DRAFT Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update: February 23, 2018 version

MULTI -USE PATH

DESIGN

GUIDELINES

MULTI-USE PATH DESIGN GUIDELINES

A multi-use path (MUP) is designed for both transportation and recreational purposes. Within the Town of Morrisville, two types of multi-

use paths exist. Side paths are multi-use paths that fall within a roadway right-of-way, while greenways are multi-use paths with an

independent right-of-way. Unless specified for a particular area, multi-use paths within the Town are assumed to accommodate pedestrians,

bicyclists, and other non-motorized users. Multi-use paths provide connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, parks, civic uses, and

commercial areas and are considered part of a transportation system for commuters and for recreation.

Town of Morrisville Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update outlines a series of recommendations for the Town’s multimodal

transportation facilities, including multi-use paths. These recommendations seek to provide enhanced multimodal accommodations to the

diverse neighborhoods within the Town while providing alternative means for residents to access jobs, schools, and retail centers. The Multi-

Use Path Design Guidelines will serve as a tool to help the Town provide consistent and appropriate multi-use pathways. The various design

recommendations and guidelines within this document adhere to federal and state design standards and are defined by:

 Guide to the Development of Bicycle Facilities, 4 th Edition . American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials

(AASHTO), 2012 (amended February 2017)

 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) . U. S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC, 2004

 National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

 Proposed Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). U.S. Access Board

 North Carolina Bicycle Facilities Planning and Design Guidelines . NCDOT Office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation,

Raleigh, NC, 1999

The Multi-Use Path Design Guidelines are organized into the following subsections:

 Multi-Use Path Design Elements – This subsection provides guidance on the design characteristics of multi-use paths. Design

features such as path width, surface material, and ADA compliance are discussed, along with horizontal and vertical curvature

information. This information is helpful when considering the design characteristics of the main line of a multi-use path.

 Intersections – This subsection contains information about how to address the needs of multi-use paths when they intersect

another multi-use path or a roadway. Design characteristics of signalized intersections, unsignalized intersections, and mid-block

crossings are addressed.

 Multi-Use Path Structures and Easements – This subsection provides additional details associate with special circumstances that

may be relevant for certain multi-use path segments. An examination of the design features for multi-use path boardwalks, bridges,

underpasses, and retaining walls is included, along with information on temporary and permanent easements and the provisions of

trailheads.

 Multi-Use Path Enhancements – This subsection includes information about supporting amenities for multi-use paths such as

safety railings, signage, pavement markings, and lighting.

 Landscaping & Amenities – This subsection contains guidance on how to provide landscaping and ancillary amenities along a

multi-use path.

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