01-Alta_Northampton Share Use Paths StudyCity of Northampton
PREPARED BY ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. | JUNE 22, 2021
Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
1801 6TH AVE., SUITE 204, TROY, NY 12180
Wayne Feiden
WFeiden@NorthamptonMA.gov
RE: City of Northampton Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
Dear Mr. Feiden:
Alta Planning + Design, Inc (Alta) is pleased to submit this proposal to conduct shared use path feasibility
studies for the City of Northampton. The City has progressed a wonderful trail network and we applaud your
efforts to continuously pursue filling gaps and connecting an even higher proportion of your residents to that
network. From Alta’s past work with the City, we are quite familiar with the trail network, opportunities for
improvement and overall travel patterns in Northampton and throughout the Pioneer Valley.
Our team will utilize our extensive experience with trail feasibility assessments and conceptual designs to
efficiently provide the City of Northampton with the information needed to prioritize and move forward with
each project, whether that be approvals, land acquisitions, or applying for grant funding. On the Empire
State Trail, we used this experience and knowledge to quickly assess routes, value engineer, and develop
alternative solutions on segments as large as the 35 mile AHET Trail or as small as a 1000 foot grading
challenge between Route 5S and the Erie Canalway Trail. As both a planner and engineer with significant
trail experience, I am confident that as project manager, I can deliver a high quality product for each of these
trail segments.
We look forward to working with you and the City of Northampton to accomplish your goals for expanding
this great trail network. If you have any questions or wish to discuss any aspect of this proposal, please
contact me at (518) 364-6629 or lindsayzefting@altago.com.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Zefting, PE
Principal
Alta Planning + Design, Inc.
JUNE 22, 2021
Approach
1.
4ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
Approach
For each of the proposed trail studies, we are proposing
a similar approach that includes documenting existing
conditions, analyzing opportunities, challenges, and
alternatives, developing a conceptual design, and
creating an implementation strategy.
Task 1: Data Collection, Existing Conditions
Our team will gather and review all existing information
related to the proposed trail, including available tax
parcel data, survey or state lidar data, and existing
documents, such as the several studies completed
by Smith’s College engineering studio. We will create
base maps and conduct a site visit to collect additional
information and photographs. This will assist us in
identifying issues such as sight lines, drainage, traffic
conditions and other local conditions relevant to the trail
feasibility study. During these site visits, opportunities
and challenges will be identified and alternatives will be
investigated.
Task 2: Analysis
Our team will analyze the alignment and opportunities
and challenges identified in the field. These will vary
among the projects but are expected to include items
such as connections to existing trails or neighborhoods,
topography challenges, or the need for land
acquisitions. If alternative routes are to be considered,
that will be completed during this task as well.
Task 3: Conceptual Design
Alta will develop a conceptual design for the proposed
trail which will be completed to approximately 10%
design. A typical section will be defined, along with the
horizontal alignment and specific treatments, such as
trailheads or crossing facilities. For a number of the trail
segments, topography is a concern. In those instances,
Alta will also evaluate and propose a trail profile to
ensure a grade of 4.5% or less to meet ADA compliance
and state requirements.
Task 4: Implementation Strategy
Alta will develop an implementation strategy for each of
the trail segments. This will include identifying potential
land acquisitions and permits or approvals required
and when during the design development process
these should be obtained. Planning level cost estimates
will be completed, based on local/regional unit costs
and linear foot pricing with a percentage contingency,
design, and construction inspection cost included. The
existing conditions, analysis, conceptual design, and
implementation strategy will be compiled into a memo
format and provided to the City of Northampton for
review and comment. Alta will complete one round of
revisions based on a set of consolidated comments.
Alta prepared these cross-section designs for the Albany-Hudson
Electric Trail (AHET).
Alta lead the Albany Waterfront Multi-use Path Connection Feasibility Study and was tasked to identify and assess alternative
alignments for a trail connecting the Albany County Helderberg Rail Trail with the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Hike Trail.
5ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
Project Variations
Our proposed hours and fee vary for each of the
projects based on our understanding of the level of
effort and complexity of each trail segment. Below is
a summary of our understanding of each project and
where emphasis will be placed during the study:
In the case of MassCentral to Hotel Bridge,
Leeds, we understand that alternatives will
be isolated to navigating the steep slope
connecting to the existing trail.
For the Connecticut River Greenway
project, our effort will focus on alternatives
available to address the pinch point along
the existing railroad line, such as extending
the culvert or constructing a bridge.
With the Rocky Hill Greenway Extension
North study, focus will be placed on
on-road improvements, crossings, and
alternatives to cross the stream, such as a
natural bottom culvert.
In the case of the Rocky Hill Greenway
Gap, more emphasis will be placed on
various alternatives to provide options to
the City as properties in the area become
available for use in the construction of the
trail.
For the State Hospital Path, we will also be
looking at access agreements to determine
if state legislature approval is needed,
areas where there are steep grades as
identified in the Smith College report,
and how future erosion may impact the
alignment of the trail.
The Herbert Avenue to Manhan Rail Trail
study will focus efforts on the analysis and
implementation aspects to coordinate use
of the private road, Army Corp coordination
and determining if additional security or
design measures are required to protect
the Eversource gas pumping station.
We understand that the City may choose to pursue
these projects individually, in groups, or as a whole.
There are efficiencies in completing these projects in
groups or as one study. If all six projects are completed
at the same time, we can reduce our individual project
fee proposal by 10%. We are open to negotiating our
scope and fee with the City to meet your needs and
funding abilities at this time.
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Pricing
2.
7ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
Pricing
This proposed budget reflects the Tasks outlined in this proposal. The Alta team is flexible in our approach and looks forward to
working with the City of Northampton to finalize the scope and budget to meet the needs of the City and project.
Project
Manager Planner Designer Planner Admin
Lindsay
Zefting Laura Byer Danielle
Hundley
Kara
McKnight
2021 Hourly Rate*$203 $130 $119 $97 $82
1 MassCentral to Hotel Bridge in Leeds 16 6 74 24 2 122 $15,326
Existing Conditions 6 10 8 2 26 $3,348
Analysis 2 2 24 4 32 $3,910
Conceptual Design 6 3 24 8 41 $5,240
Implementation Strategy 2 1 16 4 23 $2,828
2 Connecticut River Greenway 20 7 92 42 2 163 $20,156
Existing Conditions 6 12 10 2 30 $3,780
Analysis 4 3 16 8 31 $3,882
Conceptual Design 6 3 40 16 65 $7,920
Implementation Strategy 4 1 24 8 37 $4,574
3 Rocky Hill Greenway Extension north 16 7 42 60 2 127 $15,140
Existing Conditions 6 10 12 2 30 $3,736
Analysis 2 3 4 12 21 $2,436
Conceptual Design 6 3 16 24 49 $5,840
Implementation Strategy 2 1 12 12 27 $3,128
4 Rocky Hill Greenway Gap 16 7 42 72 2 139 $16,304
Existing Conditions 6 10 12 2 30 $3,736
Analysis 4 3 16 32 55 $6,210
Conceptual Design 4 3 8 16 31 $3,706
Implementation Strategy 2 1 8 12 23 $2,652
5 State Hospital Path 18 7 102 36 2 165 $20,358
Existing Conditions 6 14 8 2 30 $3,824
Analysis 3 3 20 12 38 $4,543
Conceptual Design 5 3 48 12 68 $8,281
Implementation Strategy 4 1 20 4 29 $3,710
6 New Haven and Northampton Canal Greenway/ Hebert Ave 17 7 62 76 2 164 $19,275
Existing Conditions 6 10 12 2 30 $3,736
Analysis 4 3 12 24 43 $4,958
Conceptual Design 4 3 24 16 47 $5,610
Implementation Strategy 3 1 16 24 44 $4,971
Staff Hours 103 41 414 310 12 880 $106,559
Labor Total $20,909 $5,330 $49,266 $30,070 $984 $106,559
Reimbursable Expenses & Travel ($150 per project)$900
Project Total $107,459
Project Total, if completed as one project (includes 10% discount)$96,713
GENERAL NOTES:
* Hours and staff assignments can be adjusted by the consultant as needed to implement the tasks described during the course of the project.
* Hourly rates will be adjusted if work is continued into subsequent year(s).
TASK
Total Task
Fee
Alta Planning + Design, Inc.
Total
Task
Hours
Experiences/ Qualifications
3.
9ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
15 years
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Rail-to-trail design and
construction
Trail feasibility assessments
On-Road Improvements
Economic benefits analysis
Environmental assessments
Project evaluation
ADA compliance and safety
REGISTRATIONS
Professional Engineer:
NY (#090195)
Lindsay brings both planning and engineering experience to the team. Her areas
of expertise include route selection, economic benefits analysis, environmental
assessments, ADA compliance and safety measures, and project evaluation. She
has employed her skills in a wide variety of projects, from blueway trail planning to
greenway design and construction. The integration of engineering and planning
experience allows her to consider broader planning visions and innovative concepts
while remaining focused on the details for successful implementation.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
• Shared Use Path Feasibility Study, Lenox, MA
• Waterfront Multi-Use Path Connection Feasibility Study, Albany, NY
• Southern Tier Trail, Erie and Cattaraugus Counties, NY
• Complete Streets Prioritization Design, Pembroke, MA
• Williams College Bike/Ped Campus Plan, Williamstown, MA
• Kingston Point Rail-Trail Engineering Study, NY
• Shared Streets and Spaces, Pittsfield, MA
Lindsay Zefting, PE
Project Manager
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
5 years
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
GIS analysis
Map design
Infrastructure planning
Urban planning
Route placement
Laura holds a master’s degree in city planning from the University of Pennsylvania
where she specialized in Sustainable Transportation and Infrastructure Planning
and Geographic Information Systems. Laura brings a range of planning, design, and
analysis skills to the Alta team. Her areas of expertise include GIS analysis, route
placement, data analysis, and map design. Her attention to detail and passion for active
transportation implementation in communities results in thoughtful, high-quality plans.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
• Shared Use Path Feasibility Study, Lenox, MA
• Waterfront Multi-Use Path Connection Feasibility Study, Albany, NY
• Berkshire County Regional Bicycle Sharing System, Pittsfield, MA
• Hudson/Halfway Brook Connector Feasibility Study, Queensbury, NY
• O&W Rail Trail Feasibility Study, Sullivan County, NY
• Maple Ridge Road Corridor Study, Medina, NY
Laura Byer
Assistant Project Manager
ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study 10
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
15 years
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
CAD
Major subdivision design
Danielle brings a variety of engineering and design experience to the team including
roadway design, off-road trail development, on-road bicycle and pedestrian facilities,
and civil-site development work. Her varied experience provides a well-rounded
perspective. While her experience is varied, her passion for creating safe spaces
for all transportation users has led her to specialize in trail design, and the public
involvement often needed to bring these important projects towards construction.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
• Southern Tier Trail, Erie and Cattaraugus Counties, NY
• Empire State Trail Trailhead Design, NY
• Genesee Valley Greenway, Western NY
• Henry W. Dubois Sidepath, New Paltz, NY
• 1st Avenue Bike Boulevard, Troy, NY
Danielle Hundley
Designer
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
6 years
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
GIS mapping and editing
Plan view and section view
graphics
Fieldwork
Public outreach
Report/memo technical writing
Kara’s interest in the planning profession stems from the ways the field can help
individuals and communities by providing mobility and an everlasting capacity to help
educate people. She has a strong passion for equal access to health and wellness
for everyone and through her work with Alta she helps create walkable communities.
Kara is a graduate from the University at Albany where she double majored in Urban
Planning and Geography with a focus on Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
• Southern Tier Trail, Erie and Cattaraugus Counties, NY
• Berkshire County Regional Bicycle Sharing System, Pittsfield, MA
• Maple Ridge Road Corridor Study, Medina, NY
• Shared Streets & Spaces Project, Pittsfield, MA
• Lower Niagara River Greenway Feasibility Study, Buffalo, NY
Kara McKnight
Planner
11ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
CLIENT
Town of Lenox
CONTACT
Gwen Miller, AICP
Land Use Director / Town Planner
(413) 637-5500
gmiller@townoflenox.com
The Town of Lenox sought to provide a separated shared-use path
that would connect Lee and Pittsfield, Massachusetts through the
Town of Lenox. Over the years, there had been several attempts at
creating this desirable connection. Alta was selected to evaluate all
past routes, consider any new future routes, and ultimately determine
the most prudent and feasible route for this recreational trail facility.
The project included coordination with a steering committee, in field
route evaluation, and improvement recommendations for the on-road
segments of trail.
Lenox Shared-Use Path Study
LENOX, MA | 2019
12ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
CLIENT
Greenway Heritage Conservancy HRV, Inc.
National Grid (Project Partner)
CONTACT
Jennifer Schlegel
National Grid
Project Manager
(518) 433-3004
jennifer.schlegel@nationalgrid.com
The Albany-Hudson Electric Trail (AHET Trail) closes a major gap
in the Empire State Trail system through Rensselaer and Columbia
Counties. Alta conducted a feasibility study for placement of the AHET
Trail along a former trolley line, currently used as a National Grid utility
corridor. Where trail construction along the utility corridor was deemed
inappropriate, Alta analyzed adjacent roadways for implementation
of on-road routes to create a connected trail route from the City of
Rennselaer to the City of Hudson. The 35-mile trail route is comprised
of 27 miles of off-road shared-use path and 8 miles of on-road routes.
Following completion of the AHET Trail Feasibility Study, Alta assisted
the Hudson River Valley Greenway with management of the trail’s
design. This included developing the design guidance specific to the
utility corridor in close coordination with National Grid, facilitation of the
LIDAR survey, the project website, and a trail user projection specific to
the Albany Hudson Electric Trail. Alta also completed technical reviews
of the design at 30%, 60% and 90%. While our review covered the
entire design, we focused on horizontal alignment, grades, crossing
treatments, and the trail surface. Our review of the trailheads and
surface types included several corroborative sessions with HRVG and
the project engineers.
Albany-Hudson Electric Trail, NY
ALBANY, NY | 2016-2020
13ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
CLIENT
GOBike
CONTACT
Ashley Smith
Deputy Director
(716) 208-8182
ashley@gobikebuffalo.org
The purpose of this study was to provide a feasibility assessment for
the design and construction of a shared use bicycling and pedestrian
path between the City of Buffalo and the southern end of the Genesee
Valley Greenway in Hinsdale. Alta conducted a feasibility study for
placement of the Southern Tier Trail along the roughly 87-mile Buffalo-
Pittsburgh rail corridor. Where trail construction along the rail corridor
was deemed inappropriate, Alta analyzed adjacent roadways for
implementation of on-road routes to create a connected trail route
through Erie and Niagara Counties in Western NY. In addition to
examining trail feasibility and recommending route placement, Alta
assisted GObike in developing a strategy to ease implementation of
the Southern Tier Trail as well as identify ways to promote economic
activity along the corridor. When completed, this trail will provide
residents and visitors of 19 towns and villages with important and
recreational and active transportation opportunity.
Southern Tier Trail
ERIE, NY | 2019-2021
14ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
CLIENT
Adirondack/ Glens Falls Transportation
Council & the Town of Queensbury
CONTACT
Jack Mance
Senior Transportation Planner
(518) 223-0086
jmance@agftc.org
Alta led a feasibility study to determine the best trail connection
between two existing trail destinations. The site analysis process
identified four potential routes, with each route investigated and
ranked for safety, connectivity, ease of use and costs for development.
A robust public process and outreach strategy led to the identification
of two preferred routes. Alta was then able to propose a loop trail as
the preferred route, combining the routes that were provided for public
input into a loop that would offer a direct connection between the
two existing parks while providing a stronger connection and more
opportunities for using the trail as a transportation link, not simply a
recreational corridor.
Halfway Brook Connector Trail
QUEENSBURY, NY | 2017-2018