Erie Shoreline Trail Interpretive Signage

This project entails design, engineering, and inspection services for the repair, repaving, and enhancements of the Erie Shoreline Trail, a continuous 21.7-mile multi-use pathway along Lake Erie and the Niagara River in Erie and Niagara Counties.

The following design elements were included in the scope for this phase of the project:

• repave approximately 5.8 miles of multi-use off-road asphalt trail
• selectively repair failing sections of the trail
• review existing trail markings, crossings, and signage for improvements to address safety, functionality, compliance with ADA, and other applicable safety/design standards
• develop a pilot shoreline trail mileage marker standard with input from the Steering Committee
• locate placement of 15 benches, two cycle repair stations, and new signage, including markers
• design basic landscaping elements
• develop signage to direct cyclists to use the proposed River Road cycling lanes
• research themes (Industrial Heritage, Seneca & Grand Island Iroquoian Complex, and Grand Island Bridges) and develop three interpretive signs and determine placement of the signs within the project area

Content from the Industrial Heritage: River Road Corridor Sign:  “The Town of Tonawanda and the River Road corridor has a rich industrial heritage that has spanned nearly 150 years…”

Content from the Seneca & Grand Island Iroquoian Complex District Sign: “The significance of the Niagara River and Grand Island for the Seneca (O-non-dowa-gah) people and other Native inhabitants of the area extended deep from the past…”

Content from the Grand Island Bridges Sign: “Prior to the construction of the Grand Island Bridge, Grand Island residents commuted across the Niagara River by ferry boats…”