Therefore, much of the project design and preliminary analysis to date is focused on the farthest western portion of the trail’s development. As an example, the Diablo Road Trail Feasibility Analysis, undertaken in 2018, focused on identifying a range of possible roadway crossings (connecting to the Barbara Haile Trail), creek crossings and three possible alignments to traverse hilly terrain along the western most segment of the trail. This analysis serves as the foundation for detailed evaluation in later project development phases as well as the basis for federal and state grant applications.
In spring 2020, a detailed in-house assessment identified a potential fourth trail alignment option (shown as the dotted orange line below). While this alignment is not free of challenges, it appears to be the most environmentally friendly with the least amount of grading and earth disturbance. Consequently, it would also be the least expensive. Finally, because it would comply with accessibility standards, this alignment would enable the project to be more competitive in grant applications. The Town’s next steps would involve moving forward and exploring this fourth trail alignment after conducting a detailed topographic survey.