Jefferson Parish Linear Park Master Plan

BKI was selected by Jefferson Parish to develop a Master Plan for a continuous 10-mile bikeway and trail system along the southern shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain.  Special challenges of this project included reducing maintenance costs, improving cyclist and pedestrian safety, and dealing with flood hazard conditions in the vulnerable shoreline area.

Working with a multi-jurisdictional Task Force, BKI created a Plan that would provide widened and safer path sections, separate biking and pedestrian traffic where possible, and raise path elevations to reduce the amount of maintenance and clean-up required following major storms.  The Plan proposed new 10’ bikeways and 6’ pedestrian paths, a bridge at the mouth of a drainage canal, neighborhood parks at key nodes, improved directional and safety signage, and an overall landscape design along the path to transform the area into a true park environment.

Other recommendations included shoreline reconstruction and the provision of benches, shelters, and tables.  The total estimated cost of all Master Plan improvements was $13.5 million.