Complete Regional Transportation Plan 2012 - Cape Cod ...

Project 5.3.15: Connect Shawme-Crowell State Forest to the Cape Cod CanalBikewayProject Description – Located in Sandwich, the Shawme-Crowell State Forest isproximate to the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway but lacks an improved route or facility toconnect them. The forest has a variety of park and camping facilities and lies betweenRoutes 6 and 6A with the main entrance off of Rte 130 (Main Street). The ClaireSaltonstall Bikeway does pass the entrance to the forest though there are no bicycleaccommodations or facilities.Preliminary Design Concepts – The short linkage needed to connect the Cape CodCanal Bikeway with the state forest allows for several design alternatives to be utilized.An unused alignment for Bayview Rd near the intersection of Route 6A and 130 couldallow for a shared-use path that would access the back of the state forest. The alignmentis currently cleared almost to the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway, though it would requireaccess across a rail line. An on-road route could be established using secondaryroadways, preferably with bicycle accommodations provided. The most likely alignmentwould utilize Tupper Road and Main Street although shoulders or bike lanes should beconsidered to improve the existing conditions to increase safety and reduce conflicts withautomobiles on these narrow roads that lack paved shoulders. Other possible on-roadroutes could be utilized, but would be less direct. Any route established should utilizewayfinding signage to direct bicyclists to these two facilities.Cost Estimate – Shared-use path, unit costs per mile along varying alignments:• Adjacent to roadway with utility relocation – $765,600.00• Along new alignment – $871,200.00• Existing corridor (minor grading/clearing) – $792,000.00• Along abandoned RR bed – $660,000.00On-road improvements, unit costs per mile:• Signing and striping – $10,560.00• Widening to add shoulders/bike lanes – $501,600.00Assumes adding shoulders, striping and signage along both sides of the road.Recommendations for Implementation – Several improvements in or adjacent tothis general area have been proposed and should be coordinated to develop a connectedand integrated network of bicycle routes and facilities. Projects 5.2.15 (improvements onTupper Rd. south of Rte 6A) and 5.3.17 (bicycle improvements through the SandwichHistoric District) propose improved bicycle facilities in this immediate area and could becombined into a larger project, especially if this proposed connection to the forestutilizes a route along Tupper Road. Data collected during this feasibility study alsoindicate that existing proposed improvements call for a shared-use path or on-roadimprovements on Route 6A which could also facilitate this needed connection. TheChapter 5: Bike & Pedestrian Cape Cod Regional Transportation Plan | August 2011Page 430