The ms environmental team worked closely with our survey and trail design team to prepare construction plans, specifications, and bidding materials for this new 2,500-foot long hard surface trail within the Cederquist portion of Indian Trails Park in Ashtabula County. The Ashtabula Township Park Commission obtained private funding for this project which provides easy access to the site of the Ashtabula Railroad bridge disaster and a waterfall.
Because the trail is located in the floodplain of the Ashtabula River, an Ohio Scenic River, and through high-quality forested wetlands, the design had to avoid tree removal and utilize previously disturbed areas as much as possible. ms’ survey team worked with our environmental specialists to identify and avoid mature trees and wetland areas. Our design team developed trail cross-sections that minimized grading while providing a 10-foot wide asphalt trail on an aggregate base.
Our environmental team prepared a Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Report and worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers to confirm that the project could minimize impacts and the need for wetland mitigation. The ms team also assisted the Commission by preparing a cost estimate, the project’s “bid book,” and other contract specifications.