The August Rail-Trail committee meeting focused on the 30% design proposal by Joel Setzer and staff from Vaughn & Melton.  The 30% design looks at the high-level layout of the trail along the existing railroad right of way.  The right-of-way or easement is an essential boundary for land owners, roads, intersections, streams, wetlands, and drainage concerns.  Careful consideration will be given to the trail structure and the surrounding land for current drainage and future road projects that could impact the Ecusta Trail.

Wednesday’s presentation visually mapped the US 64 crossing in Horse Shoe back toward Laurel Park and Hendersonville.  Particular details illustrated where the existing rail bed would be moved away from streams to allow proper banking and erosion control while remaining within the trail easement.  There are six noted bridges within this presentation section and multiple complex intersections where the North Carolina State Department of Transportation (NC DOT) will have control over signage and traffic lights.

Another critical consideration involves future traffic along US 64, where roundabouts at White Pine and Daniel Drive will become a factor for the Ecusta Trail.  Vaughn & Melton associates have coordinated with NC DOT on the future US 64 project and the trail impact.  Trail sections closer to town may have to be redone as the highway gets updated in the future.  Future pedestrian crossings scale from simple yield signs for trail users to more complex highway crossings involving new stop signals and crosswalk signs in town.

Vaughn & Melton associates shared an NC DOT traffic analysis chart explaining what level of vehicle traffic warrants the need for signs versus stop signals.  Associates provided a possible pictorial scenario of what the signals/crossing would look like if approved by governing bodies and NC DOT.

One intersection will involve a new traffic pattern along Kanuga Road as the trail heads south toward Church Street along Wash Creek.  Signs and crosswalks will consider current criteria for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which could mean motion detection for pedestrians and flashing lights for drivers at particular crosswalks.  Please remember that this plan is preliminary and subject to tweaks and changes as actions develop.

Once the 30% design submittal receives approval from governing bodies (board and county), the next phase will look at the drainage design to prevent erosion along adjacent streams.  Mr. Setzer mentioned that many of the current 24-inch culverts should be closer to 42 inches to allow for proper runoff.  One example is along Shaws Creek in Horse Shoe, where part of the existing rail bed is washed out from previous storms.  Updates on the design submittal can be found on the county’s website, where further details are available.  The pictoral map will be released on the storyboard, explaining trail alignment relative to streams and adjacent structures in further detail.  Currently, there is no timeline established for the release of this map as the committee is reviewing for approvals and internal questions.

By Bernard Grauer