Hoosic River Flood Chute · PDF filechannel, the concept design incorporates backwater habitat...

Hoosic River Flood Chute Naturalization30% Concept DesignMay 2015

Hoosic River Flood Chute Naturalization Project Design Services 2

HUNTER FOUNDRY ROAD

THE CONFLUENCE

PILOT AREA

Project Scope

STUDY REACH 1.3 MILES

PILOT PROJECT 0.4 MILES


Opportunities & Goals

ECOLOGICAL

RESTORE PASSAGE FOR FISH

RESTORE AQUATIC HABITAT

REDUCE WATER TEMPERATURE

FILTER SURFACE WATER RUNOFF

ECONOMIC

FLOOD SAFETY & PROTECTION

CONNECTIVITY TO MAIN STREET

LOW MAINTENANCE COST

RECREATIONAL

ACCESSIBLE PATHS

SPACES FOR PLAY & FITNESS

FISHING AMENITIES

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

PADDLING LAUNCH SITES

CULTURAL

MARKET & EVENT SPACES

PUBLIC ART INTEGRATION

URBAN AGRICULTURE

EVENT CAMPING

NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

CONNECT WITH THE RIVER

ENHANCE RIPARIAN HABITAT


500’

The Gateway

The Park

The Wild

MASS MoCA

Main Street CorridorMajor Pedestrian Route

CONCEPTUAL ZONES OF THE SOUTH BRANCH

One River, Four Unique Zones

Ashland Street

MA 8 / Curran Hwy

Church Street

Marshall St

Am. Legion Drive

State St

State St

MCLA Campus

Concept Plan


500’

MASS MoCA

MCLA Campus

Main Street

Greylock Market

Illustrative Plan

1

3

2

1 Mohawk Trail Connection2 Courtyard C Terrace3 Hanging Gardens

MASS MoCA4 Main Street Underpass5 Pedestrian Bridges6 Civic Park7 Urban Orchards8 Railroad Underpass9 Scenic Railway Platform

10 River Terrace

The Gateway

46

7

3

5

89

10

14

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19 Backwater20 River Terrace21 Canoe Launch Area22 Trailhead23 Wet Meadow24 Ashwillticook Trail Connection

The Wild11 River Terrace12 Rain Garden/Winter Skating13 Joe Wolfe Field14 Playground & Splash Pad15 Dog Park16 Softball Fields

The Park

17 Future Recreation Expansion

Soccer/Multi-purpose Field18

19

19

20

2122

2324

25 Stormwater Pond

25

26 Future Floodplain Restoration?

26

Am. Legion Drive

Church St

8A / Ashland St

8A / Ashland St

Marshall St

State St

MA 8 / Curran Hwy

MA2/ Mohawk Trail

19

19


Urban Design Context & Connections

500’

MCLA Campus

MASS MoCA

Noel Field

Scenic RailwayGreylock Mkt

Major Access RouteAlternative Truck Route

10 min w

alk radius5 min walk radius

Ashland Street

MA 8 / Curran Hwy

Church Street

Marshall St

River St

Am. Legion Drive

Main Street Corridor

State St

State St

10min

5min

Primary Pedestrian PathSecondary Pedestrian Path


Grading & Flood ProtectionFlood Control Berm Modifications

500’

While urban constraints in the lower reach of the river limit the potential for extensive changes, the upper reach of the study area allows for more significant improvements. For the end goal of developing a working hydrological model, this schematic design level grading plan was developed for the concept design. Matching the noted elevation of the existing flood control berm (715’ near Hunter Foundry Road, descending to 714’ in the vicinity of Joe Wolfe Field), the plan will be modeled and tested to measure it’s performance, and modified to meet or exceed the exsting level of flood control.

Considerations have also been made for low-lying areas behind the relocated levees along State Route 8. With several tributary streams and parcels with elevations below 715’ draining to the back side of the west levee, approximately two to three outfalls will be required through the levee. In addition to requiring backflow prevention measures, these outfalls offer a limited storage area behind the levee and a pump system, in the event that floodwaters prevent proper drainage.

Relocated BermModified Chute Entrance

Existing Berm Alignment


MASS MoCA

MCLA Campus

Outfall LocationPotential Street & Parking Lot RetrofitStormwater BMP Location

Storm sewer

500’

Water Quality Measures

Ashland Street

MA 8 / Curran Hwy

Church Street

Marshall St

State St

Review of the utility and infrastructure report from Tighe & Bond indicates numerous stormwater outfalls discharging to the Hoosic River in the study area. While space for surface treatment of stormwater is abundant in The Wild, allowing for BMP design to mimic floodplain features, the high percentage of impervious cover and spatial constraints of The Gateway and MASS MoCA zones reflects a greater need to manage rainwater at the source. In addition to filtering first-flush pollutants from streets and parking lots, rain gardens and infiltration planters will improve infiltration and decrease runoff water temperatures, improving water quality in the river.

Stormwater BMPs & Retrofit Recommendations


Forested detention basin BMPWatertown, Massachusetts

Streetscape Integrated Rain gardenPortland, Oregon

Parking lot stormwater retrofitBlair Co., Pennsylvania

Flow-through stormwater planterPortland, Oregon

Water Quality MeasuresPrecedent Images


Materials | Planting Strategy

500’

The plant palette for the four conceptual zones references vegetation communities found throughout the Berkshire Region. Both planting beds and restored areas have been inspired by Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program community classifications which include: wet meadow, shrub swamp, floodplain forest, and northern hardwood forest. Matching these plantings with the sites soil and moisture conditions, this strategy will provide food and cover for wildlife, while creating visual and educational interest, and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Infusing a deeper connection to the urban and rural context of the Berkshires, plantings reflecting the agricultural heritage of the region are also integrated throughout the design. Edible landscapes range from orchard terraces in The Gateway and The Park zones, to patches of strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry, from The Wild to the urban reaches of the site. Considering the bigger picture, produce from these planting areas could be used in local schools, kitchens, and restaurants.

Turf/Lawn

Wet MeadowShrub SwampHigh-Terrace Floodplain ForestNorthern Hardwood ForestBerkshire Agriculture

Meadow


Spotted Joe-pye weedEupatorium maculatum

Nodding bur-marigoldBidens cernua

Wool-grassScirpus cyperinus

Tussock SedgeCarex stricta

Wet Meadow | Blue Hills ReservationPhoto Credit: Neponset River Watershed Association

Wet MeadowReferenced Natural Communities


Silky dogwoodCornus amomum

Highbush blueberryVaccinium corymbosum

Black willowSalix nigra

Speckled alderAlnus incana

Shrub swamp/Fen edge habitatHockomock Swamp, MA

Shrub SwampReferenced Natural Communities


Lady FernAthyrium filif-femina

Arrowwood ViburnumViburnum dentatum

Musclewood (Ironwood)Carpinus caroliniana

Red MapleAcer rubrum

Red Maple Floodplain ForestFalmouth, MA

Floodplain ForestReferenced Natural Communities


BlackberryRubus spp.

Eastern White PinePinus strobus

Northern Red OakQuercus rubra

Sugar MapleAcer saccarum

Northern Hardwood ForestPhoto Credit: New Hampsire Natural Heritage Program

Northern Hardwood ForestReferenced Natural Communities


BlackberryRubus spp.

StrawberryFragaria spp.

AppleMalus domestica

A Berkshire Region Apple OrchardPhoto Credit: Massachusetts Office of Travel

Berkshire Agriculture

Highbush blueberryVaccinium corymbosum

Referenced Local Agriculture


THE UPPER REACH

Typical Edge ConditionsThe WildThe Park


River Terrace

Cherry CreekDenver, Colorado

Upper Reach | Typical Edge Conditions

Bankfull Channel Floodplain Terrace

High-Terrace Floodplain Forest Community

width: 87’

698’

703’706’

width varies: 20’-200’

10’ Bicycle/Pedestrian Path

Expanded floodplain areas which are not constrained by infrastructure or flood control berms open into wide variably level landscape terraces. These areas will be planted with wet meadow and high-terrace floodplain species, restoring them to conditions similar to floodplain areas found in the Western New England Marble Valley ecoregion.

Recreational uses within these areas will largely consist of recreation paths, both paved and unpaved, with occasional overlooks and resting stops.

MA 8 / Curran Hwy

8A / Ashland St

Hunter Foundry Rd


Backwater

Backwater & Floodplain ForestInter-Fluve, Inc.


Bankfull Channel Backwater

Native grass & wildflower seed mix10’ Bicycle/Pedestrian Path

width: 87’ width varies: 60’-80’

698’

Flood Control Bermwidth varies: 3:1 slope to 715’

Interpretive Display

With several tributary streams entering from the west, wetland depressions within the existing floodplain, and the remnant channel of the existing river channel, the concept design incorporates backwater habitat throughout The Wild portion of the study area. These areas provide important habitat and refuge for juvenile fish and create shallow refugia for young amphibians and invertebrates.

Outside of providing a place for paddlers to explore by canoe or kayak, adjacent trails provide interpretive signage, highlighting the ecological benefits of this riverine feature.


MA 8 / Curran Hwy

8A / Ashland St

Hunter Foundry Rd


Cut Bank

Charles River OverlookSasaki Associates, Inc.


Bankfull Channel Designed Edge


width: 87’ typical width: 20’

698’


Low Impact Overlook

705’

While true cut bank conditions will exist in the bankfull channel along the outside of the meander bend, out-of-channel areas above these morphological features will reflect a more steep change in topography. In some instances these may simply be the flood control berm descending to the bankfull channel edge.

Recreational access to these areas will be controlled as to prevent disturbance in areas where vegetation is essential to bank stability.


MA 8 / Curran Hwy

8A / Ashland St

Hunter Foundry Rd

Overlook Location

Overlook LocationOverlook Location


Crossover & Confined Channel Edges

Cheonggyecheon StreamSeoul, South Korea


Bankfull Channel Designed Edge


width: 87’ typical width: 20’

698’


Access to water

705’

Along straight portion of the river channel and areas where the topography is slightly more confined, lower-energy stable river edges present the opportunity to interact with the water.

While majority of these banks will be vegetated to minimize bank erosion, dedicated access points will provide designed spaces for designed for play, fishing, and quiet reflection.


MA 8 / Curran Hwy

8A / Ashland St

Hunter Foundry Rd

Riverbank Fishing


Point Bar


The Confluence - Platte RiverDenver, Colorado

Bankfull Channel Point Bar Edge


width: 87’ width varies: 20’-80’

698’

Native Floodplain Shrub Species

Typically located on the inside bend of river meanders, the out-of-channel portion of the point bar edges will maintain gradual slopes until reaching the designed terrace height or flood control berm. With recreational trails passing along the perimeter of these edge conditions in concept design, the point bar offers the perfect opportunity to interact with the river or land a canoe.

MA 8 / Curran Hwy

8A / Ashland St

Hunter Foundry Rd

Barker River, NHImage Source: NH Natural Heritage Bureau


Habitat Features

Upper Reach | Stream Channel

Incorporated into The Wild and The Park zones, in-channel portions of the river will feature habitat enhancements which will provide improved conditions for native cold-water fish species.

MA 8 / Curran Hwy

8A / Ashland St

Hunter Foundry Rd

Areas of elevation change in the channel with swift currents provide critical fish spawning habitat and food resources

Deeper areas of the stream provide important habitat for young and adult fish, particularly feeding habitat for mature trout

Occurs on the inside of meander bends and are formed by the deposition of sand and gravel

Flooded year-round, these areas provide important habitat and refuge for juvenile fish and create shallow refugia for young amphibians and invertebrates

Backwater

Riffle BedPoolLarge WoodPoint Bar

Riffle Bed

Pool (w/Large Wood)

Point Bar

Backwater (w/Large Wood)


Upper Reach | Stream Channel


THE WILDWorking with the historic floodplain area and existing natural wetland areas west of the current river channel, The Wild is an expression of riparian vegetation communities characteristic to the Western New England Marble Valleys ecoregion. Numerous backwaters and a network of both paved and rustic trails weave through this zone, connecting recreational users to Noel Field to the north and the Ashwillticook trail to the south.

1 Main recreation trail2 Ashwillticook trail connection3 Trailhead4 Canoe/kayak launch area5 Backwater6 Stormwater BMP7 Overlook

1

32

4

5

5

5 5

5

6

1

7

Backwater & Floodplain ForestInter-Fluve, Inc.

Charles River OverlookSasaki Associates, Inc.

200’

P Parking

P


THE WILD

Backwater/Stormwater PondInter-Fluve, Inc.

Canoe/Kayak Launch Floodplain Forest Levee trail with native wildflowersSasaki Associates Inc. | Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Precedent Images


THE PARKCharacterized by the most significant meander bend in the study area, the athletic fields in The Park have been reconfigured to embrace the river, placing the Hoosic at center stage. The curved flood control berms, set at a 3:1 slope vary from lawn to native wildflowers and grasses, manageable for maintenance and lounging by the river. On the inside of the meander, gentle point bar banks just beyond the outfield offer an opportunity for interaction with the river, or a landing point for those paddling up or down river.

200’

1 Joe Wolfe Field2 Playground & Splash Pad3 Dog Park4 Softball Fields5 Soccer/Multi-Purpose Field6 Recreational Path7 Rain Garden

5

4

3

2

1

8 River Terrace

6

6

6

7

77

8

The Confluence - Platte RiverDenver, CO

Joe Wolfe FieldNorth Adams, MA

P

P

P

P

P Parking

9 Restroom Location

9


MA 8 / Curran Hwy

8A / Ashland St

THE PARK | Noel Field ReconfigurationCharacterized by the most significant meander bend in the study area, the athletic fields in The Park have been reconfigured to embrace the river. The side-by-side comparison to the right, highlights the current and proposed arrangement, moving both softball fields to the east of the river, and moving the soccer/multi-purpose field further to the south.

All athletic facilities at Noel Field would been retained, with a an expanded playground, and new multi-use trails, seasonal recreation spaces for winter activities, river/fishing overlooks, and rest rooms (located near the softball fields).

P84 spaces

P68 spaces

Punknown

spaces

P84 spaces

P68 spaces

Punknown

spaces

Pnew parking

Punknown

spaces

8A / Ashland St

MA 8 / Curran Hwy

P50 spaces

Punknown

spaces

playground playground

PlaygroundSoccer/Multi-purpose FieldBaseball/Softball Field

Future Recreation Expansion Area

ParkingP

Vehicle AccessMulti-use Trail

Existing Conditions Proposed Changes


THE PARK | Sections

A

B

A

B

Bankfull Channel Floodable Terrace Softball Field Flood Control Berm

Cross-section at Study/Pilot Area Transition (Minimum)

Maximum & Minimum Channel Alterations

Cross-section at the Softball Field Meander Bend (Maximum)

Flood Control Berm

Flood Control Berm Bankfull Channel Flood Control BermSoccer/Multi-purpose Field

Existing Channel

Existing Channel

Existing Flood Control BermExisting Athletic Field Elevation


THE PARK | Sections

A

A

Pedestrian bridge on the Charles RiverNewton, Massachusetts

Pedestrian Bridge Crossing

Flood Control Edge Bankfull Channel Flood Control Berm

Recreation PathRecreation Path

Existing Channel

Existing Flood Control Berm


THE LOWER REACH

Edge ConditionsThe GatewayMASS MoCA


Terraced Edge

Wilkes-Barre RiverfrontSasaki Associates, Inc.

Lower Reach | Typical Edge Conditions

Exisiting Channel

Low-flow channel: 20’

width: 45’

673’-693

Floodable terraces in place of existing wall structure

Terraced Plazawidth varies: 40’-100’

elevation varies:


While most areas where the current flood chutes pass through are highly constricted, three areas on the eastern bank provide space for removal of the flood chute walls. In these select locations, the concept design study explored the opportunity for terraced plazas, of which lower portions would be tolerant of flood conditions.

Marshall St

MA 2 / Mohawk Trail

Am. Legion Drive

State St

Main Street

MA

8 / C

urra

n Hw

y

FLOOD FLOW

SPRING FLOW

SUMMER FLOW

Flow StudyInter-Fluve, Inc.


Channel Path

Cheonggyecheon StreamSeoul, South Korea

Lower Reach | Typical Edge Conditions

Exisiting Channel

Low-flow channel: 20’

width: 45’

673’-693elevation varies:


Due to the constraint of surrounding buildings and infrastructure, many portions of the existing flood chutes may have to remain. However, with the integration of a low-flow channel and by providing access to the chute, these areas can safely be utilized as a bicycle/pedestrian corridor.

Flood levels will need to be closely monitored for these stretches of trail. Nonetheless, in the event of flooding, the concept design incorporates alternative routes outside the channel, to easily navigate through the city.

Marshall St

MA 2 / Mohawk Trail

Am. Legion Drive

State St

Main Street

MA

8 / C

urra

n Hw

y

FLOOD FLOW

SPRING FLOW

SUMMER FLOW


THE GATEWAYThe Gateway is the primary entry point for visitors to downtown North Adams. Whether by bike, train, or car; from Mount Greylock or the Mohawk Trail, the Civic Park and Greylock Market are the major focal points of this district. In two bold moves, the concept design looks to direct vehicle traffic down Main Street, invigorating downtown, while providing a principal gathering space for concerts and markets, at the corner of State and Main Street.

1 Main Street Underpass2 Pedestrian Bridges3 Civic Plaza4 Urban Orchards5 Railroad Underpass6 Scenic Railway Platform7 River Terrace

1

2

2

4

4

56

8

9

3

7

7

8 Greylock Market9 Expanded Parking

MAIN STREET

200’

Urban OrchardConcept/Inspiration

Pritzker ParkChicago, IL


THE GATEWAY | Underpass

A A

Underpass art installation ‘Aspire’ by Warren LangleySydney, Australia

Railroad Underpass & River Terrace

River/Chute Floodable Plaza/Terrace Underpass

Greylock Market Parking Railroad R.O.W.

Artistic underpass lighting installationUnknown location


THE GATEWAY | Civic Park

Main Street

State Street

PanAm Rail Corridor


THE GATEWAY | Civic Park

Shaded seating/swingsSasaki Associates Inc. | Cincinnati Riverfront

Plaza space for markets & events Art installations River terraces & outdoor performance spaceSasaki Associates Inc. | Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Precedent Images


MASS MoCAThe most constrained zone of the study reach, the MASS MoCA property holds the greatest potential as a destination and critical connection to the Mohawk Bike Trail. Due to the proximity of buildings and infrastructure, only a few limited areas allow for the removal of chute walls and terracing. However, those areas, such as the art terrace, provide access to the river channel path and opportunities for interactive art installations. With limited space for introducing native vegetation, the concept design explored the use of native vines for the installation of hanging gardens through this reach.

1 Mohawk Trail Connection2 Hanging Gardens3 Courtyard C Terrace4 Main Street Underpass

200’

Interactive art installationsSasaki Associates Inc. | Lawn on D

Hanging vines | Inspiration

1

1

2

2

23

4


MASS MoCA | Channel path and Courtyard C terrace


MASS MoCA | Hanging gardens

Fox GrapeVitis lambrusca

Virgin’s BowerClematis virginiana

Virginia CreeperParthenocissus quinquefolia

Inspired by formal and informal hanging gardens found throughout the world, the constrained conditions and existing bridge infrastructure in the MASS MoCA zone presents an opportunity to integrate hanging vegetation in unique spaces throughout the river corridor.

Selected native vine species shown below would grow from narrow areas near the edge of the existing chute walls and would be directed to grow over wall edges and structures, providing shade, habitat, and visual interest in a limited amount of space


500’

MASS MoCA

MCLA Campus

Main Street

Greylock Market

Illustrative Plan

1

3

2

1 Mohawk Trail Connection2 Courtyard C Terrace3 Hanging Gardens

MASS MoCA4 Main Street Underpass5 Pedestrian Bridges6 Civic Park7 Urban Orchards8 Railroad Underpass9 Scenic Railway Platform

10 River Terrace

The Gateway

46

7

3

5

89

10

14

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19 Backwater20 River Terrace21 Canoe Launch Area22 Trailhead23 Wet Meadow24 Ashwillticook Trail Connection

The Wild11 River Terrace12 Rain Garden/Winter Skating13 Joe Wolfe Field14 Playground & Splash Pad15 Dog Park16 Softball Fields

The Park

17

Soccer/Multi-purpose Field18

19

19

20

2122

2324

25 Stormwater Pond

25

26 Future Floodplain Restoration?

26

Am. Legion Drive

Church St

8A / Ashland St

8A / Ashland St

Marshall St

State St

MA 8 / Curran Hwy

MA2/ Mohawk Trail

Future Recreation Expansion

Hoosic River Flood Chute · PDF filechannel, the concept design incorporates backwater habitat...

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