Regional Corridors Context
Objectives
The purpose for identifying these corridors is to establish a network that provides regional functionality. These corridors are a combination of existing facilities, planned facilities, as well as potential new projects that connect other regional corridors.
The identified corridors were selected based upon the input received from the TAC workshop and from the ongoing coordination with local agencies and stakeholders on their planning priorities, as well as appropriate spatial distribution around the MPO area. Designation as a Regional Corridor is intended to represent a level of connectivity, continuity, comfort, and clarity for users.
As each corridor can and will serve various purposes, an underlying Demand Index is being utilized to highlight the corridor’s primary purpose, centering on where people live, work, play, and learn along the Regional Corridor. Additionally, some corridor segments are within areas that have high economic development potential but limited existing demand.
These corridors are not meant to replace/supplant any locally identified priorities from local planning activities and any projects associated are not being directly identified for additional funding or construction. However, the identification of these corridors in a regional plan can support funding opportunities such as grants or non-formula funds that consider projects of regional significance or priority.
Lastly, as these corridors are meant to be of regional significance, providing a filtered list out of the municipalities previous planning efforts, there is a need to keep the named corridors to a manageable and reasonable number. These regional corridors will facilitate many other active mode links at the local level, and will not represent the bike, pedestrian, or other active mode network on their own.
There are two maps, an 8.5×11 that can be printed easily for review, and another large form that has more detail. PPACG would like your assistance in providing a screening of the identified corridors to ensure they can be represented by local projects that serve a broader regional purpose.
Jason O’Brien
PPACG Project Manager
Kyle McLaughlin
Olsson Project Contact
Regional Corridors Consistency.
The following are a few design detail examples from municipalities within PPACG
Colorado Springs
Tier 1
A cross section of a tier one trail in Colorado Springs. The cross section includes, from left-to-right:
- 2 foot minimum mowed shoulder with a 10 foot vertical clearance
- 12 foot paved trail for pedestrians and cyclists
- 2-6 foot separator
- 4 foot soft surface trail for equestrians with a 12 foot vertical clearance
- 2 foot minimum mowed shoulder for pedestrians and pets
- An overall minimum right of way of 50 feet
Tier 2
A cross section of a tier two trail in Colorado Springs. The cross section includes, from left-to-right:
- 4 foot minimum mowed shoulder
- 12 foot paved trail for pedestrians and cyclists
- 4 foot minimum mowed shoulder with a 12 foot vertical clearance
- An overall minimum right of way of 50 feet
Manitou Springs
Off-Street Paved Trails
Accessible off‐street trails provide wide‐widths and smooth surfaces at relatively low degrees of slope and avoid steps or other obstacles.
- Typical width from 6′ to12′
- Smooth concrete paved surface without obstructions.
- Compacted breeze or asphalt paving may be utilized as a temporary paving surface to facilitate connectivity.
- Small vehicle access along Off‐Street Paved Trails is desired for emergency and maintenance access.
Fountain
Primary Multi-Purpose, Off-Street Trails
A cross section of a trail in Fountain. The cross section includes:
- 7 foot vertical clearance for pedestrians
- 8 foot vertical clearance for cyclists
- The trail has one shoulder with a minimum of 3 feet and a maximum of 6 feet
- The trail is a minimum of 4 feet and a maximum of 5 from a stop sign
Fountain’s trail design
- Calls for 10 feet width
- Paved
- 20 feet minimum from roadway (where feasible)
El Paso County
Primary Regional Trails:
Provide link and access to recreation areas of regional significance and local communities, and commuting opportunities. Considered the spine of the County’s trail network. These are typically 8’ wide crusher fine or concrete surfaced with two foot mowed shoulders.
Secondary Regional Trails:
Provide link and access to Primary Regional trails, recreation areas of local significance, local communities and commuting opportunities. These are up to 8’ wide, typically 6’, crusher fine material.