Trail Design

Erdman Anthony designed this 1.5-mile multi use trail in West Oswego, New York. The trail connects the Oswego Riverfront Park system to the Oswego Historic Maritime District and the Lake Ontario waterfront.

Specifically, the trail now brings visitors to the maritime district on the Port of Oswego Authority's wharf – and to points west, including the U.S. Coast Guard Station, the International Marina, City of Oswego's Wright's Landing Marina, and farther west, along the Lake of Ontario shoreline in Breitbeck Park.

The trail also provides pedestrian connectivity between State Route 104 and Oswego's downtown district.

The 10-foot-wide bicycle and pedestrian trail includes several amenities to make its users feel safer and enjoy the trail experience. For instance, lighting was included in Breitbeck Park to provide safe passage at night along Lake Ontario. Interpretive signs were added to point out key features along the corridor, including Fort Oswego, the historic lighthouse, and abundant wildlife. Decorative bollards and an aluminum fence were added along the Port of Oswego Authority’s wharf to aesthetically separate trail users from trucks that utilize the wharf.

Inlaid pavement markings also were added at heavily used crosswalks to provide high visibility, with little or no maintenance necessary. Trail signage was included to identify the trail corridor and give directions to key scenic vistas. A segmental-block retaining wall and landscaping were also added to hold back some slopes and provide additional visual interest.

Erdman Anthony provided survey, design, and construction inspection services for this Locally Administered Federal Aid Project. Key issues addressed included right-of-way acquisition, environmental issues, historic sites, drainage issues, consistency with the city's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, compliance with New York State Coastal Management Program’s regulations, coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and public participation.