Forging new paths in Del Rey Oaks, California

GHD, the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), and the founders of Fort Ord Rec Trail and Greenway (FORTAG) sought to establish a precedence for elegant, context-sensitive trail design with this first segment. There are many challenges to conquer as the trail meanders through the Cities of Del Rey Oaks, Monterey, and Seaside, as well as through Monterey Regional Parks District properties, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) right of way, and a PG&E-owned parcel.  The Canyon Del Rey segment of FORTAG is the first 1.5-mile segment of a 28-mile trail which will help TAMC reach their overall mission of improved regional connectivity through active transportation. This first segment crosses a busy highway (twice), navigates through steep grades, and must minimize impacts to existing wetlands, waterways and trees, and improve accessibility for users of all ages and abilities.    

Together with our team, GHD provided TAMC with comprehensive services to take the FORTAG concept from a trail to an engaging pathway designed to connect the community to amenities and open spaces. We optimized the trail design to connect the community sustainably and safely while respecting the environment and the community's needs. In addition to the preliminary engineering analysis, reporting and design, we provided traffic analysis, under-crossing and ramp design, right-of-way services, utility coordination, and expansive public outreach services.  This resulted in ultimately delivering construction documents and environmental permitting. 

This optimized trail design includes the following:

• Crossing the Fremont St and State Route (SR) 218 intersection at the trail's western end using traffic calming and protected intersection design techniques. Including travel lane reductions, traffic signal modifications, intersection bulb-outs, and separated bike and pedestrian crossings to improve safety and visibility for all users
• Enhancing the way the trail meanders through two parks to reduce impacts and improve access
• Safely bridging the divide between north and south Del Rey Oaks with a SR 218 highway underpass
• Providing accessible access to a wetland preserve
• Creating lasting community benefits through providing three gateway features, two rest areas, one overlook, wayfinding, interpretive signs, seating nodes and more. All of which will feature amenities using the community’s preferred rustic-coastal theme
• Providing accessible access to two transit stops
• Slowing traffic along two roadway corridors
• Adjusting the roadway and trail to add pockets of on-street parking
• Improving the connection to Del Rey Woods Elementary School
• Improving safety at the existing SR 218 crossing to City Hall by adding curb bulb outs, flashing beacons, and high visibility markings 

Community engagement was a critical component of the project and helped to shape the design into what it is today. We worked with TAMC to create a public outreach and input program that included engaging and coordinating with key stakeholders and the community. 

We leveraged our internal expertise in the “human side of tech” by utilizing psychology to make communications more meaningful and effective for various audiences. We worked closely with TAMC, the founders of FORTAG, the City of Del Rey Oaks, and our team to identify what, who, when and how to communicate to achieve desired outcomes and get the most meaningful and effective input.

We wanted this trail to reflect the communities it connects to. What better way to do this than ask the community to help select a theme? As part of the public outreach work, we presented three themes and through public meetings and two virtual surveys, people were asked: “Which amenity theme best aligns with your vision of FORTAG through Del Rey Oaks?” The survey resulted in a tie between the rustic and coastal themes. Therefore, our landscape architecture team has selected materials/amenities that inspire a coastal theme using rustic materials. The project is approaching its last lap before construction likely begins in late 2023/early 2024. 

We are introducing the community to open spaces and functional areas for other recreational activities while preserving and enhancing the environment. The trail completion will safely connect Monterey, Del Rey Oaks, and Seaside residents to open spaces from their homes, schools, workplaces, and community/ recreation centers. In addition, the trail is designed to be accessible by foot or bike, allowing the whole community to use a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. This endeavor is part of a larger effort to connect communities in Monterey County in and around the former Fort Ord to its surrounding areas while addressing climate change needs. In addition, FORTAG will facilitate social interactions to build a stronger, more inclusive community.