Burlington Greenway: Bike Path Rehabilitation Project
Bike Path Re-Opens as Burlington Greenway
Update 12/16
Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront is pleased to announce major construction of Phase 1b of the Burlington Greenway is complete and the beloved lakeshore path is once again open to the public! Thank you for your patience and understanding during the construction closure, which began in late June of this year. One mile of the path, through what’s known as the Urban Reserve (just north of the Skatepark), has been completely rebuilt to new, higher standards, and in the southern portion of the project, realigned to hug the Lake Champlain shoreline.
Additionally, three new ‘pause places’ have been developed, including one new mini park at Texaco Beach. The Waterfront Dog Park received a facelift, and extensive areas of industrial pavement have been removed, soils capped, and extensive landscaping is completed that includes native trees, shrubs and perennials, and a special seed mix of mostly native, resilient grasses and flowering perennials.
“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we open the path back up to the Burlington community.” Says BPRW Director Jesse Bridges. “We have transformed abandoned industrial land and rehabilitated it into a gem for the City’s park system. Beyond just a path repaving project this project created a true linear park, the Burlington Greenway, that will continue to be the City’s defining feature supporting passive and active recreation, tourism and multi-modal transportation.”
Additional work will occur over the winter, including a railing for the new granite steps and seating blocks at Pause Place 2, and the installation of bike racks and dog park rules signs. More work will be completed in the spring including the installation of the exercise equipment for the UVM Medical Center Fitness Trail, and more landscaping, including the planting of 1700 perennial grasses and wildflowers.
Details about the winter plowing schedule of the path will be posted to our website sometime next week.
Progress as Seen from Above!
Burlington Bike Path Rehabilitation Phase 1b from BTVparks on Vimeo.
Burlington Greenway Just Got a LOT Greener!
Phase 1b of the Burlington Bike Path Rehabilitation is the largest public ‘depaving’ project the city has ever seen!
600 tons of asphalt and 800 tons concrete – relics from the waterfront’s industrial past – have been removed to date, with significantly more slated for removal later in the project. But it’s not only what we are taking away, it’s what we are adding… rich topsoil will take the place of formerly paved areas, which will support the growth of 126 new trees and 167 new woody shrubs, plus thousands of perennials. BPRW will also be managing the natural growth occurring on the site, fostering the establishment of countless naturally seeded species like red oak that have been discovered and protected during the construction project. Take away the paving, add good soil and vegetation, and you’re left with an ecologically improved site that is more capable of absorbing stormwater runoff, has a higher potential for sequestering carbon and reducing the urban heat island affect and is a richer environment for plants, animals and humans alike!
prior to phase 1b of the Burlington Bike Path Rehabilitation.
Updates about the Burlington Bike Rehabilitation Project Phase 1b.
Update 12/6
We’re in the HOME STRETCH!
We’re in the home stretch! The end of the line is in site, despite the wet weather, early December finds our contractor attending to the details and punchlist as we eagerly prepare to reopen our beloved Burlington Greenway. We know you can hardly wait, but we do ask that you respect the closed and locked gates until we officially reopen. Your safety and the integrity of the project are on the line. The opening date is December 24, 2016.
DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS
We are very proud of the collaborative spirit and attention to detail our designers, contractor and resident engineer have utilized throughout the project. As laid clearly in the BPRW Master Plan (2015), BPRW pushed quality in everything we do. Meticulously hewn and installed steps of Barre granite, high grade carpentry at the decked overlook at Pause Place 3, and several examples of fastidiously fabricated metal work from a Burlington shop, Phase 1b of the Burlington Bike Path Rehabilitation represents a grand vision of industrial reclamation executed to the finest detail.
lead to water’s edge and provide informal seating.
REALIGNED PRIORITIES
The Urban Reserve section of Phase 1b is not only the City’s largest public de-paving project (ever), it also contains the longest segment of the path to be completely re-aligned. You remember the old path…a pot-holed, poorly drained ribbon of (too narrow) asphalt that was indistinguishable from Lake Street extension, a narrow gravel road used by the City to access snow storage areas and utilities. After all, the path has been referred to as the ‘Waterfront Bike Path’ since it was originally constructed. BPRW took this opportunity to move the path close to the water’s edge, and along its western edge, create three ‘pause places,’ the third of which is really a small park. BPRW strived to make places for people to enjoy views, nature, vegetation (and other people), again our Master Plan guided the way, with a call out to create more inclusive social spaces coupled with protecting and preserving our environment.
Update 11/21: Bike Path Re-Opening Delayed
Winter weather is making working conditions challenging for our bike path contractor, and they have informed us that they will need more time to complete the project. The new re-opening target date is December 24, 2016. While it is likely they will be done before then, the weekend’s abrupt change reminds us of the unpredictability of weather at this time of year. Please continue to respect the construction fences and full path closure from north of the Skatepark to North Beach. Heavy construction and equipment are still present throughout the site. We are sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your continued patience.
Update: 11/14
As promised, the Burlington Greenway (the linear park that you may refer to as the Waterfront Bike Path) Rehabilitation Project, Phase 1b, is nearing completion! While there may be unpredictable weather between now and then, our contractor is aiming for completion before Thanksgiving (11/24). We can’t make any promises about that, but rest assured we’ll do our best and are also formulating a plan for what to do with the Urban Reserve to North Beach stretch as it becomes clearer whether the project will be completed before winter.
RECENT PROGRESS
Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Director Jesse Bridges Hosts Mayor Weinberger, Parks Commissioner/Parks Foundation Founder John Bossange, UVM Med Center, members of the press, several stakeholders and City officials got a sneak peek (and Ride!) of the Nearly Completed Urban Reserve and North Beach Sections of the Burlington Greenway
It was cold. It was windy, but that didn’t stop forty or so individuals from biking and walking out to the brand new overlook at Pause Place 3 (Texaco Beach) to witness history being made as John Bossange presented Mayor Weinberger with a check for $1,026,622 to fund the continued rehabilitation of the bike path. Local Motion was on hand with bikes and trailers to provide transport to press and others. Thanks all for helping us celebrate this important milestone. We’ll have a formal grand opening in the spring – stay tuned for details!
Paving, Dog Park Complete
Asphalt paving, both base course and wear course, has been completed from the beginning of the project at the north end of the Skatepark to North Beach Campground, right on schedule and well in advance of the seasonal shutdown of the plant. Final striping may or may not be completed before December depending on weather conditions. If it proves too cold or wet to install the final striping, we will come back in the spring to finish this important aspect of the bike path. Work has begun to finish the path edges with 2’ aggregate shoulders on both sides of the pavement (for runners), what we refer to as our standard 2’ – 11’ – 2’ cross section. Topsoil is now being places on the outer edges on top of indicator fabric in accordance with our VT DEC Corrective Action Plan.
Planting, Pause Places Wrapping Up
Most of the woody plant material (trees and shrubs) have been installed and had a chance to start the important process of establishing root growth as soil warmth lingers into late fall. General seeding throughout the site, as well as specialized seeding and perennial planting are on the list for the next two weeks.
Granite Stairs are currently being installed at Pause Place 2, and are expected to be completed by the beginning of next week. This will no doubt become a favorite spot for path users in the future. Further up the trail at Pause Place 3, the beautiful wood decked overlook surface has been completed and is awaiting a locally fabricated metal railing. The stone path is nearly complete, the ADA accessible walkway down to Texaco Beach is finished, and concrete pads that will house exercise equipment donated by UVM Medical Center, as well as bike racks, benches and trash receptacles will await the first users.
BURLINGTON GREENWAY Phase 1b, BY THE NUMBERS
- 800 T0NS OF CONCRETE REMOVED
- 600 TONS OF ASPHALT REMOVED
- 126 NEW LARGE TREES PLANTED
- 167 NEW FLOWERING SHRUBS
- 3 NEW PAUSE PLACES
- 1 MILE OF SMOOTH RIDING PAVEMENT
- 1 NEW ADA COMPLIANT BEACH ACCESS POINT
Update:10/6
RECENT PROGRESS
Here Come the Trees (and the shrubs and perennials, too)
Our contractor has begun the extensive planting of the Urban Reserve portion of the project and it’s looking beautiful! Our Trees & Greenways and Planning Divisions worked with our design engineer and landscape architects on species selection and the fruits of their effort are now visible on the site. The numbers are impressive: 126 new trees, 167 new woody shrubs, and thousands of flowering perennials and ornamental grasses, all carefully selected (most native, or cultivated varieties of natives) to fit the ecology of the site with little need for maintenance.
Laying the New Path Begins!
Or contractor is beginning to grade and install the gravel sub-base for the new and greatly improved path. Along the way, we are making a substantial effort to remedy stormwater and erosion issues. As an example, we are improving the sub-surface drainage between the path and Lakeview Cemetery by installing a curtain drain, repairing and enhancing curbing in the cemetery, and installing swales on the uphill side of the pavement, all to prevent stormwater from running down the steep hill and potentially damaging the new bike path. Additionally stormwater infrastructure repairs and improvements are wrapping up further to the north, with the repair of the stone culvert and adjacent inflow drainage and the outfall on the lake side of the path.
Pause Places continue to come together!
At Pause Place 1, towards the southern end of the project, exposed aggregate concrete pad has been poured and awaiting installation of exercise equipment generously donated by the UVM Medical Center. The dark Barre granite that will clad the steps and seating blocks at Pause Place 2 has been ordered, and rip rap placed around the concrete foundation to protect this installation from the ravages of flood and wave action. Finally, things are really cooking at Pause Place 3 (Texaco Beach). The concrete frost wall that forms the inside of the decked overlook is complete and framing has begun on the deck itself. Sub-base is in place for the ADA accessible walkway to Texaco Beach. This mini park is the hub of the new section of the bike path and it’s looking every bit the part !
Looking Ahead
Behind the Fence, Work is Moving Ahead Efficiently on Multiple Fronts
With the Skatepark – North Beach section of the bike path fully closed, our contractor is working on multiple fronts to complete the project as efficiently as possible. A carpentry crew has set up residence at Pause Place 3, beginning to tie together the elaborate framework that will soon support the decked overlook with commanding (and shaded, thanks to the protective work of the BPRW Tree Team) views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Meanwhile, to the south, demolition crews are removing railroad tracks and ties, merely paved over when the original path was constructed. This time we’re doing it right, removing this material and installing deep, compacted gravel (remember, it’s all about the sub-base) to ensure the long term resiliency of the bike path.
Meanwhile, at the north end of the project, crews are distributing what little sub base was found underneath the old path in preparation for installing the base gravel that will carry the asphalt path. Sub surface and surface drainage structures are completed in this area, protecting the significant investment from the ravages of storm water runoff. All of this is leading up to paving the wider, 11’ base course of the path later this month.
We are happy to report that a significant portion of the urban soil disposal from the project, as mandated by the State, is completed. Thanks to pre-characterization and collaboration between the City, our soils consultant and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, things have gone smoothly and as planned. This effort, in addition to the enormous de-paving and re-vegetation of the site, are making Phase 1b of the Burlington Bike Path a huge environmental gain for the city!
Update:9/16
RECENT PROGRESS
The Project Heads North While Building Out the South
The broken and undulating asphalt of the Texaco to North Beach sections of the path are no more ! Our contractor has completed the removal of the asphalt paving in this stretch and has evaluated the sub-base underneath. Guess what ? There’s very little of it, and in some cases none. As you recall, it’s all about the sub-base, the substantial layer of compacted gravel that underlies all paving, providing a stable, well-drained foundation for hard surfaces. The new bike path will have a new sub-base that will help to lengthen the lifespan of the path.
Work on the drainage course and railroad era stone culvert continues in the area between North Beach Campground and Lakeview Cemetery. Stone armoring in the ravine to the east of the path has been completed, and 8’ of silt removed from the entrance to the culvert. While that area dries out, our contractor has turned their attention to the lake side, and is making repairs to the headwall of the culvert’s outfall and reinforcing the stone armoring of this slope. We are using a combination of plant material and stone to ‘bioengineer’ this slope, making it more resilient to the ravaging affects of high water and wave action. Additionally, we are doing work to intercept and slow stormwater upstream.
Pause Places 2 & 3 continue to come together ! The forms of the substantial foundation that will serve as the base for beautiful stone steps and sitting blocks leading from the edge of the bike path to the water’s edge have been removed and prepared for their stone finish. At Pause Place 3, our contractor has completed the concrete frost wall that forms the inside edge of the decked platform. Work is nearing completion on the stone reinforcement of the side slopes that allow proper grades for an ADA compliant walkway leading to Texaco Beach from Pause Place 3.
Looking ahead
Full Closure Expands Work Area and Facilitates More Work In Less Time
With the path fully closed, our contractor is working on multiple fronts to complete the project as efficiently as possible. As the demolition and rip rap crews have moved to the north end of the project, concrete and carpentry crews have replaced them in the southern portion of the project. With foundation work on the deck overlook at Pause Place 3 nearing completion, framing should begin soon on this focal point of the new mini park. Two more exposed aggregate pads for exercise equipment and bike racks will be installed before the end of the month. Our contractor is aiming to begin paving portions of the bike path itself by the beginning of October. Work to repair the failing lakeshore slopes below Lakeview Cemetery should be completed in the same time period, along with engineering upstream to intercept stormwater coming off the cemetery.
Soils in the former railroad corridor along North Beach and the cemetery have been pre-characterized and will be hauled off site and properly disposed of. We have worked closely with our design engineer, soils consultant and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to minimize excavation through this area to keep our costs low and disposal to a minimum.
Concrete work and the framing for the overlook deck at Pause Place 3 will continue in the middle section of the project and before the end of the month our landscape subcontractor will begin planting the 100’s of new trees and shrubs that will help restore the ecology of this site while providing a beautiful and resilient environment for the community to enjoy.
Update: 9/12
RECENT PROGRESS
Pause Place Progress, Shoreline and Stormwater Repair, Gearing Up for Shutdown
Finish materials are starting to be installed! Beginning with Pause Place 1 at the south end of the project. exposed aggregate concrete pads are being installed that will serve as the platforms for the new UVM Medical Center Fitness Stations, bike racks and benches. Just up the lakeshore at Pause Place 2, the forms are coming off the subtantial foundation that will serve as the base for beautiful stone steps and sitting blocks leading from the edge of the bike path to the water’s edge. Finally, at Pause Place 3, the mini park at the former Texaco Beach, all of the helical anchors that will support the wood deck structure are in place, and our contractor has excavated for the frost wall that will form the inside edge of this platform. Work also began on the stone reinforcement of the side slopes that allow proper grades for an ADA compliant walkway leading to Texaco Beach from Pause Place 3.
Looking ahead
Full Path Closure Starting Monday, 9/12/2016, Allows Our Contractor to Make Efficient Progress Through the Narrow Confines South of North Beach
As work continues on the drainage and slope failure near North Beach Campground, the full closure of the path between the Skate Park and North Beach allows our contractor to advance efficiently to the north removing old path pavement, evaluating the condition of the sub base underneath, and excavating for the new, wider path. Just like the industrial past at the Urban Reserve, the railroad history through this tight corridor has left us with a legacy of various urban soil issues. Soils through this area have been pre-characterized and will be hauled off site and properly disposed of. We have worked closely with our design engineer, soils consultant and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to minimize excavation through this area to keep our costs low and disposal to a minimum.
Concrete work and the framing for the overlook deck at Pause Place 3 will continue in the middle section of the project and before the end of the month our landscape subcontractor will begin planting the 100’s of new trees and shrubs that will help restore the ecology of this site while providing a beautiful and resilient environment for the community to enjoy.
Thank you in advance for your patience as we close section 1B of the path for this next portion of the project. We know you’ll love the finished product and it will be well worth the short term inconvenience.
Update: 9/2
Looking ahead
Things Really Get Rolling as Next Stretch of Path Is Removed and Prepared for Widening and Paving
The next two weeks will see a substantial increase in activity and scope on Phase 1b. Crews will get started on framing the structure and installing the concrete knee wall that will support and provide the edge for the wood deck structure at the heart of pause place 3. Trees and shrubs will be planted in the Urban Reserve portion of the project, and work expands northward as the old path is removed from Texaco Beach to North Beach, and an area of slope failure and excessive sedimentation is repaired adjacent to Lakeview Cemetery. Remember to plan ahead for the closure of this entire section on September 12 beginning at 7am. We are sorry for the inconvenience and know you will appreciate the new and greatly improved path next season!
Update: 8/25
The elevated grade at Pause Place 3, the mini park that will be the heart of this stretch of the bike path, is nearly complete and the vision for this space is starting to take shape. To the south, Pause Place 2 is also coming together, with the concrete footing for the granite stairs and seating blocks that will provide access to the water at this spot, being poured earlier in the week. Additionally, planting pits filled with nutrient rich topsoil/compost mix, are being prepared throughout the site.
2-Week Look Ahead:
Preparation of planting pits continues in anticipation of planting a portion of the woody trees in shrubs in September and October. Work will continue at Pause Place 2 in preparation for the installation of granite steps and seating blocks during the ideal low water conditions of autumn. With industrial piping now removed, installation of geotextile fabric, sand and gravel base material for the new bike path will continue towards Pause Place 3. Innovative helical foundation anchors, designed to support the deck overlook at Pause Place 3, will be augured into place at the beginning of September. Once the anchors are in place, S. D. Ireland will install a curved footing & frost wall to support the east side of the deck that abuts the new path at the oval. Additional construction crews will then be mobilized to construct the deck and install the railings.
Update: 8/18
Overview: Bike Path Rehabilitation Project
The Burlington Bike Path is an 8-mile route from Queen City Park Road to the Winooski River, and it is Burlington’s most popular amenity.
- It links six major waterfront parks along with the Burlington High School, central waterfront district and many other local attractions.
- The bike path is essential for meeting alternative transportation goals, health and wellness of residents, and supports the tourism industry. It has an estimated 150,000 users annually.
- The bike path was built 27 years ago and is not constructed to today’s standards.
The objective of this project is to rehabilitate the Burlington Bike Path to update it to current multi-use path standards to serve its ever increasing use, to increase resiliency, and to ensure it withstands the test of time to continue serving Burlington residents and visitors. The Bike Path Rehabilitation Project proposes the rehabilitation of the entire 8 mile path. This project will be a phased effort with full preliminary design for the entire length of the path that began in July of 2013. Phase 1 of the project consists of Phase 1a, encompassing the length of the path from Perkins Pier to Penny Lane, and Phase 1b, encompassing the length of the path from Penny Lane to North Beach. Phase 1a of the Burlington Bike Path Rehabilitation project was completed in 2015 and included improvements in alignment, signage and landscaping from Perkins Pier to Penny Lane. Phase 1b of the project began in June 2016 and will update and realign about one mile of the path from the Andy A_Dog Williams Skatepark to North Beach.
Estimated Phase 1b construction costs: $2.4M
Prime Contractor: S.D. Ireland
Owner: Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront
Resident Engineer: EIV Technical Services
Designer: Vanasse Hengen Brustlin (VHB)
Environmental Services: Johnson Company
Funding Sources: Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Improvement Program resources, Penny for Parks funding, support from the Bike Path Maintenance and Improvement Fund, and private philanthropy from the Parks Foundation of Burlington.
The Burlington Bike Path Phase 1b project will include the construction of three new pause places.
The pause places will provide more recreational opportunities, including new fitness equipment provided by UVM Medical Center. Path rehabilitation through the Urban Reserve will have a new alignment that bringing users closer to the lake. The first two pause places will be located adjacent to the new dog park and create access to the lake, fitness equipment, bike racks, and wayfinding. The third pause place has been designed as
a “pocket-park” with a new deck providing views of both the lake and City, as well as ADA access to the beach. The completed project will improve accessibility, add bike racks, and include the planting of over 150 native and cultivated varieties of trees and shrubs. Vegetation improvements will provide shoreline stabilization, place-making and landscaping along the bike path.
Closures
Path users should expect brief closures of the path for the crossing of construction equipment. The dog park within the Urban Reserve and the Phase 1b construction site will be closed this summer. It will reopen in 2017 as a restored dog park with new fencing, gates, signage and improved water access. After Labor Day, the second part of construction from the Urban Reserve to just south of North Beach will require a full path closure. A detour through the North Beach Campground to North Avenue and down Depot St. is planned for path users. Access to the path by the Sailing Center and Skatepark will remain open.
Timeline
Construction of Phase 1b will last through this December 2016 with landscaping completed early in the spring of 2017
Phase 1b Milestones
| June 2016 | Begin Construction |
| July | Remove existing path |
| July thru Sept. | Construct New Path & Pause Places |
| October | Additional Work (Penny Lane, College St. Rail Crossing) |
| Fall 2016 | Final Paving |
| Spring 2017 | Landscaping |
Wondering when the bike path will reopen into Colchester/Lake Champlain causeway
Elaine, access across the river to Colchester and the Causeway remains OPEN.