A Preferred Creekwalk Route was selected after consideration of public input on the initial trail route concept, construction feasibility and potential project costs. The Preferred trail route alternative is shown on the linked map below. In general, the trail is broken into two large sections: Creekwalk Section 3.1 from Colvin Street south to Ballantyne Road and Creekwalk Section 3.2 from Ballantyne Road south to Dorwin Avenue. Section 3.1 and 3.2 are broken down into 6 smaller sections as shown on the map. Due to the timing of available federal construction funding, there will likely be a gap between the construction of section 3.1 and 3.2. (See Timeline)
Creekwalk 3.1 (Sections 1 and 2 - 1.3 Miles)
For the Creekwalk section from Colvin Street to Ballantyne Road, the trail will utilize the existing Onondaga Creek Parkway which is already closed to automobile traffic. The existing Parkway road surface from Colvin Street to Newell Street (Section 1 on the map) will be narrowed down to half its width to make it more trail size and trail friendly than a roadway would be. This will also decrease maintenance, impervious area, runoff and allow more space for grass and vegetative planting. From Newell Street to Ballantyne Road (Section 2 on the map), the trail will run on the west side of Onondaga Creek Boulevard and will include expanded sidewalks and new sidewalks where none exist currently. This will serve the trail users and students walking to the two local schools (Southside Academy Charter School and the Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse, as well as the Brady Farm. A bike lane may be added depending on available road space. All road crossings in Section 3.1 will be improved for pedestrian and bicycle safety. Section 3.1 is estimated to be constructed in 2027.
Creekwalk 3.2 (Sections 3 to 6 - 1.7 miles)
This Creekwalk trail section will run from Ballantyne Road to Dorwin Avenue along the upper part of the grass-lined channel on the west side of Onondaga Creek. This section will not have a road crossing for 1.7 miles until Dorwin Avenue is reached. A connection will be made to the Van Duyn School pedestrian bridge (in Section 4) and to the Clary School/Chafee Avenue pedestrian bridge in Section 5. It is estimated that the Creekwalk project will have sufficient funds to replace one of the two bridges, while the city is looking for other funding to replace the second bridge. The asphalt paths from Van Duyn School field and Midland Avenue to the pedestrian bridge will be improved, as well as the paths from Clary School and Chaffee Avenue to the pedestrian bridge. The trail is planned to run under the Seneca Turnpike bridge on the west side of the creek with a connection made to the Seneca Turnpike sidewalk on the south side of the road (see Section 5). The trail will continue on the west side of Onondaga Creek south to Dorwin Avenue where the parking area will be improved and a creek access point developed for kayaking, canoeing and fishing (Section 6).
Creekwalk Trail Surface
To provide a maintainable and consistent travelling surface, the trail will likely be paved. As part of design, trail materials being considered include porous pavement, asphalt, and colored asphalt. The trail width will be a minimum of 12-feet and a maximum of 13-feet to allow bicycle flow in both directions.
The reduction in paved area from Colvin Street to Ballantyne Road will provide room for new vegetative and tree planting, as well as allow greater infiltration of rainwater into the ground rather than contributing to runoff into Onondaga Creek. For the trail sections between Ballantyne Road and Dorwin Avenue, which are mowed grass slopes currently, the Creekwalk will add vegetation and shade trees on the top shelf to improve habitat areas. Storm runoff from the new trail will be addressed through infiltration, buffer areas and porous pavement where used.
Lighting
Trail lighting is planned to allow use of the transportation trail outside of daylight hours. The type of lighting (such as solar), pole height and fixtures are being looked at to minimize lighting straying off the trail. The duration of lighting is also being evaluated such as limiting lighting to early morning and early evening, and not overnight.
Fencing
Fencing will be installed where required due to steep slopes; however, fencing is also being considered for removal in wooded areas which provide their own barrier and make fence maintenance difficult. Vegetative screening and fencing will be used where appropriate for nearby houses.
Right-of-Way
Although 95% of the planned trail is on city-owned property, there will need to be one larger piece of Right-of-Way acquired from one property owner, and several minor pieces of property needed as well. No residents or structures will be displaced due to the trail.