Osborn served as the structure and civil design lead in conjunction with MKSK and endrestudio on the design of the Freedom Trail Phase 4 project for Summit Metro Parks. The project involved development of construction plan documents for a shared use path through the City of Akron. The Freedom Trail is a 9-mile long shared use path beginning in Tallmadge, Ohio and connecting to the Ohio Erie Canal Towpath Trail in downtown Akron. The Phase 4 Trail limits begin at the future Mill Street Trailhead and extend to the intersection of South Main Street and Rosa Parks Drive. Osborn was responsible for the design of an elevated ramp structure at the University Avenue Bridge, retaining wall design throughout the project length, design of the Trail alignment (vertical and horizontal) for the entire project length, modifications to the City owned University Ave. Bridge over CSX Railroad to accommodate the new trail, and design of the Mill Street Trailhead, including the new parking lot. The elevated ramp structure is a 3-span prefabricated truss structure supported on concrete piers. The structure has a 12-ft clear width and was designed in accordance with the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. <./p>

Osborn was responsible for the entire Trail design, including an at-grade connection ramp from University Ave. Street level down to RR Track level. Due to the urban setting and surrounding site conditions, Osborn also provided electrical and lighting design for the length of the Phase 4 Trail segment to enhance the safety of trail users. Osborn also provided oversight for endrestudio’s design of the Broadway Street bridge crossing to ensure compliance with local design requirements. In addition to Osborn’s role in the design, our team also provided assistance in coordination between the project design team and local stakeholders, including the City of Akron, University of Akron, ODOT District 4, CSX Railroad, and utility companies.