05-VHB_Northampton SUP Feasibility ProposalShared Use Paths
Feasibility Study
Department of Planning & Sustainability
June 22, 2021 | Proposal
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Engineers | Scientists | Planners | Designers www.vhb.comJune 22, 2021
Wayne Feiden, FAICP
Director Planning & Sustainability
City Hall
210 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Re: City of Northampton Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
Dear Mr. Feiden:
The City of Northampton is taking exciting steps to expand your already robust shared-
use path (SUP) network. Exploring the six proposed sites, our team began to understand
what these paths can offer: peaceful woods, scenic rivers, a historic iron bridge, and
connections between the many natural and cultural resources across Northampton
and the Pioneer Valley. Our familiarity with the City, depth of SUP study experience
throughout Massachusetts, and appreciation for the project’s significance will allow us to
hit the ground running.
VHB has delivered hundreds of SUP trail studies and designs throughout the
Commonwealth and the east coast. We are currently assisting many Massachusetts cities
and towns with the expansion of on-street and off-street bicycle and trail networks,
including the North Adams Adventure Trail from the Williamstown Town Line into North
Adams, the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail in Westfield, Upper Charles Trail and Campus
Trail Connector in Hopkinton, and the design of the Mill River Greenway in Williamsburg.
We also bring a deep familiarity with the Mass Central Rail Trail, having worked on
numerous segments of the trail, including a recent study of 50 miles between Hudson
and Belchertown for MassDOT.
We have assembled a tight-knit, hand-picked team dedicated to the success of this
project. Project Manager Phil Goff led the development of Northampton’s citywide
pedestrian and bicycle master plan and is ready to get back to work with the City.
Principal-in-Charge Matt Chase, a Western Massachusetts native, has more than 25
years of history of working with communities in Western Massachusetts and will support
Phil with lessons learned from other bicycle and pedestrian trails. With nearly 20 years
of bicycle and pedestrian experience, Senior Planning Advisor Mark Jewell lives in
Northampton and brings his hands-on experience walking and biking on and around
these trails.
Our team’s
familiarity with
Northampton
and depth
of SUP study
experience
throughout
Massachusetts
will allow us to
hit the ground
running on
this exciting
project.
120 Front Street, Suite 500
Worcester, Massachusetts 01608
P 508.752.1001
F 508.752.1276
The VHB Team assigned to this project has a rich history of designing SUPs, many
including bridges and boardwalks, and navigating through wetlands, floodplains, and
other environmental constraints. As a firm that focuses on enhancing mobility of our
local communities, VHB is deeply committed to delivering this project successfully for the
City of Northampton. Should you need further information or have any questions, please
contact Phil Goff at 617.607.2615 or Matt Chase at 413.426.6114.
Sincerely,
VHB
Phil Goff
Project Manager
pgoff@vhb.com
Matt Chase, PE, PTOE
Principal-in-Charge
mchase@vhb.com
City of Northampton—Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................1
1 Project Understanding........................................................................................................................................3
2 Approach/Scope of Services .............................................................................................................12
3 Experience ..................................................................................................................................................................................16
4 Team ........................................................................................................................................................................................................23
5 Fee.................................................................................................................................................................................................................33
Increasing
Connectivity
in Northampton
VHB appreciates the opportunity to work with the City of Northampton
on the first steps towards six expansions to your already robust shared
use path network. Whether winding through scenic, cultural, historic, and
recreational resources, or providing on-road bicycle improvements, these
new segments will increase community connectivity and access to all the
City and Pioneer Valley have to offer. VHB’s integrated bicycle and pedestrian
design practice delivers creative and cost-effective solutions. Our team works
with communities to maximize the use of funding to design sustainable,
context-sensitive projects that are the right fit for the community.
VHB's active transportation professionals bring the bike and pedestrian
planning, environmental, and structural experience to efficiently and
effectively complete Northampton's six SUP feasibility studies and 10%
design. Highlights of each VHB group's skills are outlined in more detail
on the following page.
50+
Active Bike Projects on the East Coast
25+
Bike Paths Constructed In Massachusetts
35+
Bike/Ped Team Professionals
VHB | Introduction
Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning & Design
VHB has over two decades of experience planning and designing bicycle and pedestrian
projects from Maine to Florida—including greenways and riverwalks, on-road bicycle
networks in both urban and rural settings, rails-to-trails, and rails-with-trails.
»Our corporate-wide Bicycle/Pedestrian Team includes planning, design, environmental,
marketing, and other professionals who meets regularly to discuss VHB bike/ped
projects, the latest public policies, events, and state-of-the-art ideas. We actively support
development of trails in the communities where we live and work: VHB is a corporate
sponsor of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and the
American Trails Association.
»We are cyclists. We use our bicycles for utility transportation both on and off-road. We
bike to work on a regular basis, and there is even a rail trail corridor in our Watertown
office parking lot. Many of VHB's bike professionals are active in NCUTCD Bicycle Technical
Committee (including the Chair of the committee), members of the League of American
Bicyclists, are League Cycling Instructors, and are bicycle commuters.
»Our rail-to-trail, rail-with-trail, and urban trail projects have been built. Our list of
completed projects and satisfied clients proves that VHB is adept at developing and
implementing public outreach and participation programs to bring together stakeholders,
abutters, and public agency officials.
Environmental
Our environmental team can advise Northampton on the full range of environmental issues
that may influence the overall direction and implementation of each shared-use pathway.
VHB offers a depth and breadth of experience in environmental permitting, entitlement
strategy, water resource management, hazardous materials management programs,
environmental risk management, agricultural land, Army Corps of Engineers coordination,
wetlands mitigation, cultural resource identification and assessment, socioeconomic
evaluations, and brownfields site evaluations and redevelopment plans. Our track record of
success is the result of effective communication and relationships with regulatory agencies,
as well as the ability to convey key regulatory and technical information.
Structural
With nearly 60 structural engineers throughout New England, VHB provides a complete range
of bridge and structural engineering services. Our structural team has assisted with studies
and design of SUPs throughout New England, including bridge inspection, evaluation, and
repair, as well as culverts, retaining walls, and structure underpinning.
VHB Bike/Ped Awards
• American Trails, National
Trails Planning/Design
Award
• American Council of
Engineering Companies,
Award of Merit
• American Planning
Association, Planning
Project Award
• American Trails, National
Trails Corporate Award
for significant, sustained,
and exemplary service to
trail design, planning, and
implementation
Columbia Greenway Trail,
Westfield, MA Cape Cod Rail Trail
VHB has over
two decades
of experience
planning and designing
bicycle and pedestrian
projects, including
greenways and on-road
bicycle networks in both
urban and rural settings.
City of Northampton—Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
1. Project Understanding
Promoting a healthy and vibrant community requires the creation of attractive, safe, and
purposeful places for people to walk, bike, skate, exercise, and travel. In New England, the
City of Northampton has been a leader in promoting active transportation and has
worked diligently to improve and expand its shared use path (SUP) network. With the
Norwottuck Rail Trail, Mass Central Rail Trail, and the New Haven & Northampton Canal
Greenway as the foundation of the network, residents can easily walk or bike between
many neighborhoods and to Florence, Williamsburg, Easthampton, Southampton, and
Hadley. Providing a secondary layer of SUPs and on-road facilities to complement the City’s
sidewalk and bike lane network is key to providing more robust connectivity to additional
neighborhoods for a larger proportion of Northampton’s population.
The 2017 Walk/Bike Northampton Plan has led to a gradual increase in bike-lane miles,
new sidewalks, and improved intersections. Many of the rail trail or path recommendations
from the 2017 plan are longer-term projects, and we appreciate that the City is looking to
move forward with 10% design for five projects that provide critical links between other
paths and trails. A sixth project—the Connecticut River Greenway—could ultimately provide
a spectacular greenway trail along one of the dominant geographic features in the area. All
projects will face challenges ranging from topographical constraints, available right-of-way,
private property/building ownership, roadway crossings, proximity to active railroad, and
environmental permitting.
VHB has a long history of working on urban trails, SUPs, and on-street bicycle facilities
throughout the Commonwealth. Our team is familiar with multiple funding sources for
implementation. Whether it be TIP, MassTrails, or another source, we can assist the City in
seeking funding. We are prepared to help advance some or all projects identified in this
Feasibility Study/10% Design once the City confirms funding availability.
Depending on the source of funding for construction, some items will need to be strategically
considered and reviewed for a seamless design and permitting process. These include:
»Wetland Impacts: Wetlands need to be carefully navigated; 5,000 square feet of impact
is the threshold before requiring a variance through the local Conservation Commission
and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). MassDOT and
MassDEP are considering categorizing rail trails as a limited project, which would make
permitting easier and not require a time-consuming and costly variance through MassDEP.
At this time, there is not an exception in place for multi-use path facilities and there is
no time line for when these new guidelines might be enacted. However, VHB is closely
following the discourse and keeping apprised of the development of these new guidelines.
On their site visit, team
members Matt Chase and
Christine Champeau began
to identify opportunities and
challenges for each SUP.
33
VHB | 1. Project Understanding
»Floodplain: We anticipate that some portions of the Connecticut River Greenway and/or
the State Hospital Path may be located within a floodplain. The displacement of floodplain
will require providing compensatory storage within the project limits. VHB would design
the path to have minimal impact, meaning it would be designed at the existing topography
or lower to minimize filling the floodplain. Ultimately, the trail will be designed to allow
flooding waters to overflow the trail as needed, similar to VHB’s design for the Blackstone
River Bikeway in Rhode Island, pictured below during and after a flood.
»Easements and Negotiations: Negotiations with some stakeholders will be necessary to
see some of the path connections implemented in the future. We recognize that this can
be a challenge in some contexts as maintenance, access, and potential vandalism become
primary concerns. VHB has experience assisting cities and towns with their public outreach
and individual property owner meetings, including creating specialized graphics, or just
listening and relieving concerns.
»Roadway Crossings: Many of the project sites will require a roadway crossing at one or
both ends of the path corridor. We will evaluate the roadway classification, available traffic
volumes and speed data, land use, and number of lanes to determine the most appropriate
crossing design. This could range from a simple piano-key crosswalk with signage, to
installation of RRFBs, to a median island, to potentially a pedestrian hybrid beacon.
»Rails and Trails: VHB is familiar with the design requirements and the permitting/ROW needs
for trails adjacent to active rails. We have performed feasibility studies, designed, permitted and
provided construction services for trails with rails, such as Blackstone River Bikeway in Rhode
Island and Massachusetts and a section of the Norwottuck Rail Trail in Belchertown. VHB is also
beginning the feasiblity study for the North Adams Adventure Trail this summer.
At the end of the Feasibility Study’s data gathering and planning process, the main objective
will be to develop both 10-percent design plans (as defined by the City of Northampton, not
to MassDOT standards) and a design memorandum that can used to review the alignment
with the City and other stakeholders. Should funding come directly from the State for
design or construction, building consensus with MassDOT will be critical, especially from a
permitting and constructability perspective.
VHB’s understanding of the issues with each of the project sites, our trail-design experience
in varied contexts, and our history of working with MassDOT and permitting agencies will be
an asset for Northampton as you continue to promote active transportation and recreation
throughout the city. The map on the following page illustrates the issues and opportunities
we've begun to identify for each site. Following the map is a discussion of our understanding
of each potential SUP.
4
VHB | 1. Project Understanding
Issues & Opportunities
Northampton, MA
MassCentral to Hotel Bridge in Leeds
»Steep embankment presents engineering challenges
»Likely high cost for short trail link
»Demand may change after Hotel Bridge is re-opened for foot/bike traffic
Connecticut River Greenway
»Heavy coordination with MassDOT required for every step
»Proximity to rail and river’s edge are major challenges
»Erosion and proximity to culvert will alter routing
Rocky Hill Greenway North
»Clark Street is narrow, but has low traffic volumes
»Bikes (and potentially pedestrians) to share road with cars
»Coordination with MassDEP is required, but may not be successful
Rocky Hill Greenway Gap
»Key link between existing paths to the north and to the south
»Portion of route accommodated along easement held by City
»Purchase of private home required to connect to Florence Road
State Hospital Path
»Topographical and erosion challenges in places
»Path is currently well defined and well used in many areas
»Environmental conditions will require further study and significant permitting
New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway/Herbert Avenue Ramp
»Path link along top of dike is the preferred alignment
»Getting around old building and/or gas line is a significant design challenge
»Narrow ROW connection to South Street for path users and cars
1
2
3
4
5
6
MassCentral Rail Trail
MassCentral Rail Trail
Norw ottuck Rail TrailNorw ottuck Rail TrailN e w H a v e n & Northam pton Canal Greenw a y
N e w H a v e n & Northam pton Canal Greenw a y
CONNECTICUT RIVER
Existing Trails
Roadway
Proposed Trails
Town Border
1200 meters
1/8 1/4 1/2 1
N
5
VHB | 1. Project Understanding
Project 1: Mass Central to Hotel Bridge in Leeds
The proposed SUP will connect the Hotel Bridge, which is currently closed but is proposed
to be renovated to allow for bicycle and pedestrian access only, to the Mass Central Rail Trail
(MCRT). The alignment for this segment appears to be well defined; the City owns the land
and a footpath that has been carved through the woods from Main Street to the bottom of
the embankment near the edge of the trail.
Challenges begin at the embankment, as there is a drainage swale and a very steep rise to
the MCRT. To meet ADA requirements, a switchback or long access ramp will be required to
reach the trail above.
VHB has designed similar access points for the Columbia Greenway in
Westfield and the MCRT in Williamsburg where the elevated, abandoned
railroad bed sits 10-20 feet higher than the existing roadways.
A crossing will also be needed across Main Street to define the trail crossing between the
Hotel Bridge and new path. This short section of path could be very expensive to construct
due to 1) the significant change in grade to gain access to the existing trail—requiring a
retaining wall—and 2) theneed to cross the existing drainage swale that is located at the base
of the enbankment.
6
VHB | 1. Project Understanding
VHB has successfully designed and is currently designing several
projects where rails and trails co-exist and/or where paths closely
follow a river. VHB has experience performing studies to understand
the long-term impacts associated with constructing a trail adjacent to a river. It
is important to understand these issues to protect the path. The Williamsburg
Greenway in Williamsburg, MA, the Blackstone River Bikeway in Rhode Island, and
the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Adams/North Adams are all paths that run adjacent
to rivers. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail explored a trail next to the rail line until the
preferred alternative was shifted closer to the river. The Shining Sea Bikeway in
Falmouth, MA, and the Norwottuck Trail in Belchertown, MA, both run adjacent to
railroads. This summer, VHB will initiative the assessment of the Adventure Trail in
North Adams where the path is anticipated to travel along the Hoosic River and
a railroad.
Project 2: Connecticut River Greenway
This future SUP will combine beautiful views of the Connecticut River with the excitement of
running adjacent to an active railroad. There are a few challenges with this section, including
designing a “rail with trail” link, environmental permitting, MassDOT coordination (the owner
of the rail), control of existing and future erosion along the riverbank, and crossings at low
points or drainage areas.
7
VHB | 1. Project Understanding
Project 3: Rocky Hill Greenway North
This section of path will connect the residents along Ryan Road, Clark Street, Sandy Hill Road/
Stone Ridge Drive, and neighboring streets to an existing path that connects to Burts Pit Road
to the south and Overlook Drive to the west. The existing path starts at a switchback that
accesses Stone Ridge Drive. The proposed connection in the north will travel on-road via Clark
Street, then through woods before entering at the northerly dead-end on Sandy Hill Road.
A primary challenge of this project will be obtaining right-of-way and vetting impacts with the
immediate abutters. Another challenge is determining whether a path can be constructed
within the pump station/drinking well property. There also appear to be wetlands within the
City-owned property. Major design elements would include on-road bicycle accommodations
on narrow roadways and investigation of appropriate treatments, sight lines, and signage to
alert all users of the roadway.
8
VHB | 1. Project Understanding
Project 4: Rocky Hill Greenway Gap
The Rocky Hill Greenway Gap picks up at the existing path at Burts Pit Road and travels
on-road before accessing the roadway where the City’s existing pump house is located
adjacent to the Emerson Way development. From this point, the path would travel on
Emerson Way to the southeasterly side of the development where it would transition to
off-road, through woods to Florence Road where it would access the existing Black Birch Trail.
The segment through the woods could require acquiring a residential property to minimize
impacts to abutters. Several different alignments will need to be reviewed to determine
the path of least resistance and advise the City on the best approach for accessibility
and connectivity.
9
VHB | 1. Project Understanding
Project 5: State Hospital Path
This path connects the Village Hill Community via Higgins Way and the Northampton
Agricultural Reserve to Federal Street in the north. Access to Federal Street will require a
bridge crossing the Mill River. This segment has many great features, including river access
and views, stone culverts, farm fields, and existing footpaths. The existing footpath is well
packed down for most of the alignment. It is a very popular path used by many residents
and their dogs. There are some challenges that will need to be navigated as part of this initial
design phase, such as 1) mitigating or minimizing riverbank erosion, 2) short areas of steep
slopes, especially to access Higgins Way, 3) identifying impacts to endangered species, and 4)
environmental permitting to allow a path on State-owned agricultural land that lies within
a floodplain.
Finally, VHB’s structural team will work with the City to identify the appropriate bridge
crossing to Federal Street that will have the least impact to the river embankments and stay
out of the floodplain as needed.
VHB has experience working on paths that fall within land protected
by an agricultural use, constructed within a floodplain, and where
endangered species are present. The previously mentioned
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Adams/North Adams has similar environmental
concerns and land in an agricultural preservation restriction (APR), in floodplain
and has endangered species. Our project in Williamsburg has floodplain and
erosion control needs.
10
VHB | 1. Project Understanding
Project 6: New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway/
Herbert Ave Ramp
This future path will provide accommodations from South Street via Hebert Avenue to
the Manhan Rail Trail. Hebert Avenue is a narrow roadway that will require on-road bicycle
accommodations that will need to be properly striped and/or signed. Hebert Avenue is
currently used by one household and as a utility access road by Eversource. The City of
Northampton has rights to use the roadway and own some property adjacent to
Hebert Avenue.
The path alignment appears to be best proposed on the flood control levee, and the
challenge is making the connection to the Manhan Rail Trail. This alignment is different than
what was proposed by the Smith College Design Studio. The top of the levee and the rail
trail appear to have similar elevations. However, a flood control wall, gas lines, and a gas
maintenance building are major obstructions or design hurdles to making this connection.
In this context, VHB will provide several options, including possible bridge modifications,
with approximate costs to provide the desired connection.
VHB has designed a shared use path on top of a levee for the Westfield
Esplanade Project and is familiar with the permitting needs and design
requirement for this type of path.
11
City of Northampton—Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
2. Approach/Scope of Services
This Scope of Services summarizes the tasks required to ascertain the feasibility of the six
shared use paths/path links defined in the City’s Request for Engineering Proposals (RFP),
dated June 2, 2021. For the context of our Approach, “feasibility” includes a summary of
the design and engineering challenges, the required permitting, ROW/property issues, and
order-of-magnitude cost estimates for each segment of the six paths. The study will include
design plans at an approximately 10% level to be completed in AutoCAD with profiles, station
numbers, and typical sections.
Task 1: City and Stakeholder Engagement
Kick-off Meeting
VHB will initiate the project by holding a kick-off meeting with City officials and other
stakeholders to confirm goals, approach, establish lines of communication, and discuss an
anticipated project schedule and deliverables. Per local and state public health guidelines
at the time of the meeting, we hope that the kick-off can be held in person in Northampton.
Whether in person or virtually, the meeting will be followed by a field walk of the project site
(see Task 2 below).
Stakeholder Meeting
Upon coordination with the City, VHB will be available to meet with key stakeholders who
may include additional City staff, nearby property owners, institutional representatives (e.g.
Smith College), members of the business community, MassDOT, and environmental/trail
advocates. The meeting could either occur immediately after the kick-off meeting, or later in
the process when the team has developed initial concept designs and identified permitting
needs and next steps.
Deliverables: Summary meeting notes from kick-off and stakeholder meeting
The following scope1 will be applied to all projects selected to be advanced by the
City. Some projects could require additional meetings with other stakeholders
such as MassDOT (such as for the Connecticut River Greenway). The goal will be to
coordinate kick-off meetings, field observations, stakeholder meetings, and other
tasks simultaneously for all selected projects to be advanced.
1 The Scope of Services and fee (starting on page 33) is based on individual project
assignments. If multiple assignments are selected—three or more—VHB is open to discussing
with the City opportunities to create efficiencies in our Scope by combining tasks (e.g. field
work, meetings, etc.) that could save budget and reduce the aggregate fee.
12
VHB | 2. Approach/Scope of Services
Task 2: Base Mapping and Field Reconnaissance
Base Mapping
Prior to or just after the kick-off, VHB will collect GIS data (desktop and in the field, see below).
The previously established survey information and LIDAR data will be obtained from the City.
These will be used to develop a base map of the project limits that includes GIS based right-
of-way and parcel lines, topography, streets, trails and sidewalks, natural features, designated
wetlands and floodplains, and building footprints. The base map will be adjusted and
finalized with the information gathered from the field reconnaissance described below.
Field Reconnaissance
After the Task 1 kick-off meeting, VHB and City staff (if desired) can meet on a site tour to
collect field data, confirm project limits, review potential path-alignment options, and
discuss likely engineering, environmental, and permitting challenges. We will create a photo
log and collect important information with a GPS-based tablet to verify base mapping
described above. Field notes will be created to document constraints and possible design
solutions discussed in the field.
Deliverables: Existing AutoCAD base plans and GIS base mapping for graphics, as described
in Task 3
Task 3: Environmental Due Diligence
VHB will provide an environmental review using the desktop review and field observations
from previous tasks. We will review things such as Endangered Species, Cultural and Historic
considerations, FEMA Flood Plain, Hazardous Material Sites, and other information as
available via GIS and as deemed necessary for the project being reviewed.
Deliverables: Graphics using GIS information and field observation. Cursory review of
potential permitting needs will be included in the final design memorandum noted below in
Task 8 below.
Task 4: Opportunities and Challenges Analysis
VHB will analyze both the opportunities to seamlessly provide a path connection and the
challenges associated with each project and alignment. The Opportunities and Challenges
for the site will be gathered during the kick-off meeting, the field reconnaissance, and
through subsequent web research and analysis. Some projects could require alignment
alternatives, such as the Rocky Hill Greenway Gap or Rocky Hill Greenway Extension
North. VHB will work with the City to provide feasible alternatives with the best options for
implementation.
Deliverables: Opportunities and Challenges map for the project site, provided as a simple
two-dimensional alignment for discussion purposes before advancing to Task 5 where
vertical information will be reviewed more closely.
13
VHB | 2. Approach/Scope of Services
Task 5: Development of Concept Design
VHB will develop a conceptual design for the path to track the alignment and identify
constraints, challenges, and needs. The concept will be prepared at an agreed-upon scale to
depict the improvements. This could be 20-scale or 40-scale and is dependent on the format
of the survey, the LIDAR being used, and the length of the project. VHB will prepare plans
in AutoCAD Civil 3D and it is anticipated that some conversion of the survey will be needed
to accommodate a Civil 3D format. The survey does not meet MassDOT design standards
and therefore supplemental survey, or conversions of existing survey could be required if
pursuing state/federal funding. Supplemental or conversions of survey data is not included in
this scope and fee.
The plans will include call-out notes, photos, and typical cross-sections to highlight
important features in the path alignment.
Deliverables: Concept Design Plans on survey or LIDAR base plan for City and/or stakeholder
comments (depending on time line for Task 1 Stakeholder meeting). These concepts will be
used to develop a more detailed design as described in Task 6.
Task 6: Development of 10% Design and Summary Table
VHB will develop 10% design plans for the alignment identified in Task 5 above. The
10% design will not be prepared to meet the requirements of a 10% design submission
to MassDOT, and therefore the design is more comparable to a conceptual alignment
plan on survey or LIDAR data with a profile. The design will use design standards and
guidelines from MassDOT, the City, AASHTO, and other resources as applicable. Typical cross
sections and other relevant details will be provided. Other standard details could include
boardwalk details, bridge details, wall details, or others to communicate features needed to
accommodate the path alignment. Design of boardwalks, bridges and walls could require
geotechnical information and design, which is not included in this scope and fee. VHB will
use other applicable in-house designs that could be suitable for application in these projects.
However, further engineering could be required once this scope is completed.
Deliverables: 11”x17” or 24”x36” design plans (depending on project length) in a PDF format
using AutoCAD will be prepared. If needed, the design plans can be place on aerial maps. On
average up to two typical cross sections of the proposed path will be included. The plans will
describe segment length, path width/material, ROW needs, profile, and other information to
depict the improvements. Excel table will be prepared summarizing critical segments of the
path for the City review and consideration and will summarize critical information identified
during the development of this task and other tasks.
Task 7: Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates
Supplementing the design work described above, VHB will provide an order-of-magnitude
cost estimate for each project assignment. The fee can be separated into segments for
each project if deemed necessary. Order of magnitude costs will be prepared using linear
foot costs, lump sum costs, and contingencies or allowances for unknowns. A detailed cost
estimate using individual items per City or MassDOT cost estimating standards will not be
14
VHB | 2. Approach/Scope of Services
prepared, although some MassDOT items might be used for ease of obtaining current bid
prices through MassDOT’s database. For ease of reference in the report, cost estimates could
be summarized into ranges for prioritizing action items, see below. Spreadsheets supporting
construction costs can be attached to the final memorandum prepared for each assignment.
VHB will discuss the best approach with the City. Cost estimates will likely fall into a range, such as:
»$ – <$50,000
»$$ – $50,000 – $300,000
»$$$ – $300,001 – $800,000
»$$$$ – >$800,000
Deliverables: Costs will be included in the memo and in the summary table noted in Task 6
above. A more detailed excel table will be inserted into Appendix for reference.
Task 8: Draft/Final Technical Memorandum
VHB will prepare a summary of findings including the supporting documents for the tasks
described above. This will pull all the information gathered in previous tasks and provide a
summary in one cohesive memorandum for each project. VHB will attend a virtual meeting
with City of Northampton staff to present and discuss findings from the draft memorandum
and the need for any necessary revisions. The final memorandum will include a brief
implementation strategy that identifies "next steps" for advancing the project’s design,
including permitting needs, further coordination with other agencies and potential phasing.
Note: Although the Scope of Services includes a Technical Memorandum for
each of the six projects, as described in the RFP, VHB is open to combining
all memoranda into a single report. VHB will discuss with the City the final
presentation of the projects and alternatives, we anticipate developing a 2D
colored plan view of the preferred alternatives to illustrate the improvements. This
will likely be on an aerial photo using the AutoCAD line work. If 3D renderings are
desired, VHB will discuss what can be accommodated within the budget allocated.
Shining Sea Bikeway
15
Example of 10% design plan rendering
City of Northampton—Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
3. Experience
Each of the six studies will bring its own set of challenges, from on-road sections, to stream
crossings, to environmental permitting. In our over 20 years of experience studying and
designing bike paths throughout Massachusetts, VHB has faced these challenges and
more. The projects on the following pages were selected to demonstrate our most relevant
Massachusetts SUP feasibility study experience.
Westfield Columbia River GreenwayBlackstone River Bikeway
Beacon Street, Brookline
Watertown Greenway Bike PathShining Sea Bikeway
1616
VHB | 3. Experience
17
Upper Charles Trail: Center Trail, Campus Connector Trail
& Main Street Corridor
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
VHB has multiple projects with the Town of Hopkinton. The Campus Connector Trail is the
third phase of a multi-phase trail project that will extend the Upper Charles Trail from the
Town of Ashland to the Town of Milford (a total of 5-miles). The design is funded through
a MassTrails Grant and the Town is exploring various funding sources including TIP. A
portion of the Campus Connector falls within a Conservation Restriction and will need to be
constructed with stone dust.
VHB is currently working with the Town on the Project Development and overall Master
Planning/Permitting phase for the entire alignment. The first phase or the Center Trail
was constructed several years ago, as a stone path. The second phase is the Main Street
Corridor which is a one-mile roadway and intersection improvement project that includes a
separated shared use path through downtown. Utilities for half of the project length will be
placed underground. This is one of the first and the largest undergrounding project taken
on by MassDOT. Main Street is currently under construction and funded through a variety of
sources including TIP, MassWorks, and Town Funding and has a total cost of around $21M,
with MassDOT managing $12M of the project and the Town is funding other aspects of the
construction for electrical upgrades, landscaping improvements, etc.
The total project cost is $21M, with MassDOT managing $12M of the project and the
Town funding other aspects of the construction for electrical upgrades, landscaping
improvements, etc.
EXISTING GAS PIPELINE
(EVERSOURCE)Wes
t
Ma
in
S
t
ree
t Ash StreetWood StreetPHASE 3
PROPOSED MAIN
STREET CORRIDOR
PROJECT
(CONSTRUCTION 2021)
PHASE 8
East
Ma
in
S
t
ree
tTown of HopkintonLegacy
Farms
(Pulte)
Hopkinton
State Park
(DCR)
Tennessee
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(KINDER
MORGAN)
Legacy
Farms
Wilson St.Howe
S
t
.
Dam
Legacy FarmsRoad NorthLegacy
Farms
(Heritage)
Legacy
Farms ("The
Trails")
PHASE 9
WATERFR
E
S
H
FARMS St
ree
tChestnut StreetGrani
te S
treet
Chamberla
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S
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t Teresa RoadECHO LAK
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PHASE 7
PHASE
4
PHASE 2
PHASE 4
Town of HopkintonTown of MilfordT
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T
ow
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o
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Echo Trail (Comp
l
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2
0
1
7
)
CENTER TRAIL
(COMPLETED 2006)CENTER TRAIL
(COMPLETE
D
2
0
0
6
)
PHASE 11
Route 85
CrossingsTown of AshlandHayden
R
o
w
e
St. (
S
R
8
5)
Center
School
HOPKINS
ELEMENTA
R
Y
SCHOOL
(PRELIMIN
A
R
Y
DESIGN O
N
-
G
O
I
N
G
)
CAMPUS T
R
A
I
L
CONNECT
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PHASE 1
HOPKINTON
HIGH SCHOOL
HOPKINTON
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Hayden Row
e
S
t
.
(
S
R
8
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)
EMC Park
Parking Lot
MARATHO
N
ELEMENT
A
R
Y
SCHOOL Ho
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k
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i
s
t
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PHASE 6a
CollegePHASE 5
PHASE 6
EXISTING GAS PIPELINE
(TENNESSEE GAS)
PHASE 10
\\vhb\gbl\proj\Worcester\13539.00\cad\te\planmisc\Overall Plan.dwg
DATE:12/15/20
LEGEND:UPPER CHARLES RIVER TRAIL OVERALL ALIGNMENT SCHEMATIC
Client
Town of Hopkinton
VHB Schedule
Center Trail,
Completed—2016
Main Street Corridor
(Separated Path), Under
Construction
Campus Connector Trail,
25% Design Ongoing
VHB | 3. Experience
18
North Adams Adventure Trail
Williamstown to North Adams, Massachusetts
The North Adams Adventure Trail (NAAT) is an envisioned 7.5 mile, east-west, off-road, shared
use path/greenway connecting Williamstown to North Adams along a similar alignment as
the existing State Route 2, Pan Am Southern Railroad and the Hoosic River. Currently, the
future trail is divided into three distinct segments in various stages of planning and design.
The first segment is phase 1 of the 2.5-mile Mohawk River Bikeway - a MassDOT-funded
project scheduled to begin construction in 2021. The second segment is a 1.3-mile segment
privately owned by Tourists resort who have recently received state funding to advance their
portion. (VHB was selected by the City to prepare the 10% design for this second segment.)
The remaining 2 miles is the focus of this feasibility study, stretching from Protection
Avenue to the grounds of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MassMOCA).
This east-west corridor has been identified as a high priority for the Commonwealth’s trail
and greenway system in numerous visions and statewide planning documents including
MassDOT’s statewide Bike and Pedestrian Plans, DCR's Commonwealth Connections, and
various local and regional plans. The trail is envisioned to be a significant regional draw for
both recreation and active transportation, while linking two major cultural institutions - the
Clark Art Institute with MassMOCA. Ultimately, the completion of this trail would further the
goal of a future connection with the popular Ashuwillticook Rail Trail to the south, creating a
completely off-road network of nearly 30 miles through the Berkshires, linking Williamstown,
North Adams and Pittsfield.
MassDOT selected VHB to develop a feasibility study to complete the planning phase of
the third segment as part of the overall planned off-road shared-use path connecting
Williamstown and North Adams. VHB conducted a site walk and identified multiple
alternatives that will be analyzed using GIS mapping data to compare potential impacts. Due
to the unique nature of determining a suitable right-of-way for the future trail, an appropriate
order of magnitude impact and cost assessment will be considered in the feasibility study.
Client
MassDOT
VHB Schedule
Started: 2021
Ongoing
VHB | 3. Experience
19
Mass Central Rail Trail Feasibility Study I-495 Hudson
to Belchertown
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Central Railroad (MCRR) originally ran from Boston west 104 miles to
Northampton. The vision for the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) is to convert as much of the
original 104-mile rail corridor as possible to an east-west, off-road, shared use path/greenway
connecting Northampton to Boston.
VHB worked with MassDOT to develop a feasibility study to complete the construction of the
MCRT as an off-road shared-use path along the original MCRR corridor from the I-495 area
in Hudson to the existing terminus of the Norwottuck Rail Trail in Belchertown. The current
ownership, condition and existing use of this approximately 50 mile study area varies greatly.
Some sections have been converted to a shared-use path; some sections are in public
ownership with an intact railbed. Other sections are active railroads while still others are now
in private ownership and the original railbed has been obliterated or converted to different
uses. The study inclded the following tasks:
»Locate the original MCRR right-of-way (railbed) and assess the existing condition
of the corridor
»Locate adjacent intersecting trails that have been built or are in the planning/design stages
»Verify ownership of the MCRR corridor
»Verify current use of railbed as intact, existing trail, active RR, inactive RR, other
»Identify potential alternate trail routes around constrained sections for further evaluation
The completed study broke each section down into segments with a general description of
existing conditions, potential trail option and a rating of difficulty of implementation from
low difficulty to high difficulty.
Client
MassDOT
VHB Schedule
Completed February 2021
VHB | 3. Experience
Watertown-Cambridge Greenway—Phase II
Watertown and Cambridge, Massachusetts
DCR selected VHB to design 5,600 linear feet of greenway, so that it can be constructed on
land owned by both DCR and City of Cambridge along the former Boston & Maine (B&M)
Right-of-Way. The Watertown-Cambridge Greenway Phase II is a vital link in the Regional
Bikeway network. The construction of this segment signifies the completion of an important
regional connection linking the Charles River path system, the Minuteman Bikeway, the Alewife
Greenway, and the Mystic River Reservation into an interconnected off-road pathway network.
The right-of-way has been physically abandoned for some time, but the steel rails and
wood railroad ties remain in place throughout most of the right-of-way within the project
limits. Historic use of rail beds involved the use of oil and coal to power trains and the use
of pesticides (such as lead arsenate) to manage vegetation. These chemicals have been
associated with normal railroad operations and are likely to be found along the corridor. The
project will incorporate the MassDEP’s best management practices to address the potential
exposure to contaminated soil by capping the soil in place with pavement and
shoulder landscaping.
The proposed greenway crosses roadways at two locations—Nichols Avenue/Arlington Street
and Cottage Street. The Cottage Street crossing is shorter and experiences a significantly
lower volume of traffic than Arlington Street, but presents its own challenges. Each of these
locations was field reviewed to identify the appropriate improvements necessary to provide
safe crossings and access in accordance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD). VHB evaluated roadway and trail geometry, intersection sight distances, grades,
and roadway traffic volumes and speeds to assess each location for both trail users and
motorists. Working with DCR, VHB developed recommendations for DCR to consider and
incorporated the preferred recommendations into the design.
Client
Department of
Conservation and
Recreation (DCR)
VHB Schedule
Construction completed
2021
20
VHB | 3. Experience
21
Mill River Greenway
Williamsburg, Massachusetts
VHB is currently working with the Town of Williamsburg and MassDOT to design roadway
improvements along Route 9 that will incorporate a shared use path along one side of the
roadway. The shared use path or Greenway will run parallel to Route 9 and along the Mill
River for approximately two-miles from downtown Williamsburg to downtown Haydenville.
Route 9 is owned and maintained by MassDOT.
In addition, VHB is working with the Town to develop roadway and bicycle improvements
along South Main Street from Route 9 to the Mass Central Rail Trail in Northampton. These
improvements are anticipated to extend 0.5 miles, but is a separate project to that of Route 9.
A pedestrian bridge and retaining wall repairs are anticipated to be included.
For Route 9, the project is anticipated to have a scour/retaining wall that will be
approximately 1,000-linear feet long and will be necessary to construct the greenway and
keep Route 9 from eroding into the river. A pedestrian bridge is anticipated to be needed at
two locations.
The project is being closely coordinated with the Town’s Mill River Greenway Committee
and MassDOT District 1. The project has been accepted by MassDOT and has successfully
navigated the 10% design submission with MassDOT. 25% design is anticipated to be
submitted in late 2021 or early 2022. MassDOT is funding the design for the Route 9 design
through one of VHB's on-call contracts
Client
Town of Williamsburg,
MassDOT
VHB Schedule
Started: Dec. 2017
Ongoing
VHB | 3. Experience
22
Columbia Greenway Rail Trail
Westfield, Massachusetts
The City of Westfield is developing a rails-to-trails greenway project on abandoned track.
The track travels north-south connecting the Southwick Rail Trail, completed in 2011, with
the heart of downtown and ending on the northerly side of the Westfield River. South of
downtown, the Greenway passes the former Columbia Bicycle manufacturing site, providing
the trail name: the Columbia Greenway. The city chose VHB to provide planning, design and
bridge improvement services; follow-on services included construction oversight and full-
time field inspection along with preparing “as-builts” for the completed project.
The Columbia Greenway uses under-utilized and abandoned railroad property to meet
transportation needs and create recreational opportunities. More than three miles of
multiuse paved trails are being constructed, including six new bridges and three rehabilitated
bridges. Additional features include pathway and trail safety lighting, access ramps/walkways
to downtown, emergency vehicle access points, landscaping, retaining walls, safety rails,
drainage, benches, and parking.
The project is being completed in multiple phases to meet funding constraints. VHB
prepared concept plans and preliminary engineering in the initial phase, as well as
preliminary bridge assessments. The Southern Segments and a portion of the Central
Segment were constructed from 2012–2014 using two Gateway City Grants from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The remainder of the Central Segment includes five bridges and was advertised by MassDOT
through the State's TIP Program. Construction started in the Fall of 2019 and is anticipated
to be completed in 2021. VHB is assisting the City and MassDOT with part-time construction
services. The Northern Segment, which includes the rehabilitation of the Warrant Thru Truss
Bridge over the Westfield River, has recently been completed in 2018.
Client
City of Westfield
VHB Schedule
Phase 5 completed in 2016
Phase 6 completed in 2018
Phase 7 construction to be
completed 2021
City of Northampton—Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
4. Team
We have hand-picked a small team of local professionals experienced in SUP design and familiar
with Northampton who are ready to work efficiently to develop effective solutions for the City.
Project Manager Phil Goff led the development of Northampton's citywide pedestrian and
bicycle master plan, and he's excited about the opportunity to continue working with the
City to expand your SUP network. Principal-In-Charge Matt Chase, a western Massachusetts
native, and Senior Project Engineer Christine Champeau have recently worked together
on a number of similar projects in Massachusetts, including trails in Hopkinton, Westfield,
Williamsburg, and North Adams. With nearly 20 years bike/ped experience, Senior Planning
Advisor Mark Jewell lives in Northampton and has been walking and biking on and around
these trails for years.
City of
Northampton
Project Engineer
Peter Barozzi, pe
Senior Project Engineer
Christine Champeau, pe
Senior Planning Advisor
Mark Jewell, aicp
Project Manager
Phil Goff
Support Staff
Design/Graphics
Principal-In-Charge
Matt Chase, pe, ptoe
Team Organization
23
VHB | 4. Team
24
Education
MS, Transportation Engineering
and Planning, University of
Massachusetts Amherst, 1996
BS, Civil and Environmental
Engineering, University of
Massachusetts Amherst, 1995
AS, Civil Engineering, Holyoke
Community College, 1993
Registrations/Certifications
Professional Engineer (Civil) MA,
2003 (#45175)
Professional Traffic Operations
Engineer (Traffic), 2008
Affiliations/Memberships
Institute of Transportation
Engineers
Matthew J. Chase, pe, ptoe
Principal-In-Charge
Matt is a Principal and Director of Municipal Services in VHB’s Worcester office. A
Professional Engineer registered in Massachusetts, he has in-depth experience on
a diverse range of civil, transportation, and traffic projects across the state. These
projects have included site planning/design, local permitting, MEPA permitting,
traffic impact and access studies, transportation corridor planning/feasibility studies,
functional design reports, traffic peer reviews, transportation master plans, rail trails,
shared use and multi-trail paths, and transportation civil roadway projects that include
signal and roadway design. Matt and his team has extensive experience in designing
and permitting project through the State’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
He is also certified as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE), which is a
nationally recognized certification.
27 years of professional experience
Upper Charles Trail/ Main Street Corridor | Hopkinton, MA
VHB has multiple projects with the Town of Hopkinton and Matt is the Project Manager for
many of them. VHB is currently working with the Town on the Project Development and
overall Master Planning/ Permitting phase for the entire 5-mile alignment of the Upper
Charles Trail from the Town of Ashland to the Town of Milford. The first phase or the Center
Trail was constructed several years ago, as a stone path. The second phase is the Main Street
Corridor which is a one-mile roadway and intersection improvement project that includes a
separated shared use path through downtown.
In addition to the shared use path, roadway and intersection improvements, sidewalk
improvements, drainage improvements, etc. Utilities for half of the project length will be
placed underground. This is one of the first and the largest undergrounding project taken
on by MassDOT. Main Street is currently under construction and funded through a variety
of sources including TIP, MassWorks, and Town Funding and has a total cost of around
$21M ($12M from TIP and $9M from MassWorks and local funding). The Campus Connector
Trail is the third phase of this multi-phase trail project that will extend the Upper Charles
Trail through the Hopkins Elementary School. The design is funded through a MassTrails
Grant and the Town is exploring various funding sources for construction including TIP. The
project was recently approved through the MassDOT Project Review Committee (PRC). A
portion of the Campus Connector falls within a Conservation Restriction and will need to be
constructed with stone dust.
Westfield Columbia Greenway | Westfield, MA
Matt served as a Traffic Engineer, Project Manager, and now Principal-in-Charge/ Senior
Advisor for this 3.2-mile rail trail in the heart of the City of Westfield. Matt was involved
with and responsible for planning, permitting, final design, and now construction phase
services. The former Pioneer Valley Railroad right of way includes six new bridges and three
rehabilitated bridges over seven phases. The last phase is currently under construction by
MassDOT, which was funded through the TIP. The structures carry the path over city streets
VHB | 4. Team
25
Matthew J. Chase, pe, ptoe
and the Westfield River. Unique aspects of the project includes re-use of existing historical
railroad bridges to maintain the characteristic of the downtown historic district, extensive
hardscaping and landscaping, trail design with access paths to city streets, and ornamental
lighting design.
Mill River Greenway | Williamsburg, MA
Through VHB’s on-call contract with MassDOT, Matt is the Project Manager for this 2-mile Mill
River Greenway Project that will extend the Mass Central Trail from downtown Haydenville to
downtown Williamsburg. The Project Development phase for this project was funded by the
Town through several grants including a DCR Recreation Trails Grant and included survey.
MassDOT has recently taken over the design and VHB contracted through our on-call contract
to advance the 25% design. The project includes a new shared use path along the Mill River,
as well as the reconstruction of Route 9 and will include a new pedestrian bridge, new
drainage, new sidewalks, and pavement rehabilitation. The project is anticipated to include
an approximate 1,000-foot retaining wall that accommodates the roadway, the Greenway,
and protects against future river erosion. Mitigation within the Mill River is proposed, which is
aimed and shifting the river closer to the original meandering path, which will reduce erosion
along the proposed wall and roadway. VHB is also working with MassDOT and the Town,
under two separate contracts, to replace two bridges, add one pedestrian bridge, and add
0.5-miles of a shared use path down South Main Street. All three projects are anticipated to
add 2.5-miles to the Mass Central Rail Trail. Construction dates are not yet defined but the
2-mile Greenway project along Route 9 is anticipated to have a construction cost of almost
$25M to $30M.
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail | Adams/North Adams, MA
Matt served as a Project Manager for the planning and project development phase of the
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail project from Lime Street in Adams to Hodges Cross Road (Route 8A)
in North Adams. This study began in 2012 and evaluated a number of alignments through
farm fields, adjacent active rail beds, on an old trolley line bed, and an offset alignment to
Route 8. The final alignment that was selected will follow the Hoosic River in Adams before
traveling along an old trolley bed and traversing behind the McCann High School in North
Adams then accessing Route 8A. The project is now in the 25% design stage where Matt is
the Principal-in-Charge/ Senior Advisor for the design. The is path will be a 10-foot wide
paved, universally accessible, passive recreation path. The rail trail passes through the
Hoosic River Valley, between the Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Mountain Ranges. In many
places, the trail is surrounded by wetlands, floodplain, and endangered species; but provides
outstanding views of the scenery and abundant wildlife. The project will have several stream
and wetland crossings. VHB worked closely with the Town and MassDOT to develop an
alignment that will use five bridges, 500-feet or retaining walls, and 2,000-feet of boardwalk
to lessen impacts to environmental sensitive areas. A portion of the project is located within
land that is under an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR). The project is 2.4-miles long
and the construction cost is estimated at approximately $7.9M. The project is on the 2025 TIP.
Matt also assisted the Town in securing a $1M design grant.
VHB | 4. Team
26
Education
MArch in Urban Design,
University of Oregon, 1998
BArch, Syracuse University, 1991
Affiliations/Memberships
East Arlington Livable Streets
Coalition (Founder and Chair)
Association of Pedestrian and
Bicycle Professionals
Bike-Walk Alliance of NH (Board
Member, 2016–2019)
LivableStreets Alliance (Board
Member, 2005–2009)
Phil Goff
Project Manager
Phil brings over 20 years of multimodal network planning, pedestrian/bicycle
facility design, and urban design experience to VHB. He merges his passion for active
transportation planning and streetscape design with his keen ability to effectively
manage a diverse set of complex projects. Phil uses his design, planning, and bicycle
advocacy background to manage network-planning, trail-feasibility and roadway
corridor projects for regions, cities, towns, and campuses throughout the Northeast.
His sincere passion for making communities more lively, accessible, and sustainable
places represents a common theme in his work.
22 years of professional experience
Northampton Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan | Northampton, MA
Prior to joining VHB, Phil led the development of a citywide pedestrian and bicycle master
plan for the City of Northampton. The year-long planning effort is being used to guide
investments in trails, complete streets infrastructure, and walk/bike programs for the next
20 years. The contract included a Complete Street conceptual redesign of Main Street
downtown, and development of the Hampshire County Urban, Suburban, and Rural
Complete Streets Design Guide.
Loop Trail Feasibility Study | Laconia, NH
Phil is serving as project manager and lead planner for a trail loop feasibility study
in Laconia, NH. The goal is to develop a set of high-level recommendations to extend
an existing segment of the WOW Trail to form a 7-mile loop around Lake Opechee. Phil
is investigating both on-street segments and off-road links to enhance pedestrian and
bicycle access and safety. The effort includes graphic renderings and cost estimates for the
recommended segments.
Regional Naugatuck River Greenway | CT
Prior to joining VHB, Phil oversaw the regional greenway trail routing plan for the 22-milelong
corridor along the Naugatuck River. Phil served as project manager responsible for the final
alignment that threaded the trail in-between Route 8 and the adjacent rail line that carries
Metro-North commuter rail service to New York. The planning effort included preliminary
permitting requirements, cost estimates, a recommended phasing plan, and funding options.
Upper Charles Trail Feasibility and Routing Study | Ashland, MA
Prior to joining VHB, Phil led the feasibility study and routing plan for the Ashland portion
of the five-community Upper Charles Trail network. Without an abandoned rail corridor for
the trail, the work involved exploration of various off-road and on-street solutions to provide
access across town and spur connections to the downtown district, the MBTA station, the
middle and high schools, and two nearby state parks. The Town has received MassTrails
funding to implement the early-phased segments of the trail based on the routing
plan’s recommendations.
Cheshire Rail Trail Loop Project | Keene, NH
Prior to joining VHB, Phil was lead planner and designer for the on-street portion of the
Cheshire Loop Project, a five-mile walking and bike loop that includes a combination of
rail trail and on-street bike lanes. The effort included the exploration of multiple options to
accommodate bicycles on roadways with narrow shoulders but available space in the ROW
for improvements.
VHB | 4. Team
27
Phil Goff
Main Street Complete Street Redesign | Northampton, MA
Prior to joining VHB, Phil led the conceptual-design plan for Main Street in Northampton.
The intent was to create an implementable preliminary design that improves pedestrian
and bicycle safety, transit access, and the sense-of-place downtown. Design work included
the re-channelization of the wide roadway into a two-lane street with turn lanes, a sidewalk-
grade separated bike lane, improved sidewalks and crosswalks, and various landscape/
streetscape enhancements. The City of Northampton is currently seeking state and federal
funding for final design and engineering, and implementation.
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission | Bike Share Business and System Plan | MA
Prior to joining VHB, Phil was project manager for this effort to develop a detailed business
plan, phasing, and station site plans for the bike share program in the Pioneer Valley. Phil
worked closely with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission as well as representatives from
Amherst, Holyoke, Northampton, and Springfield to determine the preferred station sites
and pursue sponsorship funding for the program. Using Phil’s plan as a blueprint, the region
implemented bike share in less than two years after its adoption.
MassDOT, Charles River Basin Connectivity Plan | MA
Prior to joining VHB, Phil worked with the MassDOT and DCR to develop a plan that
addresses the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists along an eight-mile stretch of the
Charles River Basin in Boston, Cambridge, and Watertown. The multi-year effort included
recommendations for new paths along the river, in addition to enhanced pedestrian and
bike connections to the adjacent neighborhoods and ten bridges across the Charles River.
Since adoption, the Connectivity Study has been used by DCR and adjacent communities
to improve the path and bridge network along the river in multiple locations including the
Charlesgate interface, Greenough Blvd. (designed by VHB), and intersection improvements at
the Boston end of the River Street and Western Avenue bridges.
VHB | 4. Team
28
Education
MS, Parks, Recreation, &
Tourism Management, Clemson
University, 2000
BS, Forestry, Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University,
1997
Registrations/Certifications
American Institute of Certified
Planners
OSHA 10-Hour Construction
Safety and Health Certificate, CT
Affiliations/Memberships
National Speleological Society
Mark C. Jewell, aicp
Senior Planning Advisor
Mark is a Senior Planner in VHB’s Wethersfield, Connecticut, office with two decades of
experience. Prior to joining VHB, Mark worked extensively in the field of transportation,
recreation, and environmental planning, primarily with the National Park Service and
the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. His planning experience includes,
federal, state and local recreation planning including SCORP planning and municipal
open space/recreation planning. In addition, Mark has extensive experience with public
engagement/outreach and research in the areas of visitor use, carrying capacity, and
user preference studies.
21 years of professional experience; 10 years wtih VHB
GAP Closure Trail Study Plainville, Southington | New Britain, CT
Mark worked on a project to evaluate the feasibility of potential alignments and infrastructure
needs for the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail through Plainville and into Southington and a
connection to New Britain’s bicycle network and CTfastrak station. He
provided planning and public engagement expertise to the consultant team. The Farmington
Canal Heritage Trail is an 84-mile trail from New Haven, CT, to Northampton, MA, with only a
five-mile gap remaining in Plainville, CT. This comprehensive alignment study involved the
review of over 17 different alignment options including analysis related
to permitting, costs, right-of-way impacts, cultural resource preservation, neighborhood
public engagement, FAA coordination, and coordination with other federal, state, regional
and local management stakeholders.
CTDOT, Transportation Alternatives Program | CT
As part of VHB’s Liaison Consultant team to support the Connecticut Department of
Transportation’s (CTDOT) Local Roads Section, Mark performs a wide-range of tasks that
include assisting in the planning and selection of new Transportation Alternatives projects,
performing preliminary through final design reviews, and providing project management/
tracking. Transportation Alternatives projects have included bikeways, riverwalks, urban park
redevelopment, roadway, streetscape and landscape improvements, lighthouse and historic
building rehabilitation. As a Liaison Consultant, Mark is in close coordination with CTDOT
staff, municipalities, and other consultants to expedite projects from concept stage through
to construction.
NPS, Outdoor Recreation Planner
Prior to joining VHB, Mark was an Outdoor Recreation Planner for the National Park
Service (NPS) where he was responsible for multi-agency coordination, facilitation, and
inter/multimodal planning/project tracking, specifically with/between the Massachusetts
Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the MA Department of Conservation and
Recreation (DCR). He worked closely with federal, state, and local partners on jointly
managed projects. He worked primarily on project tracking to observe that all projects
were advertised for construction on time. Mark also facilitated public process and utility
coordination while assisting with constructability review/project development and
responding to legislative inquires.
VHB | 4. Team
29
Education
BS, Civil Engineering, Lehigh
University, 1992
Registrations/Certifications
Professional Engineer (Civil) MA,
1997 (#40071)
Affiliations/Memberships
American Society of Civil
Engineers
Boston Society of Civil
Engineers
Christine A. Champeau, pe
Senior Project Engineer
Christine is an Assistant Chief Engineer with VHB’s Worcester office. Her responsibilities
include reviewing transportation projects for technical quality, mentoring staff,
and preparing contract documents for projects including the geometric design of
roadways and shared use paths; coordination with clients and other disciplines; and
development of specifications, bid documents, and construction cost estimates. Her
area of focus includes streetscape design and sidewalk and roadway grading. She is
also responsible for reviewing work and training highway staff in the Worcester office.
26 years of professional experience
Upper Charles Trail/ Main Street Corridor | Hopkinton, MA
VHB has multiple projects with the Town of Hopkinton and Christine is the QA/QC Engineer
for many of them. VHB is currently working with the Town on the Project Development and
overall Master Planning/ Permitting phase for the entire 5-mile alignment of the Upper
Charles Trail from the Town of Ashland to the Town of Milford. The first phase or the Center
Trail was constructed several years ago, as a stone path. The second phase is the Main Street
Corridor which is a one-mile roadway and intersection improvement project that includes a
separated shared use path through downtown.
In addition to the shared use path, roadway and intersection improvements, sidewalk
improvements, drainage improvements, etc. Utilities for half of the project length will be
placed underground. This is one of the first and the largest undergrounding project taken
on by MassDOT. Main Street is currently under construction and funded through a variety
of sources including TIP, MassWorks, and Town Funding and has a total cost of around
$21M ($12M from TIP and $9M from MassWorks and local funding). The Campus Connector
Trail is the third phase of this multi-phase trail project that will extend the Upper Charles
Trail through the Hopkins Elementary School. The design is funded through a MassTrails
Grant and the Town is exploring various funding sources for construction including TIP. The
project was recently approved through the MassDOT Project Review Committee (PRC). A
portion of the Campus Connector falls within a Conservation Restriction and will need to be
constructed with stone dust.
Columbia Greenway | Westfield, MA
Christine was the Task Manager for the design of a multi-phased shared use path project, along
the former Pioneer Valley Railroad property between the Southwick town line and Pochassic
Street, just north of the Westfield River. The project is 3.2 miles and located on an abandoned
track. The project includes the rehabilitation or replacement of nine bridges, a 10 to 12-foot
paved trail, access ramps to surrounding neighborhoods, landscaping, retaining walls, and
trail safety lighting. Her responsibilities include the design of the shared use paths and access
points, preparation of bid documents, and coordination with the City and MassDOT. She is
currently overseeing construction with the City and MassDOT on the final phase.
Mill River Greenway | Williamsburg, MA
Through VHB’s on-call contract with MassDOT, Christine is the QAQC Engineer for this 2-mile
Mill River Greenway Project that will extend the Mass Central Trail from downtown
VHB | 4. Team
30
Christine A. Champeau, pe
Haydenville to downtown Williamsburg. The project will include a shared-use path that will
run offset from Route 9. The alignment of the path will closely follow the Mill River requiring
the path to be supported on a cantilevered scour wall structure for over 1,000-linear feet. In
addition, a pedestrian bridge is proposed over the Mill River where it crosses under Route 9.
Several retaining walls will also be required. The roadway will also be redesigned to correct
horizontal deficiencies and correct Route 9 embankment erosion by the Mill River.
The new shared use path and horizontal corrections will require mitigation to the river to
prohibit future bank erosion. This is anticipated to include shifting the meandering river back
to its original location in the area where the scour wall is proposed. The project is anticipated
to have floodplain/ way impacts, work in areas of endangered species, and impacts to
wetlands and riverbanks. The project is currently at a 25% design stage and the construction
cost is estimated at $30M. The project will be seeking funding through the TIP and other State
and Federal funding sources in 2021.
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail | Adams/North Adams, MA
Christine serves as the QAQC Engineer for the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail project from Lime
Street in Adams to Hodges Cross Road (Route 8A) in North Adams. The alignment will follow
the Hoosic River in Adams before traveling along an old trolley bed and traversing behind
the McCann High School in North Adams then accessing Route 8A. The project is now in the
25% design stage. The is path will be a 10-foot wide paved, universally accessible, passive
recreation path. The rail trail passes through the Hoosic River Valley, between the Mount
Greylock and the Hoosac Mountain Ranges. In many places, the trail is surrounded by
wetlands, floodplain, and endangered species; but provides outstanding views of the scenery
and abundant wildlife. The project will have several stream and wetland crossings. VHB
worked closely with the Town and MassDOT to develop an alignment that will use bridges
and boardwalks to lessen impacts to environmental sensitive areas such as wetlands, flood
plain and endangered species. A portion of the project is located within land that is under an
Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR). The project is 2.4-miles long and the construction
cost is estimated at approximately $7.9M. The project is on the 2025 TIP.
Canalwalk | Holyoke, MA
Christine is the QAQC Engineer for two phases of this Canalwalk Project in Holyoke. The first
phase was designed and constructed by another firm, however, VHB completed Phase II and
is currently designing Phase III. Phase II extended along Race Street from Dwight Street to
Appleton Street. Phase III extends along Race Street from Appleton Street, to Cabot Street
then down Cabot Street to Canal Street. The project includes a new canal walk for off-road
pedestrian and bicycle use along Race Street. These projects will help support future
urban renewal activities, further enhance the surrounding artists district and revitalization
of mill buildings in the immediate area. The Cabot Street connection from Race Street to
Canal Street will also improve vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle connectivity to the City
of Chicopee by improving the connection to the Willimansett Bridge. Roadway, sidewalks,
bicycle accommodations, on-street parking, and traffic signals will be improved. The project
construction cost is estimated at $5.1M. 25% design was submitted in 2020 and the City will
be pursuing TIP funding in early 2021.
VHB | 4. Team
31
Education
MS, Transportation Engineering,
Northeastern University, 2019
BS, Civil Engineering,
Northeastern University, 2011
Registrations/Certifications
Professional Engineer (Civil
Engineer), MA
Peter Barozzi, pe
Project Engineer
Peter is a Transportation Engineer in VHB’s Worcester, Massachusetts, office. He
has extensive experience with complex municipal projects and MassDOT bridge
and roadway improvement projects located in urban areas within western, central,
and eastern Massachusetts. He also worked as a Project Engineer for the City of
Framingham. At the City, Peter managed several Capital Improvement Projects,
provided in-house designs and cost estimates, and oversaw the design and
construction of intersection and pedestrian crossing improvement projects. Peter has
been with VHB for almost 2.5-years.
11 years of professional experience
Mill River Greenway | Williamsburg, MA
Through VHB’s on-call contract with MassDOT, Peter helped provide the engineering plans for
this 2-mile Mill River Greenway Project that will extend the Mass Central Trail from downtown
Haydenville to downtown Williamsburg. The project will include a shared-use path that will
run offset from Route 9. The alignment of the path will closely follow the Mill River requiring
the path to be supported on a cantilevered scour wall structure for over 1,000-linear feet.
In addition, a pedestrian bridge is proposed over the Mill River where it crosses under Route
9. Several retaining walls will also be required. The roadway will also be redesigned to correct
horizontal deficiencies and correct Route 9 embankment erosion by the Mill River.
The new shared use path and horizontal corrections will require mitigation to the river to
prohibit future bank erosion. This is anticipated to include shifting the meandering river back
to its original location in the area where the scour wall is proposed. The project is anticipated
to have floodplain/ way impacts, work in areas of endangered species, and impacts to
wetlands and riverbanks. The project is currently at a 25% design stage and the construction
cost is estimated at $25M to $30M.
Upper Charles Trail/ Campus Connector | Hopkinton, MA
Peter is the lead Project Engineer on developing this half-mile shared-use path in the Town
of Hopkinton. The Project starts at Loop Road where the town’s existing Center Trail ends
and will run through existing wooded areas until ending at Hayden Rowe St (Route. 85). The
proposed alignment will require a stream crossing and a boardwalk structure over a wetland,
as well as alteration of wetland resource areas, and work within 100-foot buffer zones.
The trail alignment also navigates through land that has a Conservation Restriction and
requires the design of a non-paved surface, so stone dust in being used. The 10% plans were
submitted to MassDOT the spring of 2021 and the 25% design is ongoing.
Meadow Road | Spencer, MA
Peter was an engineer working on developing the MassDOT 25% submittal of this roadway
and shared-use path (SUP) project in the Town of Spencer. The project extends from Route 9
to Route 31, or approximately 1.5-miles. The roadway and major side streets will be realigned.
The alignment will traverse over two culverts that will be modified to accommodate the
SUP. The project will also result in the alteration of wetland resource areas, work within
100-foot buffer zones, and work adjacent to a wellhead protection area. Close coordination
VHB | 4. Team
32
Peter Barozzi, PE
with MassDOT near Route 9 is needed as it is owned by the State and a separate intersection
improvement project is being designed by others. The project is on the 2023 TIP and the
construction cost is estimated at $8.3M. 25% design was submitted in the summer of 2020.
Dudley Road Multi-Use Recreation Path | Framingham, MA
Prior to joining VHB, Peter was the Project Engineer for the installation of 4,000 linear feet
of a new 10-foot-wide separated shared use path along Dudley Road in Framingham. The
project’s funding came from MassDOT’s new Complete Streets state funding program to
assist the Commonwealth’s municipalities fund improvement projects centered around
improving road conditions to accommodate multi-modal forms of transportation safely
and reliably (cycling, pedestrians, etc.). Peter provided engineering assistance to the City’s
planners to submit the application to acquire the grant money. Once the grant money was
approved, he was responsible for developing the construction plans and managing the
path’s construction to completion on the City’s behalf.
Blandin Avenue Roadway & Sidewalk Improvements | Framingham, MA
Prior to joining VHB, Peter was Project Engineer for the installation of vertical granite curbing
and sidewalk on Blandin Avenue where none had been, complete with crosswalks and
ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps at intersections. Several drainage structure changes were
needed to be made to accommodate the altered stormwater conditions and the road was
milled and resurfaced. Peter developed the construction plans and assisted with on site
design changes during construction.
Route 202 Roadway Improvements | Belchertown and Granby, MA
Prior to joining VHB, Peter worked on a project for the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (MassDOT) to provide new sidewalk, curbing, and roadway box widening for
new bike lanes on seven miles of Massachusetts State Route 202 in Belchertown and Granby.
He assisted in producing the plans, specifications, and cost estimate for a 25% submission to
MassDOT for review and comments.
City of Northampton—Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study
5. Fee
The fee on the following page, as with our Scope of Services, is based on individual project
assignments. If multiple assignments are selected—three or more—VHB is open to discussing
with the City opportunities to create efficiencies in our Scope by combining tasks (e.g. field
work, meetings, etc.) that could save budget and reduce the aggregate fee.
3333
Northampton SUP
Feasibility Study
Cost Summary
Matt
Chase
Principal-
In-Charge
$220/hr
Phil
Goff
Project
Manager
$160/hr
Christine
Champeau
Sr Project
Engineer
$175/hr
Peter
Barozzi
Project
Engineer
$125/hr
Mark
Jewell
Sr Planning
Advisor
$165/hr
VHB
Staff
Design/
Graphics
$90/hr Hours Cost
1—MassCentral to Hotel Bridge Leeds expenses $150
Task 1—Kick-off & 1 Stakeholder Meetings*1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 $880.00
Task 2 —Field Reconnaissance & Base Mapping 2.0 2.0 1.0 4.0 9.0 $1,095.00
Task 3 —Environmental Due Diligence 0.5 1.0 2.0 2.0 5.5 $800.00
Task 4 —Opportunities & Challenges Analysis 1.0 2.0 3.0 $510.00
Task 5 —Development of Concept Design 1.0 0.5 2.0 0.5 4.0 8.0 $940.00
Task 6 —Development of 10% Design & Summary Table 0.5 1.0 2.0 8.0 11.5 $1,620.00
Task 7—Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates 0.5 1.0 3.0 4.5 $630.00
Task 8 —Draft/Final Technical Memorandum 0.5 2.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 4.0 11.5 $1,505.00
Subtotal 2.5 10.5 9.5 18.0 3.5 14.0 58.0 $8,130.00
2—Connecticut River Greenway expenses $300
Task 1—Kick-off & 1 Stakeholder Meetings*2.0 5.0 2.5 1.0 10.5 $1,842.50
Task 2 —Field Reconnaissance & Base Mapping 4.0 8.0 2.0 8.0 22.0 $2,690.00
Task 3 —Environmental Due Diligence 1.0 4.0 8.0 4.0 4.0 21.0 $3,120.00
Task 4 —Opportunities & Challenges Analysis 2.0 2.0 4.0 8.0 $1,170.00
Task 5 —Development of Concept Design 0.5 4.0 2.0 8.0 2.0 8.0 24.5 $3,150.00
Task 6 —Development of 10% Design & Summary Table 1.0 2.0 4.0 24.0 31.0 $4,240.00
Task 7—Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates 1.0 4.0 12.0 17.0 $2,360.00
Task 8 —Draft/Final Technical Memorandum 2.0 8.0 8.0 4.0 2.0 16.0 40.0 $5,390.00
Subtotal 6.5 30.0 30.5 64.0 7.0 36.0 174.0 $24,262.50
3—Rocky Hill Greenway Extension North expenses $150
Task 1—Kick-off & 1 Stakeholder Meetings*1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 $880.00
Task 2 —Field Reconnaissance & Base Mapping 2.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 11.0 $1,345.00
Task 3 —Environmental Due Diligence 0.5 1.0 2.0 2.0 5.5 $800.00
Task 4 —Opportunities & Challenges Analysis 1.0 2.0 3.0 $510.00
Task 5 —Development of Concept Design 1.0 1.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 11.0 $1,360.00
Task 6 —Development of 10% Design & Summary Table 0.5 1.0 1.0 8.0 4.0 14.5 $1,805.00
Task 7—Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates 0.5 1.5 4.0 6.0 $842.50
Task 8 —Draft/Final Technical Memorandum 0.5 2.0 1.0 3.0 0.5 4.0 11.0 $1,422.50
Subtotal 2.5 10.5 9.5 23.0 3.5 18.0 67.0 $9,115.00
4—Rocky Hill Greenway Gap expenses $150
Task 1—Kick-off & 1 Stakeholder Meetings*1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 $880.00
Task 2 —Field Reconnaissance & Base Mapping 1.0 2.0 1.0 4.0 8.0 $935.00
Task 3 —Environmental Due Diligence 0.5 1.0 4.0 2.0 7.5 $1,150.00
Task 4 —Opportunities & Challenges Analysis 1.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 $497.50
Task 5 —Development of Concept Design 3.0 3.0 10.0 1.0 8.0 25.0 $3,140.00
Task 6 —Development of 10% Design & Summary Table 1.0 2.0 2.0 8.0 2.0 15.0 $2,070.00
Task 7—Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates 0.5 2.0 6.0 8.5 $1,180.00
Task 8 —Draft/Final Technical Memorandum 1.0 4.0 2.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 16.0 $2,235.00
Subtotal 3.5 14.5 14.5 32.0 4.0 20.0 88.5 $12,237.50
5—State Hospital Path expenses $150
Task 1—Kick-off & 1 Stakeholder Meetings*1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 $880.00
Task 2 —Field Reconnaissance & Base Mapping 2.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 11.0 $1,345.00
Task 3 —Environmental Due Diligence 1.0 2.0 8.0 2.0 13.0 $2,120.00
Task 4 —Opportunities & Challenges Analysis 2.0 1.0 2.0 5.0 $745.00
Task 5 —Development of Concept Design 0.5 4.0 2.0 8.0 2.0 8.0 24.5 $3,150.00
Task 6 —Development of 10% Design & Summary Table 1.0 2.0 8.0 24.0 4.0 39.0 $5,300.00
Task 7—Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates 0.5 3.0 8.0 11.5 $1,605.00
Task 8 —Draft/Final Technical Memorandum 2.0 8.0 2.0 6.0 2.0 16.0 36.0 $4,590.00
Subtotal 5.5 22.5 25.0 52.0 6.0 34.0 145.0 $19,885.00
6—New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway/Herbert Ave Ramp expenses $150
Task 1—Kick-off & 1 Stakeholder Meetings*1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 $880.00
Task 2 —Field Reconnaissance & Base Mapping 2.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 11.0 $1,345.00
Task 3 —Environmental Due Diligence 0.5 1.0 2.0 1.0 4.5 $710.00
Task 4 —Opportunities & Challenges Analysis 1.0 2.0 8.0 4.0 15.0 $1,870.00
Task 5 —Development of Concept Design 2.0 1.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 12.0 $1,520.00
Task 6 —Development of 10% Design & Summary Table 0.5 1.0 1.0 8.0 4.0 14.5 $1,805.00
Task 7—Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates 0.5 1.0 4.0 5.5 $755.00
Task 8 —Draft/Final Technical Memorandum 1.0 3.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 4.0 13.0 $1,775.00
Subtotal 3.0 12.5 9.0 31.0 4.0 21.0 80.5 $10,810.00
Total Hours 23.5 100.5 98.0 220.0 28.0 143.0 613.0
Total Expenses $1,050.00
Total Labor $5,170.00 $16,080.00 $17,150.00 $27,500.00 $4,620.00 $12,870.00 $83,390.00
Total Cost $84,440.00
Percent of VHB Fee 6%19%21%33%6%15%
* to be combined with other projects
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