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Town OKs preconstruction surveys, wetlands work and borings for Rec Park trail bridge
Summary
The Town Board authorized a $44,000 task order for wetland delineation, topographic survey and geotechnical investigation to refine design options for a prefabricated pedestrian bridge and elevated boardwalk linking the Rec Park trail network.
The Town Board on June 25 authorized preconstruction services to advance design for a pedestrian bridge that will connect trail segments near the Rec Park and create a crossing of a small stream or reach of floodplain.
Town engineering staff described the work as three tasks: a wetland delineation (to confirm state and federal wetland boundaries and necessary DEC engagement), a topographic and location survey upstream and downstream of the proposed crossing, and a geotechnical investigation that will include borings on both banks to inform bridge footings and a proposed elevated boardwalk section. The estimated maximum cost presented to the board was $44,000 (survey $13,000, wetlands $6,000, geotechnical $25,000).
Engineering said the likely finished design would be a 10-foot-wide pedestrian bridge (no motorized vehicles but sturdy enough for maintenance golf carts) that transitions to an ADA-compliant elevated boardwalk and then to a stone-dust path tying into the Cookingham trail network. Material options (wood/engineered wood or aluminum) and prefabricated bridge options will be provided to the town with varying cost and lifecycle estimates; the engineering firm noted typical design life targets of about 75 years.
The board approved the task order by motion. Staff emphasized that results of the delineation and hydraulic/topographic analysis will determine final abutment locations and elevations, and that work will be coordinated with the Rec Park and property owners where the trail crosses private farmland (in some sections the town will hold access or lease agreements rather than own the underlying property). Wetland delineation and DEC conversations were described as necessary next steps before final design.
Board members and public commenters asked for wayfinding and signage to discourage users from approaching the town’s water-treatment facility near the route; engineering said signage and access controls would be part of the planning.
