Ralston Trail Phase I, Phase II (West), and Phase III (East)

Ralston, Nebraska

Client:
City of Ralston, Nebraska

Schemmer, working as City Engineers for the City of Ralston, designed nearly 1.75 miles of pedestrian trail as part of a channel corridor master plan. In the early 1990s, frequent heavy rains led to increased erosion, log jams and loss of private property along Ralston Creek. Schemmer assisted the City in developing a comprehensive plan to address stream stability, develop maintenance access and develop the channel corridor into a green oasis that would emphasize the beauty of a natural channel system. The Ralston Connector Path is also a vital transportation link between downtown Ralston and the Papio Trail system. Several public meetings were held to inform and gather input from the public. All property owners affected were contacted and briefed on the projects.

Schemmer wrote grant applications, prepared conceptual plans and cost estimates for Trail Enhancement Program (TEP) funding administered by NDOR. The grant for Phase I was awarded in 2001 and Schemmer started immediately with design and right-of-way negotiation. Property owners were re-contacted and easements were obtained for the improvements. The trail undercrosses a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway bridge. A tunnel was constructed to protect pedestrians from potential overhead debris but also to support the railroad if the bridge were to be removed in the future. All improvements were designed in accordance with AASHTO guidelines.

Two pedestrian bridges were incorporated into the design to provide interest along the green corridor. Short retaining walls were added to minimize the impact to mature trees, residences and businesses along the path. The path is held above the 100-year flood elevation to minimize damage and to avoid wetland impacts in the creek bottoms. Plans were completed as well as all right-of-way negotiations and railroad agreements with Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway.

For Phase II (West), Schemmer processed the application for a federal grant through the TEP for the second segment of the Ralston Trail which adds .7 (seven-tenths) mile of additional trail that connects to Phase I of the Ralston Trail. The project has one pedestrian bridge that spans Ralston Creek.

For Phase II (East), Schemmer processed the application for federal funds through the TEP for the final segment of the Ralston Trail which connects to the Metro Trail near 72nd Street and the Big Papio Creek. The Phase II (East) project connects Phase I and Phase II (West) to the Metro Trail system.