Frequently Asked Questions

Picture

The following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) has been developed based on the over 300 received comments, phone calls, emails, verbal questions and more that the project team has received to date..  The FAQ’s are separated into different Topics to help you navigate the response you are looking for.  These will be updated regularly. If you do not see your question addressed, please reach out to us.

​

Project Purpose & Need

Q: What is FORTAG? What is the Canyon Del Rey Segment?
The Fort Ord Regional Trail & Greenway (FORTAG) is part of a larger effort to connect communities in and around the former Fort Ord to each other and to education, employment, community, and open space. FORTAG is a proposed new paved regional active transportation route that will be a safe pedestrian and bicycle corridor connecting Seaside, Marina, Del Rey Oaks, Monterey and unincorporated community residents. It will provide new routes to California State University Monterey Bay, the Fort Ord National Monument and the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail. The Canyon Del Rey (CDR) Segment is the first phase of the overall FORTAG alignment and spans from North Fremont Blvd at State Route (SR) 218. This first segment navigates through Work Memorial Park, along Angelus Way*, through Del Rey Park, under SR 218 into the corner of the Frog Pond, then back up to SR218 at Carlton Drive, to Plumas Avenue where it will end at Del Rey Woods Elementary School.

*Note, in response to the concerns raised by the community, no physical improvements are proposed along Angelus Way. ​
Q: Why is the Project needed?
The purpose of FORTAG is to provide an accessible multi-use path for recreation and active transportation for residents and visitors. It will make it easier to walk and bike to the local schools and other key locations around Monterey Bay without having to use a car to get there.  FORTAG supports the following objectives:
  1. Function as an active transportation route for users of all ages and abilities that provides a safe, accessible, and separated alternative to motorized travel that reduces vehicle trips and associated emissions.
  2. Connect people to open space and recreational activities from their homes, workplaces, and hospitality bases.
  3. Enhance connections between Fort Ord, Monterey Peninsula, and Salinas Valley communities, and provide additional opportunities for physical exercise and stress reduction for residents and visitors.
  4. Utilize built trails and roadways where possible to minimize impact to the natural environment while maintaining gentle grades and providing access to viewpoints.
  5. Provide interpretative and educational opportunities for trail users to experience and learn about the historic military use of the former Fort Ord, biological and other natural resources, and the Monterey Bay coast.
  6. Utilize public lands where possible and encourage the incorporation of the Trail into planning and future development.
  7. Create economic benefits by making the region a more attractive, contemporary, and vital place to live in and to visit.

Specifically, the Canyon Del Rey Segment 1 project will be the first step in accomplishing the regional goals listed above, as well as:
  1. Provide a safe crossing and connection from the City of Monterey N. Fremont Bike Lanes gap closure project (currently in design) at N. Fremont and SR-218 to Safeway, through Work Memorial Park and all the way to Del Rey Woods Elementary.
  2. Provide a safe connection from Del Rey Park to the Frog Pond.
  3. Provide a safe connection from Del Rey Woods Elementary School to the Frog Pond and Del Rey Park.
  4. Enhance the natural potential of Work Memorial Park.
  5. Improve the safety of biking, walking, and residential parking on Carlton Drive.
  6. Improve accessible connections to Del Rey Oaks City Hall from locations throughout Del Rey Oaks.

Q: How does the Canyon Del Rey Segment fit into the regional trail system?
FORTAG is proposed as a 28-mile regional network of paved recreational trails and greenways connecting communities to open space.  The current project is the first phase of two Canyon Del Rey segments.  Future trails will connect to this piece:
  1. Northwest through Laguna Grande Regional Park to the Coastal Trail on the boundary between the Cities of Monterey and Seaside.
  2. West on N. Fremont to connect to existing and planned bikeway along North Fremont and ultimately other bicycle facilities in the City of Monterey.
  3. Connecting on the east side of the Frog Pond to a planned undercrossing at General Jim Moore Boulevard (alignment to be determined) linking to Fort Ord and beyond to adjacent communities
For the overall FORTAG map, click here: http://www.fortag.org/maps.htm

Q: Is the Canyon Del Rey Segment based on any City of Del Rey Oaks plans or vision for the city?
A General Plan is a document designed to guide the future actions of a city or county. It presents a vision for the future with long-range goals and objectives for all activities that affect the local government. The FORTAG project directly supports and is consistent with the following goals and policies in the City of Del Rey Oaks General Plan:
  • Provide for safe, convenient, energy-conserving, comfortable and healthful transportation for all people and goods by the most efficient and appropriate transportation modes that meet present and future travel needs of the City’s residents.
  • Provide or promote travel by means other than the single-occupant automobile.
  • Improve and maintain a transportation network of streets, transit, and pedestrian paths and bikeways.
  • The City will coordinate and assist with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) and the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) in providing funding for an efficient regional transportation network.
  • Support and participate in regional and state planning efforts and funding programs to provide an efficient regional transportation network.
  • Land use and circulation plans shall be integrated to create an environment that supports a multimodal transportation system.
  • Enhance the quality of life by providing recreational services, programs, and facilities that reflect the leisure needs and desires of the community.
  • Provide a full range of park and recreation facilities including active recreation area, passive natural open space, and a bicycle/pedestrian trail system.
  • The City shall identify and pursue sources of funds to improve and maintain the parks and pedestrian/bike paths in the City.

Q: How much effort has gone into public outreach?
According to FORTAG.org, the following is a summary of FORTAG outreach work to date:
  • FORTAG meetings held: 355
  • Organizations met with: 78
  • Organizational representatives met with: about 200
  • FORTAG presentations given to the public and various committees: 61
  • FORTAG public tours led: 8
  • Maps posted online: 99+
  • Other documents online: 33+

​Since the beginning of the environmental review process through to the current final design phase, additional public outreach has also been conducted:
  • Environmental Review
    • 12 community meetings, workshops and presentations
  • Final Design
    • 5 focus group meetings
    • 4 City Council presentations
    • 3 in-person site visits
    • 1 virtual public workshop - Watch the Workshop!
Currently, the project team and stakeholders are working hard to provide many opportunities to allow the community to share their thoughts, concerns, questions, and support for this segment to finalize the design. Various platforms have been provided to allow for comment and accommodate your lifestyle and meeting preferences. We encourage you to work with your neighbors and provide them with the project website and/or our contact information, so they can provide us with comments as well.

The preferred alternative has subsequently been revised to address specific concerns raised by the community at these public outreach events. Examples of how public engagement has shaped this segment of FORTAG:
  1. Angelus Way: As a result of concerns expressed by residents along Angelus Way during the alignment planning, no modifications are proposed to this lower-speed residential street which is currently shared between cars, bikes, and pedestrians.  Directional signage will be provided along both ends of the Angelus Way segment.
  2. Carlton Drive: As a result of focus groups, meetings, and site walks with Del Rey Oaks residents, we have made the following modifications: 1) Modify Carlton and remove the bike lane on the east side. 2) Meandered the trail where feasible to increase parking 3) Reduced the trail width to 8' wide with 2' shoulders to protect trees and provide parking 3) Located the trail as far away from the residences as possible to reduce bike/ped/car conflicts. 4) Align the trail where possible to protect existing trees 5) Focused design of the street to reduce speeds by narrowing lanes and other measures as possible.

For more ways to engage, please see our interactive map or contact:
TAMC Project Manager, Michael Zeller mike@tamcmonterey.org 831.775.4416
Project Coordinator: Kendall Flint kendall.flint@dksassociates.com 650.455.1201

Q: How many people are expected to use the trail?
Recent bicycle and pedestrian counts on existing roadways taken in 2018 were 181 pedestrians and 124 bicycles. With the project, growth in users is estimated at 5% per year in bicycling and 10% annually in walking. As part of the State funding for the project, the Transportation Agency is required to collect pre and post construction counts to verify trail usage. The pre-construction counts will be taken within six months of the start of construction.

[Back to top]

Trail Alignment & Alternatives

Q: How was the alignment of the trail determined, and is it set in stone?
The concept of a regional trail that connected the decommissioned Fort Ord lands and surrounding communities has been in the works for almost a decade.  However, in 2018 the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) embarked on the process of developing alternatives and performing multiple technical studies and analysis, which became the basis of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). 
 
An EIR is the assessment of all possible impacts a project may cause on the environment and the community as a result of its construction. The document evaluates and analyzes the potential impacts that may occur during and after construction.  The draft EIR is prepared and circulated for public comment.  Those comments are taken into consideration and modifications are made (if feasible) and then the alignment is finalized and the document becomes the Final EIR with recommended alignment(s).  This process was completed in 2020 for the FORTAG alignment and the EIR was certified, meaning the proposed alignment and mitigation strategies were approved.    The overall project alignment was selected as the best balance of community needs and environmental protection.  After the EIR was certified, a Master Agreement regarding the implementation for FORTAG was entered into by each individual agencies having jurisdiction, which included the alignment map. 
​
At this stage only minor adjustments for constructability and accessibility will be made from this point forward. These changes are being/have been made for the Canyon Del Rey segment, public participation helped to define the alignment of the trail and refine the scope of the improvements through neighborhoods.  Some of the changes made due to public input include reconfiguring Carlton Drive to slow traffic, making no changes to Angelus Way, meandering the path to preserve trees where possible, minimizing impacts by utilizing a portion of the existing haul road in Work Memorial Park, and reducing the trail footprint within the Frog Pond. These changes were made in response to feedback from the community.

Q: If we can’t change the alignment, why are you reaching out to the community?
While the alignment has been set by the certified Environmental Impact Report and the Master Agreement executed with each of the underlying jurisdictions, including Del Rey Oak, Seaside, and the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, we are eager to hear feedback on how the trail will look in your community.  This includes the placement of trash receptacles, benches and rest areas, wayfinding signage, and treatments of the trail. As an example, after receiving feedback from residents of Carlton Drive, the design of the trail was modified to incorporate traffic calming features that will slow speeds on the roadway as well as reintroduce some pockets of on-street parking. 

Q: How wide is the trail and what will the trail look like?
There are three different types of trail in this segment to accommodate the different conditions along the segment.  The three types are:
  • Shared-Use Trail – In open areas, parks and where possible the trail will be a two-way 12’-wide paved path with 2-ft shoulders.  In some constrained areas, such as the Frog Pond, the trail will be narrowed to 8 or 10-ft minimum to reduce impacts to the surrounding environment. This is sometimes referred to as a Class I Trail.
  • Trail Adjacent to Roadway – Where the trail is adjacent to a roadway, the trail will be at curb height, and separated from the roadway a minimum of 2’.  The 2’ buffer will be an all-weather surface such as stamped concrete or pavers. Landscaping may be installed in the buffer areas where there is enough width, such as a tree box. This is sometimes referred to as a Class I Trail.
  • Shared Roadway – Where the trail is shared with a low-speed and low-volume roadway, signage will direct trail users through the street. This is sometimes referred to as a Class III Trail.

Q: Why can’t the trail be routed along State Route 218?
State Route 218 is simply not wide enough to fit a multi-use Class 1 trail that safely meets the project purpose and objectives. The certified Environmental Impact Report did evaluate using State Route 218 as an alternative route, and this alternative was deemed infeasible for the following reason
  1. Class I trails must have a width of at least 8 feet with a two-foot or greater shoulder on each side of the path, there is not enough room to accommodate that without major modifications to SR 218 and reclaiming State right-of-way abutting residential properties.
  2. State guidance from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requires a 3 foot shoulder for signage and other furnishings. The Caltrans Highway Design Manual (HDM) requires a Class 1 trail to have a physical barrier adjacent to higher speed facilities and have a minimum 5 foot separation from the traveled way, in addition to a roadway shoulder.
  3. Over 160 trees would need to be removed along a State Route 218 alignment.
  4. ​Finally, using State Route 218 would not provide connectivity to open space the way the current alignment connects the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Laguna Grande Regional Park, Work Memorial Park, Del Rey Park, and the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve..
With these physical constraints on State Route 218, this alternative alignment was deemed not acceptable in the EIR for not being safe for all users nor meeting the purpose of FORTAG, which is to provide a multi-use recreational trail separated from roadways and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. For further discussion on this, please see the full EIR here.

Q: How will the trail cross Canyon Del Rey Boulevard/ SR-218?
The trail will continue from Del Rey Park and cross SR 218 by way of an undercrossing to carry trail users under Canyon Del Rey Boulevard / State Route 218.  Visualizations of the proposed undercrossing are shown on our Gallery page.

The undercrossing will be roughly 70 feet long, or about the length of four parked cars. The undercrossing and switchback will provide pedestrian and bicycle access from the proposed FORTAG trail across SR 218 and connect back to SR 218 near a transit stop and Carlton Dr.  The switchback will also provide a pedestrian path to the existing Frog Pond trail that provides accessible access to the Frog Pond that bicyclists will not be allowed to use.  The switchback will be located partly in Frog Pond and partly in the highway Right of Way. The switchback will be nestled into the hill and will not overlap with the existing trails in Frog Pond.
 
An at-grade crossing of SR 218 was reviewed as an alternative, and it was determined that it was unsafe without significant traffic calming or intersection redesign. Additionally, an at grade crossing does not provide accessible connectivity to the Frog Pond, a public park.  Connecting all users to open spaces is one of the goals of the project and of Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.
 
While the at-grade crossing was rejected as an alternative across SR 218 for the regional trail, the existing crossing will not be removed and improvements will be made to increase visibility of that crossing. That crosswalk will remain to provide access to and from City Hall and the existing transit stop for users that do not want to use the undercrossing to cross SR 218. 

Q: What is the difference between an undercrossing and a tunnel?
Based on the Caltrans definitions, structures are named in accordance with the kind of facility they provide:
  • Tunnel: A structure carrying a state highway through a hill or mountain.
  • Undercrossing: A structure which provides for passage of a county road or city street under a state highway.
  • Pedestrian undercrossing: A structure which provides for passage of a pedestrian walkway under a highway.

Q: Did you look at alternatives to building the undercrossing?
Yes, other alternatives including the installation of traffic signals and a roundabout were considered. Removing the undercrossing under SR 218 would require pedestrians and bicyclists to cross SR 218 at an existing at-grade intersection. This means the pedestrian and bicycle crossings would conflict with vehicles traveling through the intersection at high speeds.
 
The intersection of SR 218 and Carlton Drive does not meet any of the thresholds Caltrans uses to justify the installation of a traffic signal, Traffic signals force automobiles to stop more frequently leading to more high-speed collisions and increased congestion. This intersection is likely to remain unsignalized causing a higher risk to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing SR 218.
 
A roundabout at the intersection of SR 218 and Carlton Avenue was evaluated as part of the State Route 218 / Canyon Del Rey Boulevard Corridor Study. The study concluded that a roundabout cannot be constructed without reducing the size of the Del Rey Oaks City Hall and work yard parcels. The roundabout construction would result in steep grades and extensive retaining walls on both sides of SR 218. For these reasons it is not considered a viable alternative to the proposed undercrossing.
 
The proposed undercrossing is the only alternative that eliminates the need for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing SR 218 to conflict with automobiles that are traveling at high speeds on the highway. It is therefore the best alternative in terms of pedestrian and bicycle safety. The existing crossing of SR 218 at Carlton Drive will be enhanced so that users that do not want to use the undercrossing can still cross SR 218 at the existing location.

Q: Why does the trail go into the Frog Pond instead of taking a sharp left after the undercrossing up to Canyon Del Rey Boulevard SR-218
Due to the elevation difference between the roadway surface at SR 218 and the ground within the Frog Pond, a direct connection that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance is not feasible. The switchbacks are needed within the Frog Pond to slope the trail up to SR 218 to connect to Carlton Drive. The current project design provides the maximum slopes allowed to minimize impacts to the Frog Pond and does not affect the existing trails.

Q: How will the trail traverse Angelus Way?
No physical improvements or roadway striping are proposed for Angelus Way.  Any trail users who wish to access Del Rey Park will use the existing roadway surface as it looks today. Signs will direct trail users to Angelus Way at the east end at the intersection of Angelus and Rosita and at the west end at the intersection of Angelus at Del Rey Park.
​
​Q: How will the trail extend up Carlton Drive?
The trail up Carlton Drive will be a shared-use path adjacent to the roadway on the north side of Carlton. The trail will meander where possible to avoid trees and provide additional pockets of parking.  The existing narrow bike lane will be removed, and parking will be shifted back to the curb line on the south side of the roadway. The vehicle lanes will also shift accordingly and be narrowed to help slow traffic speeds.

Q: Does the trail extend beyond Del Rey Woods Elementary?
This segment of the trail does end at Del Rey Woods Elementary, but it does connect to City of Seaside sidewalks and street network system, which facilitates further access to the recreational trail.  The intent of the trail is to safely connect all users (including children) in multiple jurisdictions to open spaces, parks and recreation. This will provide children from that school safe access to Del Rey Park, Frog Pond and more. Additionally, the area along Plumas under the electric towers is currently a popular place for the community to walk, jog, walk their dogs and more. Formalizing this pathway and making it part of the trail system will allow those people better and safer access to regional trail system. It will also allow those with disabilities to have access.  Lastly, it provides safe access to two transit stops on SR 218 and City Hall.

Q: How will the trail cross North Fremont Boulevard?
Current plans propose a protected trail crossing at the intersection of North Fremont and Canyon Del Rey Boulevard. The signal will be modified to accommodate the crossing and protect users from heavy right turn traffic from N. Fremont onto Canyon Del Rey. The design details are still to be worked out and once a draft is ready for presentation, this response will be updated with more details.  ​
Q: How will the trail cross the Safeway entrance safely?
The design proposes to limit the east-bound traffic on SR-218 to one lane through the intersection at Fremont Boulevard and then provide a right turn pocket for Safeway. The trail will be adjacent to and separated from the right turn pocket and an enhanced trail crossing will be provided across the driveway access to Safeway. To improve visibility of trail users, high visibility markings will be used across the driveway as well as signage. 

[Back to top]

Safety & Accessibility

Q. Has anyone documented a safety problem for pedestrians or bicyclists in Del Rey Oaks?
Bicyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable users of the road. Based on California Office of Traffic Safety rankings, which compare traffic safety statistics among 12 other similar sized cities, Del Rey Oaks ranks 2nd for collisions involving pedestrians over 65 years old, and 3rd for collisions involving bicyclists.
 
The City of Del Rey Oaks General Plan identified the following issues:
In addition to the City’s shortage of dedicated, paved pedestrian and bike facilities, two other reasons limit bicycle and pedestrian circulation in the City. The first is that most of the existing city of Del Rey Oaks is in a steep-sided canyon. Since most streets run parallel to the creek at the bottom, there are very few north-south streets for pedestrian movement, and those that exist are relatively steep and/or have visibility restrictions at intersections. Walkways have been cut through many blocks in the community to help address this difficulty. These walkways providing north-south pedestrian access are not generally appropriate for bicycles.
 
The second reason for limited bike/ pedestrian circulation concerns Highway 218, which can only be safely crossed during most of the day at signal controlled crosswalks. With the only signalized intersections at the extreme east (General Jim Moore Boulevard) and west ends (Fremont Boulevard) of the City, and limited to no sidewalks, the highway is an effective barrier to east-west pedestrian/bicycle travel in the City.
Q: Will lighting be installed along the trail?
Trail lighting will be installed for safety at strategic locations only, such as intersections and the undercrossing.
 
Q: Where will trail users access restrooms?
The trail will connect through Del Rey Park where there are public restrooms. No restrooms are proposed as part of the trail.
 
Q: Will electric bikes (e-bikes), skateboards, scooters etc. be allowed on the trail?
The ADA-accessible Trail is intended for pedestrians and bicyclists, with equestrian use in some segments (not this segment). In accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 1096, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are legal on any paved surface that a regular bike is allowed to operate.  Electronic skateboards with a rating limited to 20 miles per hour would be allowed as well. Depending on the volume of users, other speed limits may be imposed and indicated on posted signage, and local jurisdictions would have the authority to prohibit, by ordinance, the operation of Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, on specified paths or trails. 

Q: Who is liable for the trail?
The liability for each area will be in accordance with state law and, where applicable, signage may be installed consistent with the government code, which is provided here:
 
California Government Code § 831.4 (2017) provides for broad and absolute immunity to public entities for liability for injuries caused by a physical defect of a trail used for hiking, riding or access to recreational or scenic areas. The immunity applies to the public entity and the grantor of the easement.
CA Govt Code § 831.4 (2017) - A public entity, public employee, or a grantor of a public easement to a public entity for any of the following purposes, is not liable for an injury caused by a condition of:
(a) Any unpaved road which provides access to fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, riding, including animal and all types of vehicular riding, water sports, recreational or scenic areas and which is not a (1) city street or highway or (2) county, state or federal highway or (3) public street or highway of a joint highway district, boulevard district, bridge and highway district or similar district formed for the improvement or building of public streets or highways.
(b) Any trail used for the above purposes.
(c) Any paved trail, walkway, path, or sidewalk on an easement of way which has been granted to a public entity, which easement provides access to any unimproved property, so long as such public entity shall reasonably attempt to provide adequate warnings of the existence of any condition of the paved trail, walkway, path, or sidewalk which constitutes a hazard to health or safety. Warnings required by this subdivision shall only be required where pathways are paved, and such requirement shall not be construed to be a standard of care for any unpaved pathways or roads.

Q: I am concerned about safety and crime. What security measures will be installed?
The entire alignment was laid out with safety and access in mind.  This segment of the trail in particular is using what we call, “safety through environmental design”.  This is a method that is nationally recognized and implemented which uses design principals to create a welcoming environment to improve safety through natural surveillance.  This is based upon the principals of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which was developed by a criminologist and led to more and more studies which has furthered the development of this practice over the last 60 years.  Below are a few links which provide more information on CPTED.
 
For this segment some of the environmental design components include wide trails with open view sheds to integrate the “eyes on the trail” type of crime prevention.  The connects (connections?) to populated area like parks, streets and more also improve safety.  The undercrossing will be wide and open to allow a lot of natural light as well as artificial light and will provide additional safety features such as a camera and/or mirrors. 
 
High quality public spaces are attractive to people and the more people that are in a space, the safer they are.  Which is what this project intends on doing.  Also, efficient lighting during the day and night ensures that spaces are consistently safe.  Lighting will be installed at certain areas such as intersections and the undercrossing. 
 
This segment has been coordinated closely with the emergency responders and police department to make sure the trail will be safe and accessible.  Additional safety measures include:
  • Closing the trail at Del Rey Park when the park closes
  • The undercrossing is being designed to allow police to pull up on the south side and easily observe activity in the undercrossing from their vehicle
  • Designing the trails not adjacent to the roadway to be able to accommodate patrol vehicles
 
More information on CPTED: 
  • Using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design in Problem-Solving (usdoj.gov)
  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Training Program - National Crime Prevention Council (ncpc.org)         
  • Public Safety Through Environmental Design (minneapolis2040.com)
  • How to Prevent Crime Through Environmental Design (thebalancesmb.com)

If you feel there are particular areas along this alignment that should have security measures installed, email:
Q: Will this be patrolled by police?
Yes, the police that are currently patrolling these areas will continue to do so for the trails adjacent to the roadway.  For the portions of the trail not immediately visible to the roadway officers will patrol the area on bicycles, foot or by way of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
 
Q: Will the trail be able to handle emergency vehicles?
Yes, except in sections where the trail is too narrow to accommodate emergency vehicles.  For segments adjacent to the roadway, emergency vehicles can access the trail by pulling onto the shoulder of the road, so no additional accommodations are necessary. 
 
Q: It seems like this trail will encourage homeless to use the trail. How will this issue be addressed?
In general, the un-housed population prefers to be in areas that are hidden from public view.  The construction of the trail will reduce overgrown vegetation and introduce legitimate trail users to the corridor which will discourage homeless activity.  In addition, the undercrossing under Canyon Del Rey SR 218 is being designed to allow police to pull up on the south side and monitor activity in and around the undercrossing.
 
Q: Will the trail be open 24/7?
Portions of the trail will be open 24/7, just like our sidewalks and streets.  However, where the trail travels through parks the responsible municipality (e.g. City of Del Rey Oaks) has the option to restrict hours of the trail to the same hours as the park.  An example restriction would be to close the trail from dawn to dusk.
 
Q: Will the undercrossing and trail within the Frog Pond flood and be washed out?
The FORTAG trail will be constructed with an all-weather material that will not wash out. There are areas of the trail that may get inundated with water in larger storm events during the rainy season.  The undercrossing will be designed to accommodate water runoff.  This response will be updated once the undercrossing design has been completed and an approach to storm water runoff has been determined. 

[Back to top]​

Parking


Q: Will there be trail parking behind Safeway?
No trail parking is proposed behind Safeway.  

Q: How will parking be affected at the east end of Work Memorial Park behind Safeway?
With the current design, existing parking is not anticipated to be removed. 
 
Q: How will parking be affected along Angelus Way east of Rosita near the tennis courts?
There will be no impact to parking at this location.
 
Q: How will parking be affected at Del Rey Park at the east end of Angelus Way?
The parking lot may be restriped to accommodate the trail, but the same number of parking stalls will be provided. 

​[Back to top] ​

Visual & Environmental Impacts


Q: Where can we find a copy of the Certified Environmental Impact Report?
To view the environmental document for the studied and approved alignment, please go to: http://www.fortag.org/docs/FORTAG_Final-EIR_+Appendices.pdf
 
Q: Will the grant pay for neighbor fencing and visual landscape barriers? What type/kind and how tall will it be? How will they be maintained? Will the project pay to replace existing fencing?
The grant will pay for fencing and visual landscape barrier if the existing fence/landscape is impacted due to construction.  Fencing height, type, materials and locations have yet to be determined.
 
Q: Who will be responsible to repair fencing if it is vandalized or damaged between my property and the trail?
Vandalism and property damage along the trail will be enforced using existing Criminal and Civil statutes that are already in practice for all other areas of private property.  Fence maintenance will be handled by the same entity maintaining the trail:  either the City of Del Rey Oaks, City of Seaside, or Monterey Regional Parks.
 
Q: How will the trail installation affect drainage on the adjacent properties?
In order to minimize disturbance outside of the limits of the trail corridor, the trail profile is proposing to maintain the existing ground elevations to the maximum extent possible while meeting ADA compliant design criteria. With this approach, the project will maintain existing drainage patterns and watershed boundaries to the maximum extent practical. The project will provide positive drainage throughout the trail system and provide various drainage improvements as needed to ensure there is no increased runoff. Some examples of potential drainage solutions would be bioretention swales, ditches, water quality basins, and other drainage features that comply with Stormwater Low Impact Development and/or Best Management Practices.  Permeable hardscape materials (rocks, permeable pavement, etc.). If you have stormwater damage or existing flooding issues, please contact the city to discuss options for your specific property.
 
Q: How many trees are being removed along the trail route?
The number of trees being removed is not determined at this time. The goal of the project is to have no net loss of trees. The project will preserve as many trees as possible, but some trees will need to removed and replacements will be planted. Each jurisdiction has their own regulations for tree removal and replacement plantings. Once the tree impacts have been determined this response will be updated.

Q: How will you mitigate visual impacts in the Frog Pond?
The design of the undercrossing and ramp within the Frog Pond will be focused on minimizing the footprint, impacts to sensitive species, and visual impact.  Materials will be selected to preserve the natural feel of the area as much as possible while also achieving accessibility standards and keeping long term maintenance costs in focus.
 
Q; How will the existing walking trail within the Frog Pond be impacted?
The existing walking path will remain as it is today. The FORTAG trail will include an all-weather surface connection from the undercrossing up to Carlton Drive by way of a switchback so that the Frog Pond can be accessible to all. This segment will provide a pedestrian connection to the existing Frog Pond trail without overlapping it. The alignment of a future connection to General Jim Moore Boulevard was analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report with an alternative that would route the trail along the .

Q; How will future trail connections impact the Frog Pond?
The alignment of a future connection to General Jim Moore Boulevard was analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report.  This analysis included an alternative that would align the trail to the southern-most edge of the Frog Pond into the Caltrans SR 218 right-of-way rather than following the existing walking path through the southern portion of the Frog Pond. The purpose of this alternative is to avoid placing the trail in the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve while maintaining a connection between the SR 218 undercrossing on the west and the General Jim Moore Boulevard undercrossing and Natural Expansion Area to the east. Pedestrians would still have the option to use the existing walking path through the Frog Pond but could also use the new trail along State Route 218. An alternative running along the northern edge of the Frog Pond was also analyzed and a final determination of the alignment has yet to be decided.
 
Q: Will the bike lanes on SR-218 remain?
Yes, the bike lanes on SR-218 will remain.

​[Back to top]

Maintenance


Q: Who will be responsible for maintenance?
The trail alignment is through existing city right of way and parks.  The agencies who currently maintain those areas (City of Del Rey Oaks, City of Seaside, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District) will maintain the trail.
 
Q: Who will be responsible for dog waste pickup?
Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. To encourage this, the project will place waste stations/receptacles in key locations along the trail to encourage responsible pet ownership practices.

​[Back to top]

Project Support & Timeline


Q: Where is the funding coming from?
Funding for this project has come from:
  1. Measure X – Transportation Safety and Investment Plan, which is a 3/8% local sales tax for transportation approved by over two-thirds of Monterey County voters in Nov 2016 election.  Del Rey Oaks voters has an 82% turn out for Measure X and it passed overwhelmingly at 69%.
  2. Grant Funds -  from the California Transportation Commission for Active Transportation Program in 2019. The grant covers design and construction of this segment from N. Fremont to the Frog Pond and the connection to Del Rey Woods Elementary School.
 
Q: What is the project timeline and next steps?
The project is currently in the final design and property owner coordination phase. TAMC has hired a consultant team, led by GHD, to assist in this phase of the project.  Trail construction is anticipated to start in 2023.
 
Q: How long will construction take?
The construction timeline is not known at this point. Once the design is progressed this will be estimated and provided to the community
 
Q: How will construction impact traffic on SR-218?
A majority of the construction will occur outside of any travel lanes. The segments of trail adjacent to roadways will likely require shoulder closures and possible temporary lane shifts or lane width reductions. The type of undercrossing under SR-218 has not been determined at this time, but construction operations will be a consideration in the undercrossing type selection. As soon as the anticipated construction impacts are known this will be relayed to the community.

​[Back to top]
Website created and managed by DKS Associates for the Transportation Agency for Monterey County.