The presentation summarized plans to reconstruct the 0.9 mile Ladd Arboretum multiuse trail in Evanston, Illinois. The trail was originally constructed in 1961 but its gravel surface and lack of drainage caused issues. The city received a $580,000 grant in 2013 to repave the trail with asphalt, which was recommended due its low cost and maintenance compared to other materials. Engineering for the project would be completed in 2014 and 2015, with construction starting in summer 2015. The new trail would have an 8-foot wide asphalt surface with improved connections to streets and visibility for students.

1. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
Council Presentation
Monday, February 17, 2014
Suzette Robinson, Director of Public Works
Homayoon Pirooz, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works
Stefanie Levine, RLA, Senior Project Manager
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2. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
Meeting Agenda
• Background
• Progress To Date
• Next Steps
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3. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
Background
• Arboretum construction completed in1961
• 0.9 miles long (Emerson to Greenbay)
• 8’ wide, gravel
• 2007 master plan recommended reconstruction on
same alignment
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4. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
Background
• Limited use during winter /
inclement weather due to poor
drainage
• Path surface material
• Poor connections at street
intersections (Bridge / McCormick
shown)
• Poor visibility from street for
students between Bridge and
Greenbay
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5. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
Progress To Date
• May 2012: City applied for Illinois Transportation
Enhancement Program (ITEP) funding to reconstruct multiuse
trail
• February 2013: City received approval for $580,000 through
ITEP ($145,000 City share)
• Summer 2013: Preliminary data collection initiated
• October 8, 2013: Neighborhood meeting held regarding
preliminary alignment, cross section and paving materials
(approximately 11 participants)
• February 17, 2014: Council presentation
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6. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
Next Steps
• Complete Phase 1 (preliminary) engineering: Spring 2014
• Complete Phase 2 (construction documents) Engineering: Fall
2014
• Construction Letting: Spring 2015 (by IDOT)
• Construct Project: Summer 2015
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7. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
Typical Cross Section 7

8. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
PROPOSED
CONDITIONS
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9. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
PROPOSED
CONDITIONS
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10. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
PROPOSED
CONDITIONS
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11. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
PROPOSED
CONDITIONS
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12. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
PROPOSED
CONDITIONS
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13. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
PROPOSED
CONDITIONS
POTENTIAL TREE
RELOCATIONS
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14. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
PROPOSED
CONDITIONS
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15. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
Paving Material Selection Criteria
Feature Asphalt
*
Concrete Crushed
Stone
Permeable
Asphalt
Permeable
Concrete
Positive
Attributes
Low installation cost X X
Low maintenance costs X X
Can be plowed X X X X
Good drainage control X X
Less “developed”
appearance X X
Stable riding surface X X X X
Negative
Attributes
High installation cost X X X
Moderate maintenance
costs X X
High maintenance costs X
Cannot be plowed X
Creates drainage
concerns X X X
More “developed”
appearance X X X
Unstable riding surface X
* Staff recommendation
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16. Ladd Arboretum Multiuse Trail
Comments / Questions?
Suzette Robinson, Director of Public Works
Homayoon Pirooz, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works
Stefanie Levine, RLA, Senior Project Manager
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