Opening of Proposals - Coal Line Trail, Phase III Proj No. 123-007 - Lochmueller Group

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LOCHMUELLER GROUP | CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE 3 6 PROJECT APPROACH The project involves the evaluation of the location for and design of a 10’-12’ wide, 0.6 mile multi-use path, from the existing Coal Line Trail trailhead at Lincoln Highway (Lincoln Way West - LWW) and Wilber Street to the proposed Dream Center at Linden Avenue and College Street. South Bend envisions this path to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities who are walking, riding, and rolling. Phases 1 and 2 of the trail are located in the former railroad right-of-way (ROW) where the land use developed adjacent to and separate from the tracks. Phase 3 integrates the trail into the Historic Near West Side neighborhood where the design must factor in safety and privacy concerns. This team understands the importance of the public involvement approach to educate, communicate, listen, document, and act. THE NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT The Coal Line Trail is a linear park for extension into the Near West Side neighborhood south of LWW. This is the gateway connection to a new community center, The Dream Center, that will anchor the south end of the path. The neighborhood context of the path introduces added challenges and constraints as compared to the previous two phases. We understand the City is considering the following options: OPTION 1 Alignment along College Street on the east side or west side. OPTION 2 Alignment within the railroad ROW mid-block between North Brookfleld Street and College Street. MATURE TREES & ELEVATED LAWN Large mature trees in the lawn as well as an elevated lawn pose design consideration for the west side of the street trail path. BRICK STREET MEETS ASPHALT Brick street merges with asphalt at College & Fassnacht. This south view shows the existing road condition as well as on-street parking considerations. UTILITY POLES Overhead electric lines are primarily located on the east side and are barriers to connectivity without ROW acquisition. COLLEGE STREET LOOKING SOUTH AT FASSNACHT COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE 3 APPROACH Both options must address important accessibility considerations around the path’s adjacency to homes, safe crossings, trafflc calming, and privacy. The College Street alignment brings additional considerations such as: + On-street Parking & Trash Pick-Up + Sidewalk Connections and Curb Ramps + Driveways, Steps, & Stoops + Utility poles & Underground Utilities + Businesses & Business Parking Public involvement is critically important for this project due to the neighborhood context, signiflcance as a Crossway Trails regional connection, and as the potential for future path extensions to the south.