605B7600015 MPS Trail Spec Matrix (190528) (1).pdf
PDF 366 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- BPM057922
- Issued by
- Maryland
About this file
This is a Specification Matrix document for the Maryland Department of Parks and Recreation related to the Battlefield Trail Phase 2 Construction project at Gathland State Park near Burkittsville, Maryland. The project involves construction of approximately 5,150 linear feet of new natural surface singletrack trail designed for pedestrian use with historical interpretation features. The trail will connect existing developed park areas and accommodate mountain trail bikes and horses on a non-encouraged basis, with motorized use explicitly prohibited. An add alternate is required in bid submissions to perform maintenance work on approximately 2,200 linear feet of existing interpretive trail tread to ensure consistency with newly constructed segments; this alternate work is not guaranteed for award but will be considered for funding if budget allows. The project scope is limited to trail development only, with no additional parking, sanitary facilities, or related infrastructure required.
The specification matrix provides detailed technical requirements and standards for trail construction materials, design specifications, and quality assurance measures to ensure the trail meets the park's recreational and interpretive standards. The document establishes baseline specifications that bidders must follow to ensure consistency with existing park infrastructure and long-term trail sustainability and maintenance requirements.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 605B7600015 Best Practices Trail Construction.pdf | ||
| 605B7600015 19-SF-GA01_FINAL APPROVAL SCANNED.pdf | ||
| 605B7600015 IFB Final.pdf |
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Text version
Maryland Park Service Natural Surface Trail Specifications Matrix1
Easier (Green) More Difficult (Blue) Very Difficult (Black)
Constructed Tread Width
(typical)2
36 30" 18"
Ave Trail Grade per 1000'
5% 7% 10%
Max Trail Grade3, 4 15% 20% 30% (armored over 20%)
Min Turn Radius5 10' 8' 6'
Max Turnpad Grade6 5% 15% 15%
Corridor Width
(4' above tread)
48"-72" 36"-72" 36"-48"
Corridor Height (typical) 8' (humans) / 10' (horses) 8' (humans) / 10' (horses) 8' (humans) / 10' (horses)
Exposure (direct, without railing)7 less then 18" less then 48" no limit
Unavoidable Obstacles less then 2" less then 8" less then 18"
Avoidable Obstacles (over 50% of tread or less) less then 6" less then 24" less then 36"
Roughasity (surface texture)8 low med, some high high, some very high
Tread and trail features Firm trail surface. Any rock armored sections are constructed to have minimal height variation.
Modest rough tread (relative to local landscape) and occasional unavoidable obstacles are expected.
Significant unavoidable obstacles are expected. May include steps, terraces, extended rock gardens, loose rock, significantly exposure.
Notes Expect to significantly modify local terrain to meet trail specs; removing rock, avoiding tree species with surface root systems.
Seek out rocky ridges. Selective machine work to create a defined but organic appearing tread. Most rock and tread work is aimed at sustainability and definition rather than ease of passage.
Footnotes…
General Notes!
1. Matrix establishes a general baseline. It is understood landscape conditions may dictate exceptions. Consult with project manager for specific situations.
2. Constructed tread width may narrow over short distances to 50% of spec. Examples include rock or tree gateways.
3. Max grades refer to extremely short segments, approximately 20 feet.
4. Listed grades assume high-quality clay-based soil with rock. Lower quality sandy soils will reduce value.
7. Additional exposure may be acceptable via widening tread to permit timid users to escape.
• Grade reversals are required in all trails, at least every 100 feet.
• All trails should have a minimum grade and camber (in/outslope) of 3% to ensure a well-drained tread.
• Trails are required to have a cambered tread and drain regardless of local terrain. In flat areas this may necessitate a "lift and tilt" or other terrain-modifying construction technique.
5. Unless constrained by landscape elements, turns should maintain a consistent radius.
6. Turnpad grade measures the rise/fall across the turning surface at the base of any inslope.
8. Roughasity attempts to capture average tread coarseness. Tread area with obstacles: "low" = less then 5%, "med" = less then
20%, "high" = over 20%, "very high" = over 50%.
• Sustainable trails guidelines provide the foundation for all design + construction decisions ("half rule", frequent grade reversals, max grades function of soils + use, etc.).
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