylaw.
WhiletraildesignersshallrefertothefederallymandatedADAguidelines,thefollowingfive(5)designcharacteristicsaretypicalofthetypesofchallengestoprovidingauniversallyaccessibletrail.
• Trailgrade
• Crossslope
• Width
• Surfacetype
• Obstacles
5.6 CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION AND CONSERVANCY ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDSTheCaliforniaCoastalCommissionandConservancyStandardsandRecommendationsforAccesswayLocationandDevelopmentAccessibilityStandardsprovideguidelinesforthelocation,size,andtypeofaccesswaysalongtheCaliforniacoast.TheStandardswereadoptedtoensurethataconsistentapproachisusedforaccessconstruction.Sincesitesandcircumstancesvaryalongthecoast,theapplicationofthesestandardsisflexible.TheyapplytoallnewandexistingdevelopmentsandshallbeconsideredduringtheMBSSTNetworkimplementationandconstructionprocess.AppendixGprovidesthefullCaliforniaCoastalCommissionandConservancyStandardsandRecommendationsforAccesswayLocationandDevelopmentAccessibilityStandards.
Pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the trail
Example of a “universal access” trail (Bonnie Lewkowicz)
Bridges should be wide enough to allow for pedestrians and bicyclists to pass with ease
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5.7 USER CONFLICT REDUCTION STRATEGIESInessence,userconflictsarearesultofsuccess:theyareindicativeofatrail’spopularity.Nonetheless,theycanleadtosafetyissues.Trailplannerscantakepreventativemeasurestoanticipateheavyuseandprecludeuserconflictinmultiple-usetrailspermittingusebywalkers,runners,bicyclists,etc.Potentialtrailconflictsarebestminimizedthroughdesignandthroughsettingtheproperexpectationswhich,inturn,comesfromappropriatewidth,clearsignage,andenforcementofbehavior.
Generaltipsforreducingthepotentialforconflictsinclude:
1. Involveallpotentialusergroupsintheplanningprocesstoraiseissuesandhelpaddressthem.
2. Designtominimizeconflictswithseparatetrailsorshouldersforpedestrianandequestrianusewherepossible.Provideadequatewidthandsightlines.Furnishturnoutsatstoppingpoints,etc.
3. Useclearsignageorpavementmarkingstodefineetiquetteandyieldingprotocol.
4. Setexpectationsformulti-use.
5. Enforcerulesbyvolunteertrailpatrolsand/orauniformedpresence,especiallywhenatrailisnewtoestablishprecedentandexpectations.
Spatialmanagementisasystemthatdesignatesdifferenttrailsorspacesforparticularuses.Forinstance,trailmanagersmayassignonetrailtocyclistsandanothertrailtowalkers.Inaddition,speedcontrolshelpcurtailspeedingcyclistsonmulti-usetrails.Aformalspeedlimitshouldbeestablishedonlywhenallelsefails;aneffectivespeedlimitrequiresconsistent,ongoingenforcement,anditisunclearwhetherreducingthespeedactuallyimprovestherealorperceivedsafetyofthetrail.Theproblemofexcessspeedmightthereforebebetteraddressedthroughdesign.Forexample,agranularstonesurfacewillencourageslowerspeedsthanapavedsurface.
People pushing strollers are commonly found on multi-use trails
Trail etiquette sign example
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Trailetiquetteshouldbeestablishedatthebeginning.Involvingtrailpatrolsandvolunteertrailambassadorsisagreatwaytobuildcommunitysupportandexpectationsonthetrail.Encourageinteractionbetweenusergroupswithacampaignsuchas,“Justsayhello.”Trailetiquettecanbeformalizedintouserrulesandregulations.Theregulations,developedinconjunctionwithtrailusergroups,shouldspellouttherulesgoverningpublicconductonthetrail.Unlesslegallyrequired,usetermssuchas“trailcourtesy”or“visitorresponsibilities”insteadof“rulesandregulations.”Visualandsimpledisplaysofexpectationsarepreferred.Considerthesecourtesyadvisories:
• Wheelsyieldtoheels
• Becourteoustoalltrailusers
• Travelatareasonablespeedinaconsistentandpredictablemanner
• Alwayslookaheadandbehindbeforepassing
• Passslowertrafficontheleft;yieldtooncomingtrafficwhenpassing
• Giveaclearwarningsignalbeforepassing:usevoicesignal,nothornorbell,whenpassinghorses
• Keepallpetsonashortleash
• Respecttherightsofadjacentpropertyowners
• Don’tbealitterbug
• Pleasecleanupafteryourpets
• Moveoffthetrailwhenstoppedtoallowotherstopass
• Yieldtootheruserswhenenteringandcrossingthetrail
• Motorizedvehiclesareprohibited(exceptelectricwheelchairs)
• Alcoholicbeveragesandillegaldrugsarenotpermittedonthetrail
• Firearms,fireworks,andfiresarenotpermittedonthetrail
• Alltrailusersshouldusealightandreflectorsafterduskandbeforedawn
• Travelnomorethantwoabreast
• Beawareandcourteoustootherswhileusingacellularphone
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5.8 DOGS ON TRAILSTheMBSSTNetworkinSantaCruzCountytraversesapproximately50milesfromthebanksofthePajaroRiverinthesouth,upnorthtotheSanMateoCountyline.TheMBSSTNetworkwillpassthroughseveraldifferentcity,county,andstateproperties,allwithvaryingrulesandregulationsaddressingdogsintheparklandsandontrails.
Oneofthemostpopulartrailactivitiestodayispeoplewalkingtheirdogs.Formanypeople,atrailwalkinvariablymeansawalkwiththedog.Thishasbecomeanimportantactivityforboththeownerandthepettoenjoytheoutdoorsandgetsomeexercise.Forsometrailusers,thisisanopportunitytoletthedogrunfreeinavailableopenareas.Alongmulti-usetrails,agencymanagersoftenpostleashlawstohelpreinforcesafetypoliciesandleashrequirements.
Wildlifehabitatareasareespeciallysensitivetounleasheddogs.Trailsnearwaterways,shorelines,ripariancorridors,andpotentialnestingareasoftenincludeleashlawstopreventdogsfromhavingcontactwithwildlife.Dogsbenefitfromwearingaleashbybeingprotectedfromrattlesnakes,ticks,traffic,trailuserconflicts,andvariousotherhazardsanddistractions.
Asthepopularityofdogwalkingcontinuestogrow,sodoestheneedtopreventdogwastefromimpactingthetrailandadjacentuses.Implementingentitiesshouldrequirepetwasteremovalandprovidedogwastebagdispensersattrailheads.Moreremotesitesorneighborhoodaccessareasmayincludeasimpleregulationsignrequiringpetownerstocollecttheirpetwastebothasacourtesytootherusersandamanagementtoolforhabitatpreservation.Dogsmayberestrictedintrailsectionsthatareadjacenttoagriculturallandswheresensitivityrelatingtocontaminationexists.
Thewasteremovalrestrictionsdonotapplytoserviceanimals,asdefinedbytheFederalAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA).TheADAdefinesaserviceanimalasanyguidedog,signaldog,orotheranimalindividuallytrainedtoprovideassistancetoanindividualwithadisability.
CurrentlytheCaliforniaStateParks’rulesandregulationsrequiredogsonaleashwithinparkboundaries.CaliforniaStateBeachregulationsrequiredogsbeonaleashandallowedonpavedtrailsonly.
Otherregulationsfordogsontrailsmayincluderequeststohavethepetup-to-datewithallapplicablevaccinationsandacurrentlicensewiththeCountyDepartmentofAnimalServices.Someimplementingentitiesmayhavetheirownanimalcareservicesorlicensing.
Trail runner with dog on a leash
Dogs on leashes
Pet waste station
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5.9 EQUESTRIANS ON TRAILSSpecificdesignconsiderationsforequestrianuseonmulti-usepathsshouldbeconsideredduetothelackofequestrianexperiencenearrailroads,horses’instinctualflightbehavior,andequestrians’generalwarinessofnewandpotentiallychallengingsituations.Someequestrianusersadvocatefencesofsufficientheighttopreventhorsesjumpingthemwhenstartledorfrightened;however,thisconcernmustbebalancedwiththeneedforvisibilityoftrainsforbothhorsesandriders.Horsesthatcannotseeanoncomingorapproachingtrainwillexperiencegreaterfearandconfusionthaniftheyareabletoseeandidentifythesourceofnoise.
Trailwidthisanoverridingdesignissuewhenprovidingequestrianuse.Multi-usepathsdesignedtoaccommodateequestriansshouldprovideaseparateunpavedpathwaythatisatleasteight-(8-)feetwideandthathasaverticalclearanceofatleastten(10)feet.Theequestriantrailshouldbeseparatedaminimumofthree(3)feetfromthepavedmulti-usepath.
Manyhorsesarefrightenedbybridgesandotherelevatedenvironments,particularlylatticeorperforatedbridgesandtrestlesthatallowtheanimalaviewofthegroundsurfacesubstantiallybelowthebridgedeck.Mosthorsesarenotaccustomedtothisenvironmentandwillrespondunpredictablywithpotentiallynegativeconsequences.InSegment5.3,theOldDairyGulchbridgecrossingwillrequireadditionalconsiderationwhendesigningbridgeimprovementstoincorporateequestrians.
Equestrianuseislimitedtoanapproximatelynine-(9-)mile-longstretch(Segments5and6)withintheNorthernReachcoastalareaextendingfromWilderRanchtoDavenport.EquestrianswillutilizetheexistingfacilitieslocatedinWilderRanch.
Figure 5-12 Equestrian trail adjacent to the Coastal Rail Trail
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Equestrian trail opportunity north of Wilder Ranch