Project Summary

Klingner is working with the Quincy Park District to design a recreational walking / biking trail through the heart of Quincy, IL. Originally proposed by William Klingner in 1946 as a City-wide loop, the new version of the scenic trail, designed by current Klingner staff, will span from the Quincy Riverfront to 36th Street. The project was divided into 6 phases to support fundraising efforts:

  • Phase I (12th Street to 18th Street)
  • Phase II (5th Street to 12th Street)
  • Phase III (18th to 24th Street)
  • Phase IV (5th Street to Parker Heights)
  • Phase V (Bob Bangert Park to Lincoln Park)
  • Phase VI (24th Street to 30th Street)
  • Phase VII (30th Street to 36th Street)

 

At this time 2.44 miles have been constructed. In addition to design, Klingner helped the City secure Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant funding.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & DESIGN | The Klingner Trail is designed to promote alternative modes of transportation by providing connectivity with residential and commercial areas. As such, the trail has involved intergovernmental, private agency, and local private sector cooperation.

To gain public input and garner public support, Klingner and Quincy Park District have held a series of open houses showcasing the design before each phase. During an early public input session, community members expressed concern about the potential for crime along the trail. By incorporating 30-foot clear zones, creating emergency access points at major streets, and designing the trail to accommodate emergency vehicles, Klingner has created an enjoyable route that proactively addresses community safety. Street signs aligning with the City’s street grid were also added along the roadway to enhance users’ locational awareness.

Safety was further considered at major roadways. Where possible, the trail runs beneath pre-existing bridges. As part of PTB 156 / 034, Klingner designed a new bridge over Cedar Creek. Knowing the trail would eventually cross 24th Street, engineers ensured the structure could accommodate a walking / biking path below. Only one roadway crossing exists at a private drive. All trail access points at major roadways were installed with solar-powered flashing beacon crosswalks to alert vehicles of potential pedestrians.

SAVINGS & SUSTAINABILITY | This new version of the trail requires limited site clearing and grading, significantly reducing site costs. Pre-fabricated truss pedestrian bridges — including one of the longest in the area — were also used to minimize the cost of labor.

Klingner went beyond immediate costs to reduce long-term maintenance and repair expenses for Quincy Park District. Since the trail runs along the floodplain, much of the path was designed at an elevation that would minimize flood damage. Though HMA was used along higher elevations, concrete was chosen for lower portions of the trail to withstand frequent flooding. Storm sewers with flap gates can be found throughout the trail to prevent water from backing out of the drainage system. Walls have also been incorporated into multiple phases in select locations to minimize deposition of sand on the trail during flood events, thereby lowering maintenance costs.

ADDITIONAL WORK | Klingner obtained permits from IDNR, USACE, and IDOT for the trail and performed required bridge hydraulics. Engineers further complied with the requirements of a USACE 404 permit by designing the trail alignment to avoid existing wetlands — creating multiple scenic overlooks along the route. Clearing was also completed at specific times so as not to disturb the endangered Indiana bat. By providing detailed plans to the agencies involved, Klingner has ensured expedited reviews and approvals.

Construction observation services have been provided for each completed section of trail, involving on-site inspection, coordination, and documentation. All work has been completed according to the project’s Special Provisions, IDOT’s Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, IDOT’s Construction Manual, IDOT’s Manual of Test Procedures for Materials, IDOT’s Project Procedures Guide, and IDOT’s Documentation of Contract Quantities booklet.