1. The Central Avenue Connector Trail
Project Briefing For:
The Central Avenue Connector Trail
Prince George’s County Planning Board
June 9, 2016
Agenda Item: 3C
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT

2. Project Background
Project designed to complement the ongoing planning and revitalization efforts in the Central Avenue-Metro Blue Line Corridor.
The Central Avenue Connector Trail (CACT) is an outgrowth of multiple planning and implementation efforts led by the Prince George’s County Planning Department.
The CACT was one of the top implementation priorities identified in the Central Avenue-Metro Blue Line Corridor TOD Implementation Project Mobility Study completed in 2014.
In 2014, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) provided funding to the Planning Department to develop the Central Avenue Connector Trail Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan to determine how to move the project forward.

3. Project Background
The Central Avenue Connector Trail Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan was completed in the Spring of
Engaged community and key stakeholders to establish preferred trail alignment and key recommendations.
Outlined design considerations and identified next steps.
Provided necessary implementation analysis to leverage grant funding.
Recently awarded two grants for preliminary engineering (30% design).
Transportation/Land Use Connections (TLC) Program (MWCOG) - $80,000
Maryland Bikeways Program (Maryland Department of Transportation) - $362,000
Maryland Department of Transportation

4. Project Considerations
The CACT is envisioned as a multi-use facility that provides safe and comfortable connections to the four Metrorail stations, neighborhoods, employment locations, shopping and entertainment venues, and to existing or planned trails. The trail will help to improve the overall public well-being and economy of the Central Avenue-Metro Blue Line Corridor while promoting active lifestyles within it.
This project will leverage existing infrastructure and available Right-Of-Way to significantly upgrade available pedestrian facilities on and near Central Avenue.
Trail designed to take advantage of publicly owned land and WMATA owned land to minimize conflict with individual property owners.
Safety and access have been identified by the community as the key drivers for this project’s success and necessity.

5. Community Engagement
Community and Stakeholder engagement has been an essential element in the overall planning process. In addition to two large community meetings, the CACT Project Team held two stakeholder meetings with representatives from key State and County agencies. Additional meetings with individual property owners, WMATA, MDSHA, DDOT, DPW&T, DPR, elected officials and municipalities were held.
Through the process of community and stakeholder engagement significant contributions to the trail were achieved.
Residents expressed concerns relating to safety and recommendations for design and programming.
Coordination with WMATA resulted in a complete change in strategy which saw the trail alignment shift from a more circuitous route utilizing local streets and off-road trails to a more direct route which takes advantage of WMATA land connecting the four metro stations along the existing metrorail alignment.

6. Trail Alignment

7. Trail Design
Portions of the CACT will follow the existing WMATA R-O-W and function as a park trail, while other segments will parallel roadways and function as a shared use sidepath, cycle track, or designated bike lanes. Trail programming will include signage, interpretive elements, trail furniture, fitness stations, and safety features such as lighting, call boxes and ADA accommodations.
The following four facility types are used along the corridor:
12’ multi-use trail with 2’ buffer on each side
10-12’ sidewalk with buffer where possible
6’ sidewalks with parallel, on-street bicycle facilities (shared lane markings, wide bike lanes or bike lanes)
12’ to 16’ multiuse trail bridge, used where needed to bridge stream valleys and wetlands. 12’ boardwalks with railings may also be used in or near these areas

8. Connections

9. Case Study: Potomac Yard Park Trail

10. Implementation Phases

11. Ongoing Work: Phase I Design
Draft 30% design plans have been completed for Phase 1 near the Addison Road Metro. Phase 1 runs from Addison Plaza to Peppermill Road (below). Community and agency stakeholder meetings will be used to get feedback and further refine the plans.

12. Ongoing Work: Phase II Design
Funding from the Maryland Bikeways Program is being utilized to initiate Phase II Design. Phase II includes the Capitol Heights “trail loop” on the western end of the overall alignment and includes the segment from Peppermill Road to Brightseat Road. Design will also include the short-term (alternative) beltway crossing of Brightseat Rd. to Arena Drive. Project proposals have been received and reviewed by the project team and procurement staff, with project scheduled to commence in July, 2016.

13. Status of Current Work
Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan completed in the Spring of 2016.
Phase 1 of the CACT 30% design work is underway. Draft plans have been completed. Future stakeholder and community meetings have been scheduled.
The RFP for 30% design work is out for Phase II (Implementation Phases 2-5). Selection of the consultant and contracts will be finalized by June 30, 2016.
With support from the County Executive, County Council, county agencies, and local and regional advocacy groups, a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Application was submitted in May, 2016 for the 30% design of a pedestrian bridge to cross over I- 495/Capital Beltway (Phase III).
An informational brochure for the Connector Trail has been completed.
The CACT Project has been included as a trail priority in the 2016 Joint Signature Letter.
Money has been placed in the CIP (FY2018) for the Central Avenue Connector Trail to be used as a match for future grant applications for design and construction.

14. Next Steps Complete the 30% design work;
Continue extensive community outreach and engagement;
Resolve maintenance and operational responsibilities;
Once the 30% design plans are complete, apply for funding for construction;
Evaluate opportunities for spinoff economic and community development activities in and around the project area.

15. Questions?