TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Steve Powers, City Manager
FROM: Peter Fernandez, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
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Transportation planning in the area of the Croisan Scenic Trail.
Ward(s): 7
Councilor(s): Cook
Neighborhood(s): SWAN and Sunnyslope
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ISSUE:
Transportation planning in the area of the Croisan Scenic Trail.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information only.
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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:
On December 4, 2017, City Council approved a motion by Councilor Cook regarding the transportation system in the area of the Croisan Scenic Trail. The motion directed staff to evaluate how existing City plans protect access to the Croisan Creek Trail (also referred to as the Croisan Scenic Trail) in light of future development. The motion further directed staff to identify potential traffic mitigation measures that may be available to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in the area.
As detailed below, the existing Croisan Scenic Trail is adequately protected by existing policies contained in the Salem Transportation System Plan. Connecting pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is also included in several adopted plans. Lack of current funding is the primary barrier to constructing missing trail connections. Additions to the existing trail system, if desired, would need to be added to the Comprehensive Plan, either as part of the Salem Transportation System Plan or the Comprehensive Parks System Master Plan, or both.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
Croisan Scenic Trail
Per the Salem Comprehensive Parks System Master Plan, the Croisan Scenic Trail is an Interim Connector Trail located along a combination of existing rights-of-way and adjoining undeveloped park property. Attachment 1 shows the existing and proposed bicycle network in this section of southwest Salem. The Croisan Scenic Trail provides a north-south connection between Spring Street S and Croisan Scenic Way S, running roughly parallel to Croisan Creek Road S. The Salem Transportation System Plan (see Map 3-8) includes plans for Croisan Scenic Way S extension to serve as a north-south minor arterial street connecting River Road S to Kuebler Boulevard S. When the extension of Croisan Scenic Way S is constructed, it will include sidewalks and bike lanes that will replace the current trail and enhance the bicycle and pedestrian connectivity in this area. The Croisan Scenic Way S extension will also meet ADA requirements, improving accessibility. With the exception of ADA accessibility, the current Croisan Scenic Trail provides pedestrian connectivity and will continue to do so until the street improvement is constructed.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity
The primary obstacle to bicycle and pedestrian connectivity in this area of Salem is the lack of bike lanes and sidewalks. This is a result of historic development patterns and steep topography. The Salem Transportation System Plan identifies the need for sidewalk and bicycle connections, with priority given to streets with higher traffic volumes such as Madrona Avenue S, and Croisan Creek Road S. Much of the area in the vicinity of Croisan Creek Trail was originally developed in unincorporated Marion County, which did not require bicycle or pedestrian facilities as a condition of development. Over time, redevelopment may result in some isolated street improvements in this area as required frontage improvements, but full connections will likely require funding through a future bond measure.
Additions to the Trail System
In addition to the Croisan Scenic Trail, there is an informal trail connecting Dogwood Drive S to Croisan Scenic Trail. This trail is commonly referred to as the “Cemetery Trail” and is located approximately as shown on Attachment 2. This trail crosses over private property and is not included in adopted City plans. The City is negotiating possible purchase of a portion of two tax lots that are traversed by this informal trail (see Attachment 3). In addition to crossing through these tax lots, this trail traverses two additional private properties before joining with the Croisan Scenic Trail. To formalize the Cemetery Trail, Council would need to include it in the Salem Transportation System Plan or the Comprehensive Parks System Master Plan or both.
Robert D. Chandler, PhD, PE
Assistant Public Works Director
Attachments:
1. Croisan Scenic Way S, Bicycle Facilities in Southwest Salem.
2. Cemetery Trail Map
3. Letter of Intent to Negotiate, December 27, 2017