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Wasatch County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 16

38: APPENDIX 3, WASATCH COUNTY TRAIL STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES

16.38.01: PURPOSE

As noted in the Wasatch County general plan, our goal is to develop and incorporate a public nonmotorized trail system into the future and existing infrastructure of Wasatch County to provide safe transportation and recreation facilities, compatible with the rural and mountainous environments of Wasatch County.

These trail standards have been implemented to accomplish the following:
  1. Create a seamless and consistent trail network.
  2. Improve the opportunity for alternative transportation.
  3. Provide safe facilities for all users.
  4. Enhance recreation opportunities for both residents and visitors.
  5. Create design and construction standards for trails in Wasatch County. 
  6. Enhance recreation opportunities for both residents and visitors.
  7. Create design and construction standards for trails in Wasatch County.
  8. Provide enough trail options to keep traffic on trails at acceptable levels.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 2002 Code § 16.38.01 on 1/1/2002
Amended by Ord. 17-21 on 12/7/2017

16.38.02: TRAIL DESIGN

  1. Trail Function: Anticipated trail use will essentially determine what type of trail to construct and where it will be built. There are two (2) general categories of trails: transportation and recreation, yet it is perfectly acceptable and common for the uses to be concurrent.
    1. Transportation trails are generally built as destination trails and primarily connect neighborhoods with one another or with public facilities, which may include schools, recreation centers, parks, town or resort centers, shopping areas, libraries, etc. The purpose is to allow a non-motorized user a corridor that limits interference with motor vehicle traffic and promotes non-motorized alternatives for short local trips. User types may include cyclists, disabled users, walkers and a variety of other youth type activities.
    2. Trails for recreation typically provide a connection to natural spaces and provide a range of challenges and features for the trail user. Loop trails are the preferred design that will allow users to begin and end at the same trailhead location. These trails typically connect to open spaces, national forests, state parks and neighborhood parks. User groups may include mountain and road cyclists, trail runners, equestrians, joggers, hikers and walkers. Trail surfaces are generally soft surface or natural surfaces.
  2. Trail Users: These standards are set for non-motorized use and focused on all age groups, all levels of ability and generally include the following activity types: walkers, runners, joggers, hikers, cyclists (both mountain and road), skateboarders, disabled users, wheelchairs, equestrians, skiers, in-line skaters and baby movers (carriages, strollers, joggers, etc.).

    While it is clearly not practical for all types of trails in a mountainous environment to be fully accessible to the disabled, where reasonably appropriate, trails should comply with the requirements of the Americans with disabilities act of 1990 (ADA).

  3. Americans With Disabilities Act: A trail is considered ADA accessible if it meets the following criteria:
    1. Five foot (5') minimum width.
    2. Hard surfaces. Asphalt and concrete are the most accessible. Compacted crushed stone with a diameter less than three-eighths inch (3/8") is also acceptable.
    3. Trail grade less than five percent (5%).
    4. Ramps, not stairs, should be provided for grades exceeding the five percent (5%) maximum.
    5. Ramp grades should not exceed eight percent (8%) and have a level landing for every thirty inches (30") of vertical rise and have a slip resistant surface.
    6. Thirty two inch (32") high handrails should be installed on all ramps and bridges.
    7. Trails should have a rest area every three hundred feet (300'), preferably cleared with a bench.
    8. One or more accessible parking spaces should be provided at trail parking lots.
    9. If gate or bollards are used to prevent motorized vehicle access to the trail, thirty two inch (32") clearance is necessary for wheelchair access.
  4. Trail Location: The following are guidelines for how trails should be routed to reduce maintenance needs and environmental impacts while maximizing the trail experience:
    1. General Guidelines:
      1. Trails should be located and constructed in such a manner as to minimize maintenance and maximize access. Alignment should utilize the natural topography of the land and should follow natural contours where possible with respect to surrounding landforms.
      2. Design features should preserve and promote natural elements, including geologic, scenic, wildlife and historic.
      3. Construction must factor in erosion related to use and weather.
      4. Trail design should consider the trail users experience. Alignments should avoid excessive switchbacks or lengthy steep grades. When creating alignments, consider intended volume, ability and type of user.
      5. Locate trails for both summer and winter activities giving consideration to terrain and climate. Identify snow retention areas for possible cross country ski trails. In open areas, use trail alignments that take advantage of wind protection and shaded canyon areas.
      6. Because each trail site is unique, specific trail proposals through sensitive areas need to be considered on a case by case basis.
      7. Trails should be clearly separated from vehicle traffic. Users are generally safer and travel experiences are enhanced on separated trails. Snow removal and general maintenance are less costly when trails are separated from roads and parking lots. At-grade crossings at roads should be limited.
      8. The trail grade should not exceed half the grade of the hillside the trail is traversing. This is primarily to limit erosion and is a general guideline. For example, if you build across a hillside with a side slope of twenty percent (20%), the trail grade should not exceed ten percent (10%).

    2. Standards For Grades, Vertical Clearance And Curve Radii:

a. Grades: Grades of five percent (5%) and below are acceptable for standard trail sections. Grades above five percent (5%) cannot be considered wheelchair accessible. Intersections should not exceed three percent (3%). Avoid sharp curves on grades exceeding five percent (5%) to avoid confrontations between different levels of users. The following table identifies lengths of trail for grades above five percent (5%) (backcountry or natural surface trails may exceed these grades for short distances, but must factor in appropriate erosion control measures): 

Grade (Percent)Limit On Length At That Grade
<5None
5-6800 feet
6-7400 feet
7-8200 feet
8-9100 feet
9-1050 feet
>100 feet

b.Trail users need adequate sight line distances to anticipate changes in the trail and trail users coming the opposite direction. An optimal clear view distance for bicyclists (the trail user traveling at the highest speed) is one hundred fifty feet (150'). If this distance cannot be met, appropriate signing must be placed to warn the user of curve ahead.

c. Vertical Clearance: Vertical clearance (or ceiling) is a ten foot (10') minimum. This allows for all types of non-motorized users. If pathways will be prepared for use during winter months, clearances should    anticipate snow loading and be increased to sixteen feet (16').

d. Curve Radii: Curve radii will vary between allowed uses on multiple user trails. Bicycle standards should be followed, as this is the fastest moving user group requiring longer sight distances. Refer to the "AASHTO Guide For Development Of Bicycle Facilities" for stopping distances, curve radii and intersection coordination.

3. Trail Types:


a. Improved Multi-Use Trail

Multi-use trails are major community arterial routes that are non-motorized, independent of vehicular routes and provide adequate separation from vehicles. They may bisect parks and open space, as well as parallel natural features, such as rivers and streams. These trails are both transportation and recreation oriented and should provide connections to cities, towns, backcounty trails and trialheads, parks, points of interest, and other transportation nodes. Where possible these trails should comply with AASHTO standards. See code 16.38.03(A) for construction standards.

b. Improved Pedestrian Trail

Improved pedestian trails are collector trails (including sidewalks) that are non-motorized and connect users to community trails. They may bisect neighborhoods, open space, commercial developments, parks, schools,etc., and parallel rivers and streams. Many existing pedestrian trails were designed and constructed prior to the regional trails master plan. Where possible, trials less than 8 feet wide should be widened and brought into current standards to improve access to more users.

Future construction of major sidewalks that connect to the core trail network should be adapted to meet the standards of improved pedestrian trails, which will include an 8 foot wide tread surface. Efforts should be made to maintain a consistent width and for residential sidewalks to remain between 4 to 8 feet. See code 16.38.03(B) for construction standards.

c. Backcounty Trail

Backcounty trails (single-track type) are defined as trails that provide access for users to explore areas outside of the urban trial network. these non-motorized trails are typically designed and constructed for a variety of recreational users, such as hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

Because they are located outside of the urban network, the surface typically consists of natural dirt, creating an undeveloped feel for users. In some rare cases, other materials, such as gravel, may be implemented to aid in erosion control or stabilization. Backcountry trails are to be cut at a width of 4 feet. See code section 16.38.03(C and D) for specific construction standards.

In some cases, bridges , and boardwalks may be necessary to traverse though or over natural features in the backcountry. These structures should be designed and constructed to be compatible with all backcountry uses.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 2002 Code § 16.38.02 on 1/1/2002
Amended by Ord. 17-21 on 12/7/2017

16.38.03: CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS

  1. Trail Surfacing: Wasatch County surfacing guidelines are provided for Improved Multi-Use Trails, Improved Pedestrian Trails and Back-country Trails.
Trail TypeSizingMaterials
Improved Multi-Use10 ft. trail within a 20 ft. easement (can be up to 14 ft. for regional connections as determined by staff and trails map)

Asphalt - weed barrier, 3" of asphalt on top of 6" of road base

Concrete and pavers can be used in appropriate areas such as intersections or plazas 

Improved Pedestrian8 ft. trail within a 20 ft. easement

Concrete - weed barrier, 4" thick concrete pavement on top of a 6" depth of 3/4" gravel

Or Asphalt with weed barrier, 3" of asphalt on top of 6" of road base

Back-country 4 ft. trail within a 10 ft. easementNatural Surface

Table 1 - Trail Construction Standards Summary

A. Improved Multi-use Trails

Improved multi-use trails are major community arterial routes within the urban network. Because improved multi-use trails are designed for large volumes of users with varying uses, the surgace materials should be a durable pavement. Asphalt is the preferred pavement type due to cost, ease of maintenance, and surface smoothness.

Typical pavement cross sections for an asphalt multi-use trail should consist of the following:

1. a properly graded and compacted sub-grade that has been stripped of all organics and,

2. lined with a structural weed barrier fabric;

3.a 6" depth of compacted road base material; and

4. a 3" depth of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement.

In some circumstances, concrete or concrete masonry unit (CMU) pavers may be used to create a unique look or feel. These surfaces should be avoided in most areas due to the uneven joints and score lines that cause undesirable riding experiences for cyclists.

 

 

 

 

For improved multi-use trails in Wasatch County, a tread width between 10 and 13 is recommended. Trails with a 10-foot width should be actively pursued where cost and space permit. A lesser width may be required by the planning department where appropriate. 14 foot wide trails shall be used on trails identified on the trails plan as being a collector trail or a regional connection. By constructing wider trails initially, the county, cities, and other agencies will have made preparations for a growing population in the area. Wider trails will also accommodate larger trail specific competitions and events (see Figure 32). Maximum slope shall not exceed 5% except for short distances. All improved multi use trails should be constructed within a 20 foot easement.

B. Improved Pedestrian Trail

Improved pedestrian trails are more commonly referred to as sidewalks. The objective of the master plan is that futrue construction of major sidewalks will be adapted to meet the standards of improved pedestrian trials. The typical cross section of an improved pedestrian trail in Wasatch County should include an 8 foot wide tread surface. Trail construction should consist of a properly graded and compacted subgrade that has been stripped of all organics and lined with a structural weed barrier fabric followed by a 4" thick concrete pavement on top of a 6" depth of 3/4 " gravel or can be constructed with asphalt with a weed barrier, and a 3" layer of hot mix asphalt over 6" compacted road base.

 

 

Efforts should be made to update all existing improved pedestrian routes in the urban system to meet these standards. Residential and collector sidewalks can remain at 4 to 6 foot widths, but primary sidewalks should be constructed at 8 feet wide. All improved pedestrian trails should be constructed within a 20 foot easement.

C. Backcountry Trails

Backcounty trails, as classified in this document, are recreational trails outside of the urban network. Because they are located outside the urban network, tread material is often created from the natural sub-grade. In some cases other materials such as gravel may be implemented to aid in erosion control and/or stabilization. In all cases, these materials should be derived form adjacent areas to maintain a natural look and feel. Tread width of backcounty trails will vary based on vegetaition, obstacles, and use. In most cases, backcountry trails should not exceed 48 inches wide within a 10 foot easement. Most backcounty trails will have a tread width of 12 to 24 inches, depending on use. The slope of back country trails is ideally less that 8%, with a maximum of 10% for runs of less than 100 ft. Back country trails should only exceed 10% in rare curcumstances as approved by the county.

 

All backcountry trails should be designated with a rating to allow potential riders to make safe and informed decisions. The IMBA has developed a standard trail difficulty rating system applicable to mountain bike trails. By providing ratings on trial signs in accordance with IMBA's standards and by providing general trail characteristics such as total length, elevation change, and projected trip times at trailheads, all potential users can make educated decisions about the trails they use.

D.  Backcountry trail construction standards:

  1. Backcountry trail should be built to IMBA standards. Surface treatment shall be a natural surface constructed with a bench width of 2 to 4 feet, which ensures environmental stewardship and allows for long-term sustainability by:
  • Incorporating bench-cut construction with a tread surface that has an outward slope to the outer edge from a grade of 2 to 8% in the downhill direction; and
  • Incorporating grade reversals and dips to reduce water erosion; these grades should average between 5 and 8%, with a maximum grade of no more than 10%, into the trail design and construction specifications.

Adding these features will help minimize tread erosion by allowing water to drain in a gentle, non-erosive manner and ensuring the soil stays on the trail where it belongs.

 

Diagram 1 - Showing Issues with trails constructed without proper cross slope.

 

Diagram 2 - Showing the proper grade reversal and bench cut construction.

 

 

2. Surface And Width: The original trail cut should be four feet (4") wide. The tread surface will compact and revegetate leaving a two foot (2') wide usable tread surface. Terrain and levels of expected use should determine width. The trail surface (tread) must be free of all organic material. All vegetation debris should be dispersed downhill of the tread and be noticeable to users. Corridor should be clear of all branches and tree stumps within two feet (2') of the tread surface. Full bench construction is required (diagram 3).

Diagram 3 - Trail Cross Section

3. Grade: Grades should not exeed ten percent (10%). Optimal grades are between five (5) and eight percent (8%). If grades exceed ten percent (10%), which is only permitted on a limited basis, consideration must be given to the maintenance issues that may arise and the sustainability of the trail over time.

4. Drainage:

a. Outslope is two percent (2%) to five percent (5%).

b. Rolling grade dips are the preferred water diversion feature (diagram 3).

c. Knicks can also be used. These are sis (6) to ten (10) feet long and have a fifteen percent (15%) outslope (diagram 4).

d. Swells can be used where drainage is possible.

e. Drain dips cannot be constructed on grades exceeding ten percent (10%).

f. Water bars can be used in rare circumstances where terrain is prohibitive to above.

g. All topsoil removed to create the tread must be sidecast and dispersed.

 

Diagram 4 - Rolling Grade Dip

 

 

Rolling grade dips are a sustainable alternative to water bars. Dips are large enough to be self-cleaning and subtle enough that cyclest will not steer aroung them. A dip is longer than a bike and shaped like a knick. Use bondable soil from a dip to make a long, gentle ramp just past it. the ramp should be nearly twice as long as the dip.

 

Diagram 5 - Knick

 

 

Kincks are used on gentle terrain to direct sheet flow off the trail. In contrast to rolling grade dips, soil from the knick is spread downslope off trail. The goal is sheet flow, not concentrated runoff.

Knicks can be used on contour trails, to accentuate natural grade breaks and direct water off trails. Knicks should be long and subtle to be self-cleaning, yet unobtrusive to trail users.

(Courtest of IMBA)

 

5. Switchbacks and Climbing Turns:

Diagram 6 - Rolling Crown Swithback

 

 

This shows the most sustainable type of turn of steep sideslopes. inslope the trail bed only on the upper leg as it transistions to the crowned landing. The landing should have a 12 to 18 foot diameter, depending on trail width. The landing is outsloped in all directions. Build a grade reversal just before the upper leg to move water off the trail before it reaches the landing.

(Courtesy of IMBA)

Diagram 7 - Climbing Turn

Maintain constant grade and raduis through the turn section. Climbing turns may not be sustainable on sideslopes exceeding 7 percent grade.

 

Diagram 8 - Grade Reversal

A climbing turn is any turn that ascends (or descends) on the fall line of a sideslope. Improve sustainability by placing climbing truns on gentle slopes and using grade reversals to drain water above them. Climbing turns should have a large turning radius and barriers between legs to prevent shortcutting.

(Courtesy of IMBA)

E. Trail Construction:

  1. Guarantee for Trail Construction: Trail construction that is required as part of a development project will be subject to a security or bond that covers one hundred ten percent (110%) of the trail construction cost. This will be required at the same time the bonding is done for the other infrastructure requirements. All requirements and bonding will be completed with the Wasatch County Engineering Department. Requirements can be found in Wasatch County Code Title 16.27.21
  2. Trail Easements: All public trails will require a recorded easement. All trail easements shall be noted and defined on a plat map or by recorded easement. Backcounty trails and some soft surface trails will be recorded as built, and will be included as an exhibit in the development agreement when receiving plat approvals from Wasatch County. Before bonds for the trails will be release the as-built trail easements must be recorded.
  3. Phasing: When trails are part of a phased project, the phasing of various trail segmentswill follow a logical sequence for trail users. This phasing and expected dates of completion for trails shall be noted in the development agreement with Wasatch County.
  4. Measures to Reduce Trail Construction Impacts: As stated previously, a good site selection for your trail will prevent most construction impacts. Water drainage and erosion must first be addressed during the trail location phase, allowing for the use of natural features to be incorporated into the trail design. The following may or may not be required for trail construction.

a. In ecologically sensitive areas, temporary fencing may be used to protect these features.

b. Trails located near wetlands, may require boardwalk style construction.

c. If using machinery to cut the trail, the right size equipment must be used. Different products are available specific to trail construction needs.

d. If building near waterways or criticfal runoff points, trail layout will need to be reviewed on a case by case basis. Erosion matting or other device may be required for construction.

e. In visually sensitive areas, work with hand tools may be necessary to reduce visual impacts.

f. Indigenous materials should be used to the greates extent possible for construction and revegetation practices. Seed mixes should be native; and care should be taken to not introduce nonnative materials into construction areas.

g. Revegetation should occur quickly after construction dependent on the location, season and availability of water. Use of a native seed mix will be necessary. Trees and shrubs will need to be replace if removed for construction purposes. For recommended seed mix and native vegetation please contact: Utah State University Extension Service, Wasatch County Branch, 55 South 500 East, Heber City, UT 84032.

F. Trailheads: Trailheads generally provide four essential purposes: signing, off street parking, restroom facilities and trail access. Any access into the trail system is considered a trailhead. New development that includes public trails, must consider how the public will get to these facilities and how it will coordinate with other plans in the development. Trailheads should be visible, easily accessible and designed to accommodate the type of trail uses allowed. Equestrian trails will require more space than hiking or biking only trails for trailer parking and maneuvering.

1. Trailhead Classification

Access to a trail system is one of the primary elements for a successful trail network. Trailheads serve the local and regional population who access the trail network by car, transit, bicycle, foot, and/or other modes of travel. These access points provide essential connections to the system and serve as an information hub to educate and provide users with directions, maps, rules and regulations of the trails and area, closures, events, ect.. Where appropiate, support facilities, such as resting areas, interpretive signs  specific to the area, public art, restrooms, fountains, and bike racks, may be provided. To plan proposed trailheads and improve existing ones, the following classification standard was created. Three different classes are proposed based on capacity, location, trail access, and amenities.

a. Class 1

Class 1 trailheads are classified as major developed parking hubs for both community and regional trails where heavy use is anticipated. Class 1 trailheads should include, but are not limited to, a minimum of 25 paved parking stalls, direct and safe trail access, restrooms, information kiosks, with maps and educational information, drinking fountains, bike racks, security lighting, public art, and monument signs, as determined at the time of approval, evaluation, and development. Class 1 trailheads should address good circulation patterns, site distances, proper drainage and storm water run off, and landscaping, as required.

b. Class 2

Class 2 trailheads are classified s trail parking areas that include less than 25 parking stalls but more than six. Parking surfaces may be improved with road bse, gravel, or pavement. Amenities may include, but are not limited to, restrooms, map kiosks, signs, safe and direct trail access, and other items, as determined at the time of approval, evaluation, and development. These trailheads should address good circulation patterns, site distances, and proper drainage and storm water run off, if necessary.

c. Class 3

Class 3 trailheads are classified as small, undeveloped, legal trail parking areas that provide six or less parking stalls and accommodate off-street parking. There are typically no trailhead amenities, such as restrooms, bike racks, ect. They do provide direct access to trails and often provide a map kiosk wiht trial information.

G. Bridges: Bridges can be a great attaction for trail users and most likely highlight a scenic vantage point. In Wasatch County, bridges may be used to span rivers, streams, canals, roadways, and steep torpographic features.

Two (2) design types can be used: custom made or a factory built steel truss. Both styles have advantages and disadvantages and some general recommendations have been made here.

A custom bridge will use treated lumber that is resistant to decay for long  term durability.  A typical custom bridge span is less than twenty (20) to twenty five feet (25). Longer spans for low bridges can be formed using piers, creating the aesthetically desirable possibility of aligning the bridge on a curve.

Factory built bridges should be used for clear spans over twenty (20) to twenty five feet (25). These bridges can be ordered in any length and width, with several competing manufacturers. Decks can be wooden or conrete and all engineering is done by the manufacturer.

1. General Design Features:

a. Width of bridge should be the equivalent of the trail. this refers to the usable width of the bridge and does not consider construction requirements.

b. Bridge alignments should allow for adequate sight distances and where possible be constructed to avoid the need for users to make sharp turns at either end of the bridge.

c. Railings are required if the decking is farther than thirty inches (30) above the feature being spanned. Railings should be fifity four inches (54) high, with railings spaced not greater than fifteen inches (15) (if dropoffs are hazardous, this is limited to 4 inch spacing).

d. All exposed bolt and screw heads should be countersunk to be flush with the wood surface.

e. Breakaway design features must be used if the bridge is constructed in an area prone to flooding.

f. The design must be structurally sound and approved by a licensed engineer. Design must factor in both live and dead load.

g. Design and materials should fit in with surrounding development.

h. Contact with state of Utah Division of Water Rights, Army Corp of Engineers and Wasatch County Engineer may be necessary, depending on location.

H. Fencing: Fencing should be installed only where physical separation is necessary for saftey and/or to preserve adjacent landowner privacy. Fences should not create a narrow corridor effect for long stretches along the trail. Where possible, fencing should be located only on one side of the trail at a time.

Fences should be no closer than five feet (5') from the trail edge and must also be located within the trail easement. Where fences are necesssary along both sides of a trail, the minimum width should be twenty feet (20') as is consistent with the required trail easement.

Gates are required for trails that cross stock grazing areas. Said gates will be a self-closing lever latch type.

I. Signing: The signing standards include three (3) types: informational, regulatory and interpretive. All types should be straightforward and simple to read and understand.

1. Informational Signs At Trailheads: These signs are primarily located at trailheads or areas where the user may experience a change in the trail experience. These signs should be located in such a way as to not interfere with the trail surface but be accessible to the users.

2. Interpretive Signs: These signs benefit the users by explaining some feature available on the trail route. The features may include, historical, biological, natural resources, or cultural facts about an area. Often these signs are educational and will serve to relay management goals of an area. These must be located in appropriate areas.

3. Regulatory Signs: the following are some of the signs likely to be needed, along with their identification number and size. Some unusual signs may have to be custom made. These examples are taken from the "Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices", December 2000 edition (MUTCD). The MUTCD should be referenced for complete signing standards.

4. Stop And Yield Warnings:

a. "Stop" signs are intended for use where bicyclists are required to stop.

b. "Yield" signs shall be installed on shared use paths at points where bicyclists have an adequate view of conflicting traffic as they approach the sign and where bicyclists are required to yield to the right of way. The visibility of approaching traffic must be adequate to permit the bicyclist to stop or take other measures to avoid that traffic.

c. "Stop Ahead" and "Yield Ahead" signs should be used where an intersection cannot be seen on approach. they may also be used to emphasize the right of way at busy or dangerous intersections.

d. "Driveway Crossing" should be used where a driveway crossing cannot be seen on approach. This sign can also emphasize busy or potentially dangerous driveway crossings.

5. Unexpected Or Hazardous Conditions Warnings: These should be used only when necessary to warn of unexpected or potentially hazardous conditions. The signs should be placed to least fifty feet (50') before the hazard.

 

 

6. Turn and Curve Warnings: If the trail changes direction unexpectedly and the change is not readily apparent on approach, use appropriate turn or curve signs to warn bicyclists. They should normally be installed no less than fifty feet (50') in advance of the beginning of change of alignment.

 

TABLE 2. SIGN SIZES FOR SHARED USE PATHS

 


Sign MUTCD Code Minimum Sign Size 
Millimeters Inches 
Stop R1-1 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Yield R1-2 600 x 600 x 600 24 x 24 x 24 
Bicycle lane R3-16, 16a, 17, 17a 600 x 750 24 x 30 
Movement restriction R4-1, 2, 3, 7 300 x 450 12 x 18 
Begin right turn lane yield to bikes R4-4 900 x 750 36 x 30 
No motor vehicles R5-3 600 x 600 24 x 24 
Bicycle prohibition R5-6 600 x 600 24 x 24 
No parking bike lane R7-9 9a 300 x 450 12 x 18 
Pedestrians prohibited R9-3a 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Bicycle regulatory R9-5, 6 300 x 450 12 x 18 
Shared use path restriction R9-7 300 x 450 12 x 18 
Railroad crossbuck R15-1 600 x 112 24 x 4.5 
Turn and curve warning W1-1, 2, 3, 4, 6 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Arrow warning W1-6, 7 600 x 300 24 x 12 
Intersection warning W2-1, 2, 3, 4, 5 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Stop, yield, signal ahead W3-1a, 2a, 3 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Road narrows W5-2a 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Bikeway narrows W5-4 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Hill sign W7-5 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Bump or dip W8-1, 2 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Bicycle surface condition W8-10 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Advance grade crossing W10-1 450 diameter 18 diameter 
Bicycle crossing W11-1 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Low clearance W12-2 450 x 450 18 x 18 
Share the road plaque W16-1 600 x 750 24 x 30 
Supplemental bike route plaque D1-1 600 x 150 24 x 6 
Bicycle parking D4-3 300 x 450 12 x 18 
Bike route D11-1 600 x 450 24 x 18 
Bicycle route marker M1-8 300 x 450 12 x 18 
Bicycle route marker M1-9 450 x 600 18 x 24 
Supplemental bicycle route guide M4-11, 12, 13 300 x 100 12 x 4 
Route marker supplemental plaques M7-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 300 x 225 12 x 9

 

7. Sign Construction Features (Sample Bollards and Mile Markers):

a. Sign Posts: There are many design solutions to signage along a trail; below is one commonly used design.

Post location will conform to the standards set forth in the MUTCD section on "Traffic Control Devices For Bicycle Facilities". Signposts will be four by four (4 x 4) pressure treated Douglas fir, embedded into the ground a minimum of twenty four inches (24") unless  other materials are specifically approved.

Attachment Systems: Signs should be attached to wood posts with three-eights inch (3/8") diameter galvanized carriage bolts in a minimum of two (2) locations per post.

b. Sign Bollards: These should be located at all trail access points. Posts should be consructed of Redwood or pressure treated Douglas fir. The individual symbols are three inches (3") square reflective decals that can be ordered from Carsonite International. They should be mounted on heavy gauge aluminum plate routed into the post a minimum of two inches (2") and epoxied into place.

J. Crossings and Roadway Interface

Wasatch County and the Heber Valley are dissected by US-189 and US-40, regional highways which connect the County to the Wasatch Front and the Uintah Basin. These highways carry a significfant volume of semi-trucks, which makes crossing these roads a challenge. To improve trail connectivity between communitieds within the valley, three types of crossings, at-grade, elevated, or underpass, will need to be considered for each location (see Table 3). Construction type will be based on the average daily trips (ADT) projectied at build out.

Crossing Type                                    Pros                                                   Cons

At Grade Crossing                             Low Cost                                          Traffic Disruption

                                                               Low Visual Impact                        Pedestrian Safety

                                                               No Grade Change

                                                               Pedestrian Saftety                          Cost 

Pedestrian Overpass                        Potential Land Mark.                     Large Footpring

                                                               Unique Feature                                High Visual Impact 

                                                               Small Footprint                                Cost

Pedestrian Underpass                     Low Visual Impact                           Potential For Flooding

                                                               Safety

Table 3: Pros and cons table for trail crossings.

1. At-Grade Crossings

Of the three crossing options, building an at-grade crossing may be the least expensive. Several multi-use trails in the urban area of the Wasatch Front cross major collectors that carry high volumes of traffic. These crossings may be a cost-effective soulution since they can be used at signalized intersections within downtown Heber City where speeds are lower.

 

2. Trail Overpasses

When trails need to cross higher speed roadways, grade separation is required for safety. A trail bride over US-189 or on US-40 north or south of the Heber City limits would be recommended as it will allow for trail users to cross safely. trail bridges can be expensive (typicall exceeding $1 million) as additional property is needed to build the ramps and meet height requirements.

 

3. Trail Underpasses

Building a tunnel or underpass is another solution to safely separate trails from high volume/high speed roadways (see Figures 49-50). Depending on the number of underground utilities, the level of groundwater in the area, and soil types, an underpass can be a cost effective solution for the proposed trail crossing on US-40 and US-189. These underpasses will require lighting for safety.

TABLE 9B-1. SIGN SIZES FOR SHARED USE PATHS

  1. SignMUTCD CodeMinimum Sign Size
    MillimetersInches
    StopR1-1450 x 45018 x 18
    YieldR1-2600 x 600 x 60024 x 24 x 24
    Bicycle laneR3-16, 16a, 17, 17a600 x 75024 x 30
    Movement restrictionR4-1, 2, 3, 7300 x 45012 x 18
    Begin right turn lane yield to bikesR4-4900 x 75036 x 30
    No motor vehiclesR5-3600 x 60024 x 24
    Bicycle prohibitionR5-6600 x 60024 x 24
    No parking bike laneR7-9 9a300 x 45012 x 18
    Pedestrians prohibitedR9-3a450 x 45018 x 18
    Bicycle regulatoryR9-5, 6300 x 45012 x 18
    Shared use path restrictionR9-7300 x 45012 x 18
    Railroad crossbuckR15-1600 x 11224 x 4.5
    Turn and curve warningW1-1, 2, 3, 4, 6450 x 45018 x 18
    Arrow warningW1-6, 7600 x 30024 x 12
    Intersection warningW2-1, 2, 3, 4, 5450 x 45018 x 18
    Stop, yield, signal aheadW3-1a, 2a, 3450 x 45018 x 18
    Road narrowsW5-2a450 x 45018 x 18
    Bikeway narrowsW5-4450 x 45018 x 18
    Hill signW7-5450 x 45018 x 18
    Bump or dipW8-1, 2450 x 45018 x 18
    Bicycle surface conditionW8-10450 x 45018 x 18
    Advance grade crossingW10-1450 diameter18 diameter
    Bicycle crossingW11-1450 x 45018 x 18
    Low clearanceW12-2450 x 45018 x 18
    Share the road plaqueW16-1600 x 75024 x 30
    Supplemental bike route plaqueD1-1600 x 15024 x 6
    Bicycle parkingD4-3300 x 45012 x 18
    Bike routeD11-1600 x 45024 x 18
    Bicycle route markerM1-8300 x 45012 x 18
    Bicycle route markerM1-9450 x 60018 x 24
    Supplemental bicycle route guideM4-11, 12, 13300 x 10012 x 4
    Route marker supplemental plaquesM7-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7300 x 22512 x 9
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 2002 Code § 16.38.03 on 1/1/2002
Amended by Ord. 17-21 on 12/7/2017

17-21