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Trail Construction and Surface Options Trail construction and trail surface choices are important considerations for the trail users as well as for the landscape. The users of the trail want a stable, wide, and functional trail. The goal of the trail construction is to serve these needs as well as minimize any disturbances to soil or habitats that may occur during construction. The trail must also meet the City of Ramsey Park District Standards for Trail Construction (Appendix IV). These standards assist in creating a comprehensive and balanced trail system accessible to all users. Four major trail surfaces should be considered for the Trott Brook trail system. These surfaces include: crushed limestone, asphalt, wooden boardwalk, and a low maintenance trail. This section provides advantages, disadvantages, and estimated costs for each type of building material. The costs associated with surface preparation, necessary before the surface material is applied, are also included in this section. Limestone A surface constructed of crushed limestone is the least expensive trail surface option. A limestone surface trail can be used for walking and biking but is not recommended for some uses such as inline skating. Limestone is permeable to water and allows for contraction and expansion during hot and cold weather conditions. Disadvantages of this surface type include high erodibility, uneven compaction from traffic, and weed development degrading the surface of the trail. Weeds increase the maintenance of the trail through labor or the use of herbicides. Herbicides can leach into soil and water and have adverse effects on surrounding habitats. Table I lists the costs of a limestone trail surface. Table I: Cost of Limestone Trail Surface Cost Per Mile for 10' Crushed Limestone Trail: 1993 Figures (MnDNR, 1996) cost/mile clearing trail route of vegetation and stumps $5950 strip topsoil $1,800 grade preparation $2,650 4" of class #5 10 feet wide $11,200 3" of3/8" crushed limestone, 10 feet wide $10,300 "- TOTAL $31,900 14 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I