Santa Clara River Trail Final Master Plan - Development Services ...

Chapter 6: Design Guidelines, Maintenance Schedules and Best Practices
Figure 4. Typical SCRT Cross Section
Surfacing Options
There are many options related to trail surfacing. This choice determines the types of users who can enjoy
the trail, as well as construction cost, maintenance cost, and other factors. Standard surfacing materials
for a paved path are concrete or asphalt. Permeable options are also available to minimize drainage issues
in sensitive areas. Cost estimates per linear foot of each surface option are provided in the following
section, while the final section of the memorandum discusses trade-offs and factors that affect surface
material choice.
Concrete
The use of concrete surfacing for paths has proven to
be the most suitable for long-term use (Figure 5).
Using modern construction practices, concrete
provides a smooth ride with low maintenance costs
that is suitable for all users. Runners may prefer to
use the softer surface along the sides of the trail.
Concrete paths cost more to build than asphalt paths,
yet they do not become brittle, cracked and rough
with age, or deformed by roots and weeds as with
asphalt. They last approximately 30 years, and must
be periodically inspected for uplift and settlement,
and repaired as needed. Figure 6 shows a typical
section of a concrete trail.
Figure 5. Concrete Trail Surface
72 | Alta Planning + Design