Towpath Trail Extension

Alignment and Design Study: Page Two

Alignment
The preferred alignment for the segment of the Towpath Trail from old Harvard Avenue to Canal Basin Park is off-road, which is the same as the current sections of trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Cleveland Metroparks Canal Reservation. The trail would be ten-feet wide and paved with asphalt. Wherever feasible, the goal is to have the trail as part of a swath up to fifty-feet wide that would provide an area for environmental improvements, landscape improvements, and, where needed, buffers and safety measures for adjacent property owners. The preferred alignment of the trail will co-exist with existing land uses. It does not result in the replacement of any existing businesses or housing.

The proposed trail would also offer opportunities to explore two of the best physical features of the valley: the river's edge and its vistas. Areas suitable for river edge access include both south and north of old Harvard Avenue, the west river bank of the former LTV property upstream of the head of navigation, in the vicinity of the I-490 bridge, the Scranton Road Peninsula, Irishtown Bend, and below Tower City Center. In terms of vistas, the trail would take advantage of the hillside between Holmden Avenue and Tremont Playfields, the abandoned West 4th Street right-of-way, and particularly along University Road in Tremont, where a promenade would be created overlooking the valley and the downtown skyline. The changes in elevation that trail users would experience all occur at a 5% grade or less.

It is anticipated that the alignment of the Towpath Trail would also add value to other projects focusing on economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and quality of life. For example, the trail would increase daytime activity by both individuals and families in areas such as Old Brooklyn, Tremont, Ohio City, Flats, Warehouse District, Gateway, and Public Square, which would mean additional customers for retail and eating establishments. In addition, the trail would provide access to new housing on the rim of the valley, as well as to two Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority estates, both of which have been planned for major redevelopment.

Furthermore, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, the Midwest Railway Foundation, and the Western Reserve Rowing Foundation all have projects planned in proximity to the trail. An exciting focal point that may evolve is in the vicinity of the I-490 bridge, where the trail, new rowing foundation boathouse, scenic railroad bridge crossing of the river, railway foundation roundhouse and rolling stock restoration, excursion boat landing site, and public access to the riverbank have the potential to interconnect. A proposed river's edge park featuring two Hulett Ore Unloaders is likely to be situated in proximity to the Towpath Trail. Finally, the proposed stop for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at old Harvard Avenue, adjacent to the trail, could facilitate a one-mile trail and tram connection to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which has over one million visitors annually.

Creating linkages is an important aspect of the Towpath Trail. In addition to the preferred alignment of the main trail, the plan recommends connectors to all the Cleveland neighborhoods on the east and west sides of the Cuyahoga River Valley, along with the communities of Newburgh Heights and Cuyahoga Heights. In Cleveland, these neighborhood connectors form a network by becoming part of Cleveland's citywide bicycle plan. At downtown Cleveland, connections are also made to the Lakefront Bikeway and the shore of Lake Erie.

The Towpath Trail would also serve as a catalyst for various public improvements. For example, the trail would traverse Tremont Playfields, where the current park uses could be expanded. The trail would also result in improvements to adjacent streets, such as University Road, Carter Road, Riverbed Street, and a proposed road to reconnect the south end of Quigley Road with the north end of Jennings Road.

Length and Cost Estimate

• The preferred alignment for the Towpath Trail, using the alignment in the Flats of the Scranton Peninsula to Canal Basin Park via the Carter Road Bridge, is six miles. About one quarter of the route is currently in public ownership.

• The alignment in the Flats of the Scranton Peninsula to Canal Basin Park via Irishtown Bend adds one additional mile.

• Design and Construction estimates includes soft costs (contingency, mobilization and demobilization, bonds and insurances, general conditions, and professional design services), visitor services, trail lighting, wayfinding signage, and environmental regeneration activities necessary for trail construction. Interpretive exhibits are included as part of Trailheads.

Future Trail Loops - Design and Construction Costs

• Vicinity of Big Creek confluence with Cuyahoga River - $1,570,000 (0.6 miles)
• ISG to I-490 via the west river bank and West 3rd Street - $7,760,000 (2.2 miles)

Estimated Cost of Supplemental Projects

South of Harvard to Harvard-Denison Bridge

• Old Harvard Avenue Streetscape - $360,000
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad station and parking area at Old Harvard Avenue - $2,170,000

Harvard-Denison Bridge to ISG

• Environmental Regeneration Project on Cuyahoga River east bank - $290,000

ISG to I-490

• ISG Trailhead and Interpretive Center - $1,730,000
• Overlook Location between Holmden and Clark Avenues - not determined
• Tremont Playfields Trailhead and Improvements - $1,000,000
• Tremont Playfields Amphitheater/Festival Site - $2,620,000
• Overlook at former Clark Avenue and West 3rd Street Terminus - $220,000
• Midwest Railway Foundation - West 3rd Street Roundhouse Interpretive Center and Trailhead - not determined
• Environmental Regeneration Project on Cuyahoga River east bank - $730,000

I-490 to Scranton Peninsula

• Multi-Modal Connector at vicinity of I-490 Bridge - not determined
• New Jefferson Avenue Bridge over Cuyahoga River - not determined
• Jefferson Avenue Riverbank Overlook - not determined
• Kingsbury Run Environmental Regeneration and Conservation Area - $2,070,000
• Connection from Tremont Ridge to Cuyahoga River - not determined
• Tremont Bend Riverwalk north of Innerbelt Bridge - not determined

Scranton Peninsula to Canal Basin Park via Carter Road Bridge

• No Items

Scranton Peninsula to Canal Basin Park via Irishtown Bend

• Irishtown Bend Archeological Project - $100,000