DRAFT Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update: February 23, 2018 version

Multi-Use Path Design Elements MULTI-USE PATH WIDTH Multi-use paths are intended to accommodate multiple modes of bidirectional non-motorized travel. To do this, multi-use paths must be

designed with sufficient width.

Guidelines  AASHTO’s minimum paved width is 10 feet. This is the Town’s preferred width.

 Depending on volume and type of non-motorized use, width may vary from 8’-15’ or greater,

 An 8-foot path width is generally not recommended and must be used only for physical or environmental constraints or with other

extenuating circumstances.

 Paved multi-use paths need to be designed to withstand loading requirements, and emergency vehicles

 Centerline stripes need to be considered and are useful along curving sections

Table F-1 provides information on multi-use path widths.

Table F-1. Multi-Use Path Width Considerations

8-FOOT PATH

10-FOOT PATH

Limited application

Town standard situation





Bicycle traffic is expected to be low Pedestrian use is only occasional

Path to residential, business parks, recreation facilities, or retail centers Long spur or spur connection for high level of access







 A physical constraint, such as an environmental feature, bridge abutment, utility structure, etc., requires narrowed path for a short distance  May be used in a sidepath situation where on-street striped bicycle lanes are also present  Short spur connecting to main path Large pedestrian use (anticipate more than 30% pedestrians)  High user volume (anticipate more than 300 users per hour)  Significant use by skaters  Access for larger maintenance vehicles  On steep grades or curves to allow additional passing area 11-TO 14-FOOT PATH 



15-FOOT PATH OR GREATER

 Heavy pathway volumes which dictate the need to separate wheeled users from pedestrians. A minimum 5-foot width for pedestrians and 10-foot width for wheeled users must be provided.

SHOULDER WIDTH Shoulders provide more space for incorporating furnishings and signage, give users an area to stop alongside the path, and can even serve

as a separate jogging path. Figure F-1 provides the AASHTO guideline for a typical shoulder width design. Paved shoulders are required

for use within the Town of Morrisville.

Guidelines  AASHTO graded shoulder with a cross slope must be provided, along with a 3-to 5-foot shoulder with a maximum cross-slope of

1V:6H on both sides.

 At a minimum, a 2-foot shoulder needs to be provided to meet horizontal clearance requirements.

HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL CLEARANCE Adequate horizontal and vertical clearance reduces the possibility of interfering or colliding into obstructions within a multi-use path right-

of-way. These obstructions may include: signage, buses, large rocks, utilities, bridge piers, and poles. Refer to Figure F-1 for a typical

AASHTO cross-section of a typical horizontal and vertical clearance along with complete dimensions of a basic multi-use path.

Guidelines  A minimum 2-foot horizontal clearance from the edge of the path needs to be provided to allow clearance from lateral obstructions

such as bushes, signage, large rocks, above-ground utilities, bridge piers, abutments, and poles.

Desirable vertical clearance is 10 feet.



 A minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet can be used in constrained areas but must be clearly marked to be visible at night and warn

of low clearance.

 Vertical clearance greater than 10 feet will be needed for the passage of maintenance of emergency vehicles.

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