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FINAL-VHB_Northampton SUP Feasibility Proposal - Revised 08-31-2021Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study Department of Planning & Sustainability This proposal has been updated to eliminate Projects #1 and #3. Revisions within have been made to advise the City that this project now includes four locations, not six. Additional information on stormwater and environmental permitting has also been added on page 4 under Project Understanding and in Task 3 and 4 on page 13. These edits have been made at the City’s request. Finally, Section 5 has been updated to include both the fee and project schedule. The updated fee summary has been attached along with a draft schedule. August 31, 2021 | Revised Proposal for Four Locations City of Northampton, Massachusetts Engineers | Scientists | Planners | Designers www.vhb.comJune 22, 2021 Revised August 31, 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 four 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 and Draft Schedule .................................................................................................................................33 Increasing Connectivity in Northampton VHB appreciates the opportunity to work with the City of Northampton on the first steps towards four 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 four 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 three projects that provide critical links between other paths and trails. A fourth 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. »Stormwater: With the ever increasing storm frequency and intensity, determining how to handle stormwater has become an integral part of every design. VHB will review options for stormwater management for the trails and any associated permitting required for the increase in impervious area. Some of the stormwater treatment options that may be considered are grass and water quality swales, infiltration basins, permeable pavement, and bioretention areas or planters. »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 Project #1 not included in contract. Project #3 not included in contract. 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 four 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 stormwater and permitting planning, ROW/property issues, and order-of-magnitude cost estimates for each segment of the four 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 projects 2, 4, 5, and 6. The goal will be to coordinate kick-off meetings, field observations, stakeholder meetings, base mapping, and other tasks simultaneously to advance all projects forward on the same time line. 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 & GIS base mapping for graphics, 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, stormwater impacts, required permitting, Hazardous Material Sites, stormwater treatment, and other information as available via GIS and as deemed necessary for the project being reviewed. VHB will also identify the anticipated permitting needs to construct the project. The permitting could vary depending on the design process and where construction funds might be coming from. The permitting process could also change if more detailed survey or additional design is needed to confirm grading impacts (floodplain, wetland, etc. impacts). 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, our environmental due diligence work, and through subsequent web research and analysis. Some projects could require alignment alternatives, such as the Rocky Hill Greenway Gap. 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. Stormwater treatments options will be noted on the plans using notes and simple sketches. It is noted that lidar survey data is being used for this design and may not be detailed enough to confirm stormwater improvements outlined. 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. Shining Sea Bikeway Note: Although the Scope of Services includes a Technical Memorandum for each of the four projects, as described in the RFP, VHB is open to combining all memoranda into a single report. All four project will be worked on simultaneously and submitted together for efficiency. 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. 15 Example of 10% design plan rendering City of Northampton—Shared Use Paths Feasibility Study 3. Experience Each of the four 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 Gas (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 in S tree t Teresa RoadECHO LAK E PHASE 7 PHASE 4 PHASE 2 PHASE 4 Town of HopkintonTown of MilfordT ow n o f T ow n o f Echo Trail (Comp l e t e d 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 O R PHASE 1 HOPKINTON HIGH SCHOOL HOPKINTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Hayden Row e S t . ( S R 8 5 ) EMC Park Parking Lot MARATHO N ELEMENT A R Y SCHOOL Ho p k i n t o nHol l i s t o n 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 and Draft Schedule The fee on the following page, as with our Scope of Services, is based on individual project assignments. A draft schedule is also attached for the City's review. VHB will review this schedule with the City at our kick-off meeting and make adjustments that are agreed upon. 3333 Matt Chase Phil Goff Christine Champeau Peter Barozzi Mark Jewell VHB Staff PIC PM Senior PE PE Local Advisor Graphics/ Support Hourly Rates $220 $160 $175 $125 $165 $90 Total Hours Subtotal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - $ - 5.5 30.0 26.5 56.0 5.0 44.0 167.0 $ 22,732.50 2.0 5.0 2.5 1.0 10.5 $ 1,842.50 4.0 16.0 20.0 $ 2,080.00 4.0 4.0 8.0 4.0 20.0 $ 2,700.00 2.0 2.0 4.0 8.0 $ 1,170.00 0.5 4.0 2.0 8.0 2.0 8.0 24.5 $ 3,150.00 1.0 2.0 4.0 24.0 31.0 $ 4,240.00 1.0 4.0 8.0 13.0 $ 1,860.00 2.0 8.0 8.0 4.0 2.0 16.0 40.0 $ 5,390.00 $ 300.00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - 0.0 $ - $ - 3.0 13.0 9.0 30.0 2.5 17.0 74.5 $ 10,157.50 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 $ 880.00 0.5 3.0 3.5 $ 350.00 1.0 4.0 2.0 7.0 $ 840.00 1.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 $ 497.50 2.0 2.0 8.0 0.5 6.0 18.5 $ 2,292.50 1.0 2.0 2.0 8.0 2.0 15.0 $ 2,070.00 0.5 1.5 4.0 6.0 $ 842.50 1.0 4.0 2.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 16.0 $ 2,235.00 $ 150.00 3.5 20.5 16.5 56.0 4.0 38.0 138.5 $ 18,167.50 Task 2: Field Reconnaissance and Base Mapping Task 3: Environmental Due Diligence Task 4: Opportunities and Challenges Analysis Task 7: Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates Expenses Task 3: Environmental Due Diligence Task 5: Development of Concept Design Task 6: Development of 10% Design and Summary Table Task 7: Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates Expenses Task 2: Field Reconnaissance and Base Mapping Task 2: Field Reconnaissance and Base Mapping Northampton SUP Feasibility Study - VHB Cost Summary Task Name Project 2: Connecticut River Greenway Project 1: MassCentral to Hotel Bridge Leeds Task 8: Draft/Final Technical Memorandum Task 1: Kick-off and 1 Stakeholder Meetings (to be combined with other projects) Expenses Task 5: Development of Concept Design Task 6: Development of 10% Design and Summary Table Project 5: State Hospital Path Task 4: Opportunities and Challenges Analysis Task 6: Development of 10% Design and Summary Table Task 1: Kick-off and 1 Stakeholder Meetings (to be combined with other projects) Task 1: Kick-off and 1 Stakeholder Meetings (to be combined with other projects) Expenses Project 3: Rocky Hill Greenway Extension North Task 5: Development of Concept Design Task 6: Development of 10% Design and Summary Table Task 7: Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates Task 8: Draft/Final Technical Memorandum Task 8: Draft/Final Technical Memorandum Task 8: Draft/Final Technical Memorandum Task 1: Kick-off and Stakeholder Meetings, incl MassDOT (to be combined with other projects) Task 3: Environmental Due Diligence Task 4: Opportunities and Challenges Analysis Task 5: Development and Evaluation of Concept Design Task 2: Field Reconnaissance and Base Mapping Task 3: Environmental Due Diligence Task 4: Opportunities and Challenges Analysis Task 7: Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates Project 4: Rocky Hill Greenway Gap 0.0 $ - 2.0 8.0 10.0 $ 1,040.00 2.0 0.5 8.0 2.0 12.5 $ 1,587.50 2.0 1.0 2.0 5.0 $ 745.00 0.5 4.0 2.0 8.0 2.0 8.0 24.5 $ 3,150.00 1.0 2.0 8.0 24.0 4.0 39.0 $ 5,300.00 0.5 3.0 8.0 11.5 $ 1,605.00 2.0 8.0 2.0 6.0 2.0 16.0 36.0 $ 4,590.00 $ 150.00 1.5 9.5 6.0 29.0 2.0 21.0 69.0 $ 8,895.00 0.0 $ - 1.0 4.0 5.0 $ 520.00 1.0 2.0 1.0 4.0 $ 500.00 1.0 2.0 8.0 4.0 15.0 $ 1,870.00 2.0 1.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 12.0 $ 1,520.00 0.5 1.0 1.0 8.0 4.0 14.5 $ 1,805.00 0.5 1.0 4.0 5.5 $ 755.00 1.0 3.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 4.0 13.0 $ 1,775.00 $ 150.00 13.5 73.0 58.0 171.0 13.5 120.0 449.0 $ 59,952.50 $2,970.00 $11,680.00 $10,150.00 $21,375.00 $2,227.50 $10,800.00 Percent of VHB Fee 100%5%20%17%36%4%18%6-Project TOTAL Labor $ 59,202.50 Expenses $ 750.00 $ 59,952.50 Expenses Subtotal Hours Subtotal Labor Project 6: N.H. & Northampton Canal Greenway/Herbert Ave ramp Task 1: Kick-off and 1 Stakeholder Meetings (to be combined with other projects) Task 2: Field Reconnaissance and Base Mapping Task 2: Field Reconnaissance and Base Mapping Task 4: Opportunities and Challenges Analysis Task 3: Environmental Due Diligence Task 4: Opportunities and Challenges Analysis Task 5: Development of Concept Design Task 6: Development of 10% Design and Summary Table Task 7: Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates Task 8: Draft/Final Technical Memorandum Task 8: Draft/Final Technical Memorandum Task 5: Development of Concept Design Task 6: Development of 10% Design and Summary Table Task 7: Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates Task 1: Kick-off and 1 Stakeholder Meetings (to be combined with other projects) Expenses Task 3: Environmental Due Diligence AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Task 1: City and Stakeholder Engagement (Kick-Off) Task 2: Base Mapping and Field Reconnaissance Task 3: Environmental Due Diligence Task 4: Opportunities and Challenges Analysis Task 5: Development of Concept Plan Task 6: Development of 10% Design and Summary Table Task 7: Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates Task 8: Draft/ Final Technical Memorandum Notes: = Project Meetings (Town, Key Stakeholders, Abutters, Field Walks, etc. as needed.) Schedule is dependent on when NTP is given, weather conditions for survey and reviews/ meetings by the Town or other. Design Task 20222021 Shared Use Path Feasibility Study (Four Locations) www.vhb.com