eastonedc.com
Easton, MD - The Town of Easton is about to begin construction on the new East West Rail Trail extension. Easton Economic Development Corporation sat down with Town Engineer Rick Van Emburgh and Town of Easton Project Manager Kody Cario.
EEDC: So tell us about this East-West Rail Trail Extension construction.
Rick Van Emburgh (RVE): When I started with the town in 2015, an East West Rail Trail project which was being funded by a grant was near completion. This new North South portion is part of a new Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration grant, known as the Recreation Trails Program (RTP). This extension is phase one of two phases that they funded and which will connect different neighborhoods and public spaces.
EEDC: Can you be more specific?
RVE: So, in this phase, we will connect the existing trail working through some of our older neighborhoods. We’ll then go behind some homes just south of the hospital. As an aside, people will be able to experience a natural stream that is not easily accessible and behind properties. It’s part of the stream restoration that we recently did, where Kody was the project manager and one we take great pride in. After that, it’ll wind around and come out over by Port Street at Moton Park, where there’s a neighborhood and a community pool. So you have several different settings that this trail will wind through, and I think that that’s what might set this piece apart.
In the next phase, we’ll continue through Moton Park, cross the Parkway, and then go down Glenwood Avenue to the pedestrian bridge and into Easton village. After all, is done we’ll be looking at almost six miles of trails.
EEDC: The East West project was done in collaboration with Public Works, right? Will it be the same on this portion?
RVE: Right. The first trail project that we did together with Public Works was the Easton village trail. We received a lot of positive feedback from the residents of Easton Village and the Town of Easton, telling us how much they enjoy the trail. This is why one of the things that we’re also very proud of is that the Town’s Public Works staff will be constructing the North South portion. When we started the project, we were going to have a contractor do the work, which evolved into Public Works doing the work. Kody will be overseeing it and will be the point person for the coordination with the State.
EEDC: How long is this new piece, and what is the estimated time for it to be completed?
Kody Cario (KC): This Phase One piece is a mile long. We’ll be starting work on it in December, and we look for it to be completed by June of 2022. Also, it should be noted that the completed trail will be maintained by the Town of Easton’s Parks and Recreation Department.
EEDC: Will this portion be similar to the East West one, and what can people expect in terms of amenities?
KC: There’ll be benches, landscaping, trash cans, pet waste stations along the way. Obviously, the trail is going to be completely ADA (American Disabilities Act) accessible.
RVE: It will also have a similar look and feel as the existing trails in that it will be 10’ wide and have asphalt paving.
EEDC: How will it be different?
RVE: One of the neat things about the Easton Village portion is how it paralleled the shoreline and is more of a nature trail. This is somewhat different from the North South trail, which will go through town and across a street.
KC: With it going through town, it’ll be very accessible for folks that are walking on any of our main streets. So if you’re on Harrison or Washington, it’ll be very easy to jump onto the trail and connect through town.
RVE: If you really wanted to, you wouldn’t have to take an automobile to get to different places. You’ll be able to hike, bike, or walk from the high school all the way down to the waterfront. When we’re done, you’ll be able to connect to two different parks along the way or up to the northeastern part of the sports complexes, just by walking or biking.
EEDC: What is the design effort behind a project such as this?
KC: It’s a huge effort to get here and involves the landowners, grant funders, and town staff. We start by consulting with private engineering firms to make sure that the trails are ADA compliant, all street markings and sightlines are correct and safe when you’re crossing roads.
EEDC: What happens after that?
KC: When I came to the town about two and a half years ago, the design for that portion of the trail was nearly complete. I worked with Rick making sure that the design met our needs and wants. We had to make some changes, and the redesign took some time. We then worked with state highway to make sure that we received all of the grant funds. We are at the beginning point of the process where I’ll oversee the construction, ensuring that what we’re doing meets the engineering specs and the specs that Rick laid out as the Town Engineer to ensure that the trail we build will last for a good long time.
EEDC: Then on to Phase Two?
KC: Phase 2 construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2022, once all approvals and permits are obtained. We already have an approved design and are now working on getting the final easement.
EEDC: Any final words?
RVE: So one of the things that’s exciting for me, and I’m sure for Kody as well, is that we use these trails personally. We’re part of our community too. I think it’s rewarding to be able to use the trails that we worked so hard on with our families and to be able to see them enjoying them as well.
KC: Agreed. It’s great to have been a part of making that happen.
For more information about this project, contact Town of Easton, Project Manager Kody Cario at KCario@EastonMD.gov.
