The Barcelona to Chautauqua Institution Multi-use trail is the result of years of planning to connect Chautauqua County’s recreational, cultural, and historic assets between Barcelona Harbor and the Chautauqua Institution. It will promote four season recreational opportunities and improve public health through increased exercise. The implementation plan identifies five distinct segments to improve the feasibility of implementation. Segments 1.1a and 1.2a run through Barcelona and Westfield, as identified on the Map below.
Additional funds through the DRI would move Segments 1.1a and 1.2a from planning and acquisition towards implementation. Implementation of this key section of the trail, connecting Barcelona and the village of Westfield would have a transformative impact, when combined with parallel and complementary streetscape improvements on North Portage by connecting the two areas and stimulating private sector development and activity along the corridor.
Segment 1.1a Planned Details (Excerpt from Feasibility & Implementation Plan)
This 1.25 mile segment of the trail is proposed to parallel Route 394 from Barcelona to English Street in Westfield. From Barcelona Beach to State Route 5 we propose a shared road. This segment then crosses State Route 5. The State Route 5 crossing has four-way traffic controls in place at this intersection. We recommend pedestrian crosswalks, 10 feet wide ladder style, be installed at each road crossing and green painted bike lanes. Pedestrian/Bicyclist crossing intervals should be evaluated at this intersection to determine if pedestrians and bicyclists have sufficient time to cross over State Route 5 when vehicular traffic is stopped by the traffic lights. State Route 394 is designated as New York State Bicycle Route 17 and is signed as such. That said, the route is a shared roadway without bicycle facility improvements. We recommend that upon crossing State Route 5 separated on-road bike lanes be established. These bike lanes should be a minimum of 5 feet wide.
The northbound bike lane will continue straight through the turning lane of the on/off ramp to Interstate 90. At this crossing we recommend green painted bike lanes across the intersection to establish the bicyclist’s path of travel. The southbound bike lane will not be impacted by the interchange.
Segment 1.2a Planned Details (Excerpt from Feasibility & Implementation Plan)
This 1.5 mile segment is proposed to be off-road from Route 394 at English Street heading west along the railroad tracks and under the railroad trestle. It would then follow the former rail corridor to the ball field in the village of Westfield.
After passing the ball field the trail is proposed to go under the Main Street Bridge. We propose a trailhead and comfort station be added on the Village owned property in this location. The trail will continue along the former rail corridor crossing Chase Street, West 2nd Street, and Campbell Street before reaching South Portage Road, Route 394. This proposed off-road section of trail should be 10 feet wide with a compacted aggregate surface.
Where the proposed trail intersects with State Route 394 we recommend a mid-block trail crossing be installed. This crossing would consist of stop signs being placed on the trail on either side of the intersection as State Route 394 vehicular traffic has the right-of-way. That said, given the traffic volumes on State Route 394, we recommend a cantilevered mast arm with pedestrian activated flashing yellow lights to warn the motorists of the trail crossing. Further, advance trail crossing warning signs should be installed on either side of the trail crossing to warn motorists in advance of the trail crossing.
Most of this corridor appears to be in private ownership. Therefore, easements would need to be acquired from willing property owners in order to provide public access to a shared use path along this corridor.