February 22, 2010 -
Long Island
The Long Island Motor Parkway will once again become a recreational amenity - now for all to enjoy. The Nassau County Department of Public Works has selected VHB to develop a master plan for the reuse of the Long Island Motor Parkway Trailway. Once completed, the LIMP Trailway will become a trail for hikers and bicyclists to enjoy, while maintaining its historical significances. It will also provide an important transportation connection between communities, open space resources, and employment centers for those wishing to walk or bike through Nassau County.
The undertaking of the project will utilize VHB's resources and depth of experience in creating master plans for recreational facilities, bikeways and greenways from Maine to Florida. VHB will inventory existing conditions of the trail and its right-of-ways and transversals through private properties and analyze route options and design accessible, easily maintained trails for public use. Identifying where the parkway was originally located will require the use of historical records and old maps as well as conversations with groups and individuals familiar with the parkway and its history.
A key aspect of the project will be community participation, including outreach to the public and trail advocates to take part in meetings.
Leading the team for VHB will be Paul Campagnola, project manager, and Bill DeSantis, who has 30 years experience in the design of roadway/bicycle/pedestrian facility enhancement programs. Other members of VHB's team will assist in the preparation and deliverables of the project as required.