Erie Canalway Multi-Use Trail

MJ worked with the New York Power Authority and Ramboll to design and construct two segments of trail along the Erie Canal in Herkimer County. The first was a new two-mile segment of trail extending the existing trail from Fort Herkimer Church to the Erie Canal Lock 18. The second was a 1.5-mile, multi-use trail from Acme Road to the Ilion Marina. Revitalizing the Erie Canal corridor is helping to expand tourism and recreation, boost economic development and reduce flooding along the canal corridor.

MJ evaluated existing topography and drainage throughout the corridor to optimize the trail alignment and profile. The design included a pedestrian bridge over the Steele Creek, a new retaining wall, trail heads and roadway connections, drainage design, and utility coordination.

The project included extensive investigation of existing wetland impact areas to minimize disturbance. This was accomplished by optimizing the horizontal alignment along with the vertical profile. It was determined that a retaining wall would be required along a short segment of the trail to accomplish this. MJ also led the project through the SEQR process. Due to the trail’s close proximity to NY Route 5S, guiderail installation was designed in strategic locations along Route 5S.