kennedy center pedestrian/bicycle trail access and safety

Kennedy Center Pedestrian/Bicycle Trail Access and Safety Improvements, and Rehabilitation of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway (Route 16)

Project Narrative Preliminary / Final Review

Prepared for: National Capital Planning Commission

Prepared by: Stantec Consulting

March 1, 2019

KENNEDY CENTER PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE TRAIL ACCESS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS, AND REHABILITATION OF ROCK CREEK AND POTOMAC PARKWAY (ROUTE 16)

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Table of Contents

1.0 Project Overview ............................................................................................. 1.1 1.1 Description of Agency/Mission........................................................................... 1.2 1.2 Description of the Proposed Development and Alternatives .............................. 1.2 1.3 Master Plan Alignment .................................................................................... 1.12 1.4 Schedule ......................................................................................................... 1.16 1.5 Project Cost Estimate ...................................................................................... 1.17

2.0 Outreach and Coordination .......................................................................... 2.18 2.1 Public Engagement ......................................................................................... 2.18

2.1.1 Preliminary Design Charrette .......................................................... 2.18 2.1.2 Advisory Neighborhood Council 2A Meeting ................................... 2.19

2.2 Coordination with Federal, State, and Local Jurisdictions ............................... 2.19

3.0 Project Information and Drawings ............................................................... 3.20 3.1 Site Plan .......................................................................................................... 3.20 3.2 Photographs .................................................................................................... 3.21 3.3 Historic Preservation ....................................................................................... 3.25 3.4 Natural Resources ........................................................................................... 3.25 3.5 Flooding ........................................................................................................... 3.26 3.6 Stormwater Management ................................................................................ 3.26

4.0 References ....................................................................................................... 4.1

List of Tables Table 1 - Schedule ................................................................................................................. 1.16 Table 2 – Preliminary Cost Estimate ...................................................................................... 1.17

List of Figures Figure 1 - Project Area ............................................................................................................. 1.1 Figure 2 - Old Constitution Ave NW turn-around (Existing) ...................................................... 1.4 Figure 3 - Old Constitution Ave NW turn-around (Proposed) .................................................... 1.4 Figure 4 - Existing Intersection of Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway at ..................................... 1.5 Figure 5 - Proposed Intersection of Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway at .................................. 1.5 Figure 6 - Proposed Plan of Old Constitution Ave NW turn-around (the Belvedere) ................. 1.6 Figure 7 - Looking south at the Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge abutment (Existing) ........... 1.6 Figure 8 – Proposed Tunnel (Alignment 2 / Rectangular portal -- Preferred), looking

south.......................................................................................................................... 1.7 Figure 9 - Looking north at the Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge abutment (Existing) ............ 1.8 Figure 10 – Proposed tunnel (Alignment 2 / Rectangular portal -- Preferred), looking

north .......................................................................................................................... 1.8 Figure 11 – Proposed Plan of Bicycle/Pedestrian Tunnel through Teddy Roosevelt

Memorial Bridge ........................................................................................................ 1.9


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Figure 12 – North Elevation of Bicycle/Pedestrian Tunnel through Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge ........................................................................................................ 1.9

Figure 12 - Inside Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge abutment, looking north ....................... 1.10 Figure 13 - Inside Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge abutment, looking southwest

toward location of proposed tunnel portal between the counterforts ......................... 1.10 Figure 14 - Kennedy Center Waterfront (Existing) .................................................................. 1.11 Figure 15 - Kennedy Center Waterfront (Proposed) ............................................................... 1.11 Figure 16 - Pedestrian/Bicycle Circulation Map ..................................................................... 1.13 Figure 17 - Perspective view of Kennedy Center Expansion Project involving bicycle-

pedestrian bridge over Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway to trail [10] ....................... 1.14 Figure 18 - Ultimate Condition - Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation between Rock Creek

Park Multi-Use Trail and the Kennedy Center [10] ................................................... 1.14 Figure 19 - Preparing for field walk held on March 27th, 2017 ................................................. 2.18 Figure 20 - Design charrette meeting held on March 27th, 2017 ............................................ 2.18 Figure 21 - Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW and Virginia Ave NW ............................. 3.21 Figure 22 - Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW and F Street NW .................................... 3.21 Figure 23 - Kennedy Center Waterfront, looking south (Existing) ........................................... 3.22 Figure 24 - Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, looking south (existing) ................................ 3.23 Figure 25 - Pedestrian sidewalk (8-ft wide) adjacent to Rock Creek and Potomac

Parkway, under Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge (existing) .................................. 3.23 Figure 26 - Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail, adjacent to Parkway Drive NW, along

Volleyball Courts, looking south (existing) ................................................................ 3.24 Figure 27 - Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail, adjacent to Ohio Drive SW, looking north

(existing) .................................................................................................................. 3.24 Figure 28 – The river steps at Georgetown Waterfront Park, with the Kennedy Center in

the background, are located just to the north of the project area. Source: https://georgetownwaterfrontpark.org....................................................................... 3.25

List of Appendices

– Site Plans ......................................................................................A.1

– Stormwater Management Concept Report .................................B.2

– Tree Replacement Memo .............................................................C.3

– Wayfinding Signage .....................................................................D.4


Project Overview March 1, 2019

1.1

1.0 Project Overview

The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration—Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division, is planning to implement shared-use trail, roadway, and site improvements, including a pedestrian tunnel, roadway resurfacing, median repairs, lighting, signal reconstruction, signing and marking, ADA and crosswalk upgrades, landscaping, wayfinding signage, amenities, and other improvements on NPS lands along Rock Creek Park Multi-Use trail, the Potomac River waterfront, and Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway NW from Virginia Ave NW to the Old Constitution Ave NW turn-around (the Belvedere) and along Ohio Drive SW from the Ericsson Memorial to the Tidal Basin Inlet Bridge. The purpose of the project is to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, access, and connectivity to and from the Kennedy Center from surrounding destinations such as Georgetown, Foggy-Bottom metro, National Mall and Memorials, and the Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge to Arlington, VA. A significant body of work has been prepared previously studying the opportunities and challenges associated with providing pedestrian and bicycle access to the Kennedy Center. Please refer to the references listed at the end of this report for more information.

Figure 1 - Project Area



1.2

1.1 Description of Agency/Mission The National Park Service (NPS) is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The NPS manages the parks of the National Park System. The NPS also helps administer dozens of affiliated sites, the National Register of Historic Places, National Heritage Areas, National Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Historic Landmarks, and National Trails.

Mission Statement

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the NPS. The “Organic Act” states that the fundamental purpose of the NPS “is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” [1]

1.2 Description of the Proposed Development and Alternatives

The proposed scope of work for the project includes rehabilitation of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW, Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail widening and resurfacing, median repairs, lighting, signal reconstruction, signing and marking, ADA and crosswalk upgrades, landscaping, wayfinding signage, and amenities. The project consists of the following core components: 1. Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW from Virginia Ave NW to Parkway Drive NW. This work includes asphalt mill and overlay of the existing travel lanes and full depth patching repairs, repair of the cobblestone median, and replacement of existing LED cobrahead lighting with LED twin-20 standard light poles and luminaires. 2. Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail widening and resurfacing. The trail will be improved to meet or exceed current standards for shared-use paths, per the AASHTO Bicycle Design guide [2]. The existing trail width varies from 8’ to 10’ but will be widened as follows:

• Resurface and widen to 14-ft (10-ft in constrained locations) from Virginia Ave NW to Ohio Drive SW (south of the volleyball courts);

• Resurface 9-ft wide trail from Ericsson Memorial to Tidal Basin bridge; Porous asphalt pavement is proposed to meet SWM regulations in select locations.



1.3

3. RCPP and Virginia Ave NW intersection pedestrian/bicycle improvements. Include signal reconstruction, ADA ramp upgrades, lighting, and signing & marking. Work also includes removal of un-used sidewalk along the north approach of Virginia Ave NW. 4. RCPP and F Street NW intersection pedestrian/bicycle improvements. Include ADA ramp upgrades, lighting and signing & marking. 5. Wayfinding signage. Existing bicycle and pedestrian wayfinding signage will be supplemented and/or replaced throughout the project area. Signing will be designed to for consistency with other wayfinding signs within the project area. Refer to appendix D for map and sample sign. 6. Landscape improvements. Following the guidance in the Cultural Landscape Report (CLR 2/2018), generally, landscape improvements beyond those discussed below will be limited to mitigation for tree impacts. Significant elements within the scope of proposed improvements include: 7. Redesign of the Old Constitution Avenue NW turn-around (the Belvedere). The Old Constitution Avenue NW turn-around was once used prior to the construction of the RCPP, and no longer serves as a traffic need. The area has a great view of the river and could serve as an expanded river overlook and landscaped area. The proposed design will accommodate pedestrian use, realign Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail, and provide a site layout in preparation for a future memorial. The site will convert much of the existing asphalt paving to grass lawn but will preserve the footprint of the original turn-around with a flush curb located within the lawn. The lawn will be planted with daffodils along the outer walkway. Existing trees will be preserved and supplemented with new trees to create a bosque that defines the termination of the Old Constitution Avenue NW corridor. The twin-20 light poles/luminaires will be relocated to properly light the site. The walkways within the site will be exposed aggregate sidewalk. This site is listed as a ‘prime candidate site’ in the Memorials and Museums Master Plan [3]. A traffic impact analysis was prepared for realignment of the right-turn ramp from Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW to Parkway Drive NW.



1.4

Figure 2 - Old Constitution Ave NW turn-around (Existing)

Figure 3 - Old Constitution Ave NW turn-around (Proposed)



1.5

Figure 4 - Existing Intersection of Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway at Parkway Drive NW, looking south

Figure 5 - Proposed Intersection of Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway at Parkway Drive NW, looking south



1.6

Figure 6 - Proposed Plan of Old Constitution Ave NW turn-around (the Belvedere)

8. Rock Creek Park Trail Pedestrian/Bicycle Tunnel under the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge. Bicyclists and pedestrians currently travel under the bridge adjacent to RCPP using a six-foot wide sidewalk. However, the minimum standard for shared use paths is 10 feet. The space is constrained and unprotected from vehicular traffic. Options reviewed for the proposed pedestrian tunnel included an arch and rectangular entrance way, both 14-ft wide with 12-ft vertical clearance. Two alignment alternatives were proposed.

Figure 7 - Looking south at the Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge abutment (Existing)



1.7

Alignment 1 was centered on the abutment, however, would impact an existing counterfort, which supports the free-standing façade wall. Alignment 2 would avoid impacts to existing counterforts (which support the free-standing façade wall). Alignment 2 was preferred by NPS, NCPC, and CFA. The rectangular entrance way was preferred by CFA and adopted as the preferred alternative as it allows a generally perpendicular approach. To the north of the tunnel, the trail will connect to the Kennedy Center pedestrian bridge landing and ramp that is currently under construction. According to the Kennedy Center’s arborist report, the two large existing willow oak trees are in poor health and should be removed.

Figure 8 – Proposed Tunnel (Alignment 2 / Rectangular portal -- Preferred), looking south



1.8

Figure 10 – Proposed tunnel (Alignment 2 /

Rectangular portal -- Preferred), looking north

Figure 9 - Looking north at the Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge abutment (Existing)



1.9

Figure 11 – Proposed Plan of Bicycle/Pedestrian Tunnel through Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge

Figure 12 – North Elevation of Bicycle/Pedestrian Tunnel through Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge



1.10

Figure 13 - Inside Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge abutment, looking north

Figure 14 - Inside Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge abutment, looking southwest toward location of proposed tunnel portal between the counterforts



1.11

9. John F. Kennedy Center Waterfront. The Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail along the Kennedy Center waterfront is 10-ft wide, however, the presence of benches and handrailing constrains the trail width to an effective 6-ft width. The proposed trail will be widened to a 14-foot width, including removal and replacement of trees and benches. In addition, existing asphalt pavers and concrete banding will be replaced with a continuous asphalt surface. The existing bench areas will be reduced in depth but will remain functional.

Figure 15 - Kennedy Center Waterfront (Existing)

Figure 16 - Kennedy Center Waterfront (Proposed)



1.12

The existing handrailing will also be repaired and rehabilitated as needed. Seat backs and armrests will be added to wayside benches. Furthermore, this component of the project will also interface with the pedestrian bridge over RCPP that is under construction by the Kennedy Center. Please refer to Figure 18 - Ultimate Condition - Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation between Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail and the Kennedy Center [10]

1.3 Master Plan Alignment The proposed project aligns with the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital [5]. Specifically, the proposed improvements align with the Parks & Open Space element draft update (March 2018) which includes the following six guiding principles:

A - Protect the Parks and Open Space Design Legacy

The project improvements propose minor modifications to existing infrastructure and landscape elements. Modifications include trail widening, bench relocation, tree removals and plantings, a pedestrian tunnel under the Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge, roadway lighting reconstruction, and modifications to the site layout of the Old Constitution Avenue NW turn-around.

B - Provide Stewardship of Natural and Cultural Resources

No significant impacts to natural and cultural resources are known or proposed.

C - Provide Access to and Connections between Parks and Open Space

The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts is currently difficult to reach without a motor vehicle. One of the primary objectives of the project is to improve pedestrian and bicycle access and connectivity to the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts from surrounding memorials, transportation, and destinations.

The Kennedy Center Expansion Project, currently under construction, includes a pedestrian bridge connection from Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail. This project will interface with that bridge.



1.13

Figure 17 - Pedestrian/Bicycle Circulation Map



1.14

Figure 19 - Ultimate Condition - Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation between Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail and the Kennedy Center [10]

Trail realignment for tunnel

Figure 18 - Perspective view of Kennedy Center Expansion Project involving bicycle-pedestrian bridge over Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway to trail [10]



1.15

D - Balance Multiple Uses within Parks

The project area, within recent history, has been dominated by motor vehicle usage. The project helps to balance modal usage in the area by further encouraging pedestrian and bicycle usage of the trails and sidewalks by improving safety, access, and connectivity. The proposed improvements will be implemented without significant impacts to natural and cultural resources.

E - Balance Commemorative Works within Parks

The project proposes to convert the Old Constitution Ave NW turn-around to a grass lawn in preparation for a future memorial or commemorative works. The footprint of the turn-around will be preserved in the design.

F - Build Partnerships and Coordination among Multiple Landowners and Jurisdictions

The project includes coordination between multiple agencies and landowners including the National Park Service, the District Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration – Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division, and the Kennedy Center.



1.16

1.4 Schedule The current schedule as of December 7, 2018 is detailed in the following table:

Table 1 - Schedule

Work Phase Milestone Dates

Phase I – Preliminary 9-Feb-17

Phase II – Conceptual 21-Aug-17

Phase III – Intermediate PS&E 17-Aug-18

Phase IV – Pre-Final PS&E 22-Mar-19

Phase V – Revised Pre-Final PS&E 01-May-19

Phase VI – Final PS&E 03-Jun-19

Phase VII – Construction Staking 19-Jun-19

Begin Construction Winter 2020

Complete Construction Winter 2021



1.17

1.5 Project Cost Estimate The following table provides preliminary costs for the project:

Table 2 – Preliminary Cost Estimate

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Rehabilitation; Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail widening and resurfacing

$1,500,000

Old Constitution Ave NW turn-around (the Belvedere) Site Improvements

$350,000

Kennedy Center Waterfront Improvements $500,000

Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail Tunnel under Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge

$1,000,000

Total Estimate Cost $3,350,000

Contingency (15%) $500,000

Say $3,850,000


Outreach and Coordination March 1, 2019

2.18

2.0 Outreach and Coordination

2.1 Public Engagement 2.1.1 Preliminary Design Charrette

On March 27th, 2017, a two-part, six-hour preliminary design charrette for the project was hosted by the Toole Design Group. The first half of the meeting was held on-site and included a guided field walk. The second half of the meeting was held in a Kennedy Center conference meeting room. Representatives from the following stakeholder groups attended the field walk and/or meeting:

• Advisory Neighborhood Council 2A04

• District Department of Transportation

• Federal Highway Administration – Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division

• Georgetown Business Improvement District

• John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

• National Capital Planning Commission

• National Park Service – National Capital Region

• National Park Service – National Mall and Memorial Parks

• National Park Service – Rock Creek Park

• Washington Area Bicyclist Association

Figure 20 - Preparing for field walk held on March 27th, 2017

Figure 21 - Design charrette meeting held on March 27th, 2017


Outreach and Coordination March 1, 2019

2.19

2.1.2 Advisory Neighborhood Council 2A Meeting

On June 26th, 2017, the National Park Service – National Mall and Memorial Parks and Federal Highways Administration – Eastern Federal Lands Highways Division attended Advisory Neighborhood Council’s 2A monthly meeting.

2.2 Coordination with Federal, State, and Local Jurisdictions

To date the project has included coordination meetings between multiple agencies and landowners including:

• National Park Service

• District Department of Transportation

• Federal Highway Administration – Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division

• District Department of the Environment

• John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

The following is a list of interagency meetings held to discuss the project:

• January 1, 2017 – Kick-off meeting with NPS, EFLHD, Kennedy Center

• March 3, 2017 – Design Charrette with NPS, EFLHD, DDOT, Kennedy Center

• August 9, 2017 – DDOT, NPS, and EFLHD coordination meeting

• September 6, 2017 – EFLHD, NPS, and Kennedy Center scoping update meeting

• October 10, 2017 – DOEE and EFLHD coordination conference call

• May 16, 2018 – EFLHD, NPS, and Kennedy Center scoping update meeting

• July 11, 2018 – EFLHD, NPS, DDOT meeting regarding bike/pedestrian tunnel


Project Information and Drawings March 1, 2019

3.20

3.0 Project Information and Drawings

3.1 Site Plan Please refer to Appendix A for a color roll plan and detail plans for the project.



3.21

3.2 Photographs

Figure 22 - Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW and Virginia Ave NW

Figure 23 - Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW and F Street NW



3.22

Figure 24 - Kennedy Center Waterfront, looking south (Existing)



3.23

Figure 25 - Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, looking south (existing)

Figure 26 - Pedestrian sidewalk (8-ft wide) adjacent to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, under Teddy Roosevelt Memorial Bridge (existing)



3.24

Figure 28 - Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail, adjacent to Ohio Drive SW, looking north (existing)

Figure 27 - Rock Creek Park Multi-Use Trail, adjacent to Parkway Drive NW, along Volleyball Courts, looking south (existing)



3.25

Figure 29 – The river steps at Georgetown Waterfront Park, with the Kennedy Center in the background, are located just to the north of the project area. Source: https://georgetownwaterfrontpark.org

3.3 Historic Preservation The project improvements are being developed for consistency with recommendations found in the Cultural Landscapes Report, dated February 2018 [6] and the DC SHPO concurrence letter.

The National Park Service was responsible for Section 106 consultation for improvements on NPS land. FHWA completed section 106 consultation for the bicycle-pedestrian tunnel. Please refer to documentation under separate cover.

3.4 Natural Resources There are no known impacts to wetlands, waters of the US, endangered or threatened species, or critical habitat.

A number of trees along the waterfront will be impacted by the trail widening and re-grading associated with relocation of the benches.

The National Park Service will be responsible to ensure compliance with any mitigations.



3.26

3.5 Flooding The project is located adjacent to the Potomac River for its entire length. However, there are no significant changes to grades and the improvements will have negligible impacts to the floodplain and water surface elevations. Relocation of facilities beyond the 100-year floodplain was not evaluated.

3.6 Stormwater Management A stormwater management report has been prepared for the project. Generally, permeable pavements, bioretention, and tree protection/planting has been considered to-date. An initial coordination conference call with the District Department of the Environment was held on October 11th, 2017. Further coordination is on-going with the latest comments received in February 2019 as the plans develop.


References March 1, 2019

4.1

4.0 References

[1] National Park Service, "Organic Act," 1916. [2] "Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, Fourth Edition," American

Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials, Washington, DC, 2012. [3] National Capital Planning Commission, "Memorials and Museums Master Plan,"

2001. [4] Steven Holl Architects, "Presentation for 'The John F. Kennedy Center for the

Performing Arts Expansion Project'," 2016. [5] National Capital Planning Commission, "Comprehensive Plan for the National

Capital: Federal Elements," 2016. [6] National Park Service, National Mall and Memorial Parks, Division of Resource

Management/EHT Traceries/Stantec, "Cultural Landscape Report, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, Potomac Waterfront Section," 2018.

[7] District Department of Transportation/KGP Design Studio, "Pedestrian Access between Kennedy Center and RCPP Trail Concept Study," 2007.

[8] National Park Service, National Capital Region, "Paved Trails Study," 2016. [9] National Capital Planning Commission, National Park Service, Smithsonian

Institution, Federal Highway Administation Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division, Architect of the Capitol, "Streetscape Manual - Interagency Initiative for National Mall Road Improvement Program," 2013.

[10] National Park Service, National Mall and Memorial Parks, "Signage Guidelines," 2011.

[11] National Capital Planning Commission, "Monumental Core Framework Plan," 2009.


Appendix A – Site Plans March 1, 2019

A.1

– Site Plans


Appendix B – Stormwater Management Concept Report March 1, 2019

B.2

– Stormwater Management Concept Report


Appendix C – Tree Replacement Memo March 1, 2019

C.3

– Tree Replacement Memo


Appendix D – Wayfinding Signage March 1, 2019

D.4

– Wayfinding Signage

kennedy center pedestrian/bicycle trail access and safety

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