MONTGOMERY COUNTY LIFE SCIENCES CENTER

LO O P T R A I L

15% CONCEPT DESIGN

DRAFT 05/26/15

E X I S T I NG CONDIT IONS

EX IS TI N G C O N D I T I ON S
FIEL

DS R

ENE

CA H

WY
AD
R

AT S

DIAMONDBACK DR

GRE

OMEGA DRIVE

OM

EG

DECOVERLY DRIVE

(North of Diamondback Drive)

M
DIA

DECOVERLY

DR

RES

CH

BLV

KD

BAC

D
ON

EAR

(Northern Segment)

WE

ST A

VE

M
CA

OMEGA DRIVE

(Southern Segment)
D

TR

AR

KEY

CH

BEL

D
AR

AVE

OS

(South of Diamondback Drive)

ST

WE

BR

PU
SD
R

DECOVERLY DRIVE

KEY

ICAL

MED
CEN
TER
VE
GRO
DY
SHA

WY

BRO
SC

H
ECA

DR

MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE

HAR
TR

BELWARD CAMPUS DRIVE

RD

DR

S
PKIN

T SEN
GREA

S HO

JOHN
TO BELWARD FARM

L RD

KWEL

BLAC

Potential loop trail

RO

UT

Future CCT

E2

Future CCT station

MEDICAL

CCT/roadway reconstruction
CE

Possible loop extension

NT

ER

DR

Existing Conditions Analysis

Transit easement

DARNES

ME

TOWN

JOHNS HOPKINS DRIVE

DIC

ROAD

AL

Slope at inner edge

CEN

TER

Mature trees

WA

Structure

Missing connection
TO FALLSGROVE PARK

PSTA PROPERTY: NEW ROAD

TO TRAVILLE PARK

150

Scale: 1=300

DRAFT 05/26/15

300

600

Major road crossing

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 03

OM
EG
A

DR

DECOVERLY DR

CK DR
DIA

DR

RES

EAR

MO

DECOVERLY

CH

CA

VE

ICAL

MED

TR

CEN

OV ER A L L PL A N
SHA

DY

GRO

DR

VE
RD

TER

ELL R

KW
BLAC

HWY

UT

ST A

AR

S DR
PKIN

ECA
T SEN
GREA

S HO
JOHN

RO

WE

CH

S
WE

OS

BEL

D
AR

KEY

KEY

VE
TA
BR

M
PU
SD
R

KD

BAC

ND

BLV

E2

MEDICAL C
E

OV ER A L L P L A N
Loop Trail

Trail is positioned on the inside of the

LSC Loop

FIEL

Crossings

DS R

Potential Trail Spurs

DIAMONDBACK DR

Typical trail cross section includes a

paved shared use path with planted
buffers on each side

Future CCT

CITY OF GAITHERSBURG

DR

RES

EAR

CH

BLV

KD

BAC

ND

MO

DECOVERLY

DIA

Potential trail spurs should connect

to routes and destinations beyond
the LSC Loop Trail

OM
EG

Enhanced street crossings are

recommended for all intersections

AD
R

DECOVERLY DR

Future CCT Station

ST A

VE

CA

E
AL C

WY

SHA

CA H

DY
G

SENE

RO

VE

R DR

RD

NTE

T
GREA

S DR

PKIN

S HO

JOHN

L RD

KWEL

BLAC

IC
MED

TR

AR

CH

RD

WE

OS

A
EL W

KEY

AVE

BR

M
PU
SD
R

EST

W
KEY

RO

UT

Typical Plan Enlargement

E2

MEDICAL C
E

NT

ER
DR

DARNES

ME

TOWN

ROAD

DRAFT 05/26/15

DIC

AL

CEN

TER

WA

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 5

A MENIT IES &

EN H A NCEM EN T S

AMEN I T I E S & E N HA N CE M E N T S
Distinctive trail treatment

Enhancements along the Loop Trail

include a distinctive paving
treatment; a continuous line of street
trees (preserved or planted in all
possible locations); seating areas
along the trail; signage/wayfinding
elements; and public art in select
locations

FIEL

Urban/activity areas

DS R

DIAMONDBACK DR

Gateways
Recommended trail spurs

CITY OF GAITHERSBURG

OM
EG

DR

RES

EAR

CH

BLV

KD

BAC

ND

MO

DECOVERLY

DIA

Urban/activity areas should

incorporate special paving and
furnishings, larger gathering areas,
enhanced plantings, and public art
elements

AD
R

DECOVERLY DR

Future CCT

VE

CA

E
AL C

WY

SHA

CA H

DY
G

SENE

RO

VE

R DR

RD

NTE

T
GREA

S DR

PKIN

S HO

JOHN

L RD

KWEL

BLAC

IC
MED

TR

AR

RD

ST A

CH

A
EL W

WE

OS

Gateways can use art pieces and

informational signage to emphasize
entry into new areas and direct users
to their destinations

KEY

AVE

BR

M
PU
SD
R

EST

W
KEY

RO

UT

E2

MEDICAL C
E

NT

ER
DR

DARNES

ME

TOWN

ROAD

DRAFT 05/26/15

DIC

AL

CEN

TER

WA

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 7

T R A I L CR OSS SECT IONS

S ECTION T Y P E S
1

TYPICAL CROSS SECTION

ROADWAY FUTURE SEPARATED

BIKE LANE

TREE
PANEL

SHARED USE
TRAIL

BUFFER

12

(PER BICYCLE MASTER

PLAN)

WIDE TREE PANEL AND BUFFER

ROADWAY

FUTURE SEPARATED
BIKE LANE
(PER BICYCLE MASTER
PLAN)

TREE
PANEL
11

DUAL TWO-FOOT BUFFERS

12

25

20

SHARED USE BUFFER

TRAIL

CITY OF GAITHERSBURG

SINGLE TWO-FOOT BUFFER

4
1
1
1

1
1
ROADWAY FUTURE SEPARATED
BIKE LANE
(PER BICYCLE MASTER
PLAN)

SHARED USE BUFFER

TRAIL
2

10
14

ROADWAY FUTURE SEPARATED

BIKE LANE
(PER BICYCLE MASTER
PLAN)

SHARED USE BUFFER

TRAIL
6
2
10
12-6

DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 9

TY PI C AL PL A N DIA G R A M S

AMEN I T Y A RE A S I N T R E E P A N E L
TYPICAL AMENITY AREAS

Bench and trash/recycling receptacles

Multiple benches

Bike racks

AMENITY AREAS IN WIDE TREE PANEL (MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE)

Bench, bike racks and trash/recycling receptacles

Bench and trash/recycling receptacles

Bike racks
DRAFT 05/26/15

Precedent Images
LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 11

AM ENI T Y A RE A S I N SI DE T H E LO OP
SMALL AMENITY AREA

LARGE AMENITY AREA/PLAZA

Benches and trash/recycling receptacles (may also

include bike racks)

Benches, bike racks and trash/recycling receptacles (may also include tables and chairs,
public art, etc.)

12 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

Precedent Images
DRAFT 05/26/15

R EQ U IR E D O F F S E T S A N D DI M E N SI O NS

2 clear

12 typical
10 minimum

3 to tree centerline
or signage

2 clear

6 typical
11 on Medical Center Drive

8 min.
vertical
clearance
A

DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 13

C H A R A CT ER A R EA S

U R B A N / A C T I VI T Y A R E A S

Plazas and outdoor seating along trail (outside of right-of-way)

Furnishings and public art in wide tree panel

Precedent Images
DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 15

OPEN SP A C E / N A T UR A L A R E A S

Seating areas

Play or fitness equipment

16 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

Precedent Images

DRAFT 05/26/15

G A TEW A Y S

Public art, vibrant plantings, and informational signage at major

intersections

Major road intersections

Transit nodes & entrances
Plantings and informational signage at transit nodes and entrances

Precedent Images
DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 17

DESIGN LANGUAGE

DES I G N E L E ME N TS
PAVING

PLANTINGS

FURNISHINGS

CROSSINGS

WALLS & RAILS

The following section provides an overall

design language for both common
design elements and areas with special
treatments. The recommended design
elements constitute a suggested style
language to guide subsequent phases of
design, rather than specific design
specifications.
Design elements most appropriate for
Urban/Activity Areas (UA), Open Space/
Natural Area (ON), and Gateways (G) are
labeled as such, per the legend; however,
if desired, these design treatments may
be applied to other segments of the trail,
as feasible.
DRAFT 05/26/15

LOW-IMPACT
DEVELOPMENT

SIGNAGE &
WAYFINDING

ART

LEGEND
UA

Urban/Activity
Areas

ON

Open Space/
Natural Area

G Gateways
LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 19

PA V ING
1

ON

Paving band at trail edges should be

uniform in material, color, and dimensions
along the entire length of the loop trail.
1

Paving field may be comprised of

unit pavers or asphalt. Unit pavers should
be used in urban/activity areas.
2

Dividing line at center of loop trail

can be marked with unit pavers in paver
field and painted striping in asphalt
areas.
3

Paver edging on asphalt path

UA

Crushed stone

Permeable pavers in seating areas along trail

UA

Permeable pavers or crushed stone

should be used in amenity areas along
the trail.
4

1
2

Special pavement markings should be

used at merge zones and intersection
approaches to alert users of potential
conflict points.

LEGEND
UA Urban/Activity Areas
ON Open Space/Natural Area
Unit pavers
20 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

Paving Diagram
DRAFT 05/26/15

PL ANTI N G
Tree panels should be planted with shade trees and turf grass. Shrubs and
perennial plantings can be considered to enhance amenity areas, particularly
within urban zones.
When planted, the 2 buffer should contain mown turf only, so as to not impede
travel along the trail and for use as a pull-off shoulder.

Street trees

UA

Mown turf at trail edge

UA

Plantings can vary within additional amenity spaces along the Loop Trail (within
or outside of the right-of-way). Shrubs, perennial plantings, and additional shade
trees can be considered to enhance amenity areas, particularly within urban
zones. Where parking lots or secondary roadways are adjacent to the trail, wider
planted buffers should be used.

TREE PRESERVATION (MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE)

Tall grasses and colorful perennials frame seating and activity areas and emphasize gateways

UA

UA ON

LEGEND

UA Urban/Activity Areas
ON Open Space/Natural Area
G Gateways

11
Layered shrubs and perennials

To preserve existing trees on Medical Center Drive, tree panel should be

widened to allow more space between tree and adjacent paving.

Shade trees at seating/gathering areas

DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 21

FUR NI S H I N G S A ND LI GH T I N G
UA

UA

UA

Distinctive custom benches

Distinctive lighting elements

Furnishings within the tree panel should include seating, trash and
recycling receptacles, pedestrian lighting, and bike racks, and should
be consistent to support the continuity of the loop trail.
Custom furnishings may be used in urban/activity zones and in amenity
spaces outside of the right-of-way.

LEGEND
UA Urban/Activity Areas
Palette of simple metal furnishings

22 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

G Gateways
DRAFT 05/26/15

PUB LI C A RT
UA

Art integrated into walls and other vertical elements

Patterns or words embedded in paving

UA

G
UA

UA

ON

Organic sculptures

LEGEND
UA Urban/Activity Areas
ON Open Space/Natural Area
G Gateways

Art elements on light poles

Public art may be included along the entire trail,

but particularly at urban/activity areas and
gateways
Art elements can be sculptural pieces or
incorporated into walls, paving, etc.

Sculptural pieces as focal points

DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 23

WA L L S

Metal guard rail

Where needed, retaining walls on the

inner edge of the Loop Trail should
reference existing site walls, if present.
If required, guard railing should be simple
and unobstrusive.
Seat walls may provide additional seating
where feasible

Existing walls in the Life Sciences Center

24 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

DRAFT 05/26/15

Potential retaining walls along the trail

S IG N A G E , W A Y F I N DI N G, & BR A N DI NG
UA

Signage to identify pedestrian and bicycle

facilities

UA

Wayfinding signage to clearly identify trail route and brand identity

Branding or wayfinding embedded in paving

Signage serves both a functional role and creates an

identifiable visual image or brand for the trail.

Highly visible and distinctive signage should be used

to alert passers-by to the presence of the trail.

LEGEND
UA Urban/Activity Areas
G Gateways
Maps and directional signage

Bold, identifiable signage along Loop Trail

DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 25

LO

LO

BELWARD

LSC

WEST

LO

LO

AIL

AIL

AIL

AIL

LSC

RAIL
PT
O

Identifiable family of wayfinding elements can

incorporate a repeating motif
May be coordinated with vehicular and bicycle
signage

RAIL
T
P LOOP
LSC
O

TRAIL

LO

LOOP
TRAIL

RAIL
PT
O

P TR
O
SCL S C
CENTRAL

Example of wayfinding elements

26 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

Wayfinding elements to identify trail and locate destinations

DRAFT 05/26/15

L OOP
T RAIL
LOOP
TRAIL
LOOP
TRAIL
LOOP

LO

OP TR

LS C

CENTRAL

WE

LS

SCIENCES
CENTER

LIFE

belward

LSC

LOOP TRAIL

WEST

BELWARD

LSC

BELWARD

L
T

LO
TRA

LOOP
TRAIL

S
C

belward

LSC LSC
west

belwa

LS

west

LSC LSC
central

wes

LS

central

LSC LSC
north

centr

LSC

CENTRAL

LSC

LOOP
TRAIL

CENTRAL

LO

LOOP TRAIL

LSC

LOOP LOOP LOOP LOOP

TRAIL TRAIL TRAIL TRAIL

LSC

SCIENCES
W E S T
CENTER
MONTGOMERY COUNTY

LS

north

LSC

nort

LS

N O R T H CENTRAL BELWARD

LOOP LOOP LOOP LOOP

E
LSC
LSCL I LOOP
RAIL
TFLSC
TRAIL LSC
TRAIL LSC
TRAIL TRAIL

LOOP
TRAIL

AIL

LO

LOOP
TRAIL

LOOP TRAIL

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

WEST

LSC

LO

AIL

P TROP TR

LOOP TRAIL

Loop and district wayfinding on the trail surface

LSC

OP TR

TRALCENTRAL
AL

LSC

LIFE SCIENCES CENTER

M ONTGOME RY C OUNT Y

Signage to identify LSC districts (names subject to change)

TR

N O R T H CENTRAL BELWARD
LOOP TRAIL

OP TR

LOOP TRAIL

LSC

LOOP TRAIL

CENTRAL

LOOP TRAIL

BELWARD

TRAIL

LOOP TRAIL

LOOP TRAIL

W E S T

BELWARD

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

LSC

LIFE SCIENCES CENTER

M O N TG O ME RY C O U N T Y

LOOP TRAIL
LOOP TRAIL LOOP TRAIL
LOOP TRAIL
LOOP TRAIL
LOOP TRAIL

LOOP TRAIL

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

AIL

LOOP TRAIL

N O R T H CENTRAL BELWARD
W E S T N O R T H CENTRAL BELWARD

BELWARD

SCIENCES CENTER
N TG O ME RY CO UNTY

BELWARD

W E S T

TRAIL

AIL

LOOP
LOOP
LOOP
LOOP
LOOP
LOOP
LOOP
TRAIL
TRAIL
TRAIL
TRAILLOOP
TRAIL
TRAIL
TRAIL
TRAIL
S IG N A G E , W A Y F I N DI N G, & BR A N DI NG
LSC
LOOP
LOOP
LOOP
LOOP
OP
LSC
ELWARD
TRAIL
TRAIL
TRAIL
TRAIL
BELWARD
IL
LSC L S C LOOP TRAIL
OP
OP TR
LSC LSC
LOOP
LS
C
CENTRAL
LSC LSC LSC
L SC
CENTRAL
IL
BELWARD LSC LSC LSC LSCLSC
TRAIL LSC
LSC
LSC LOOP
OP
LSC
LS C
NORTH
LSC
NORTH
IL
CENTRAL
TRAIL
LSC
LSC
LSC
LSC
LSC
LOOP
LOOP
LOOP
LSC
OP
L
S
C
TRAIL
LOOP
TRAIL
TRAIL
LS
C
W
E
S
T
W
E
S
T
IL
NORTH
TRAIL
LS CLOOP
OP
LSC LOOP
LTRAIL
SC
LOOP W E S T TRAIL
IL
TRAIL
LOOP
LS CLOOP
TRAIL

CROS SI N G S

Distinctive painted crossings at driveways and entry roads

Bright and high-visibility crossing treatments at entry

drive should be used to reduce possibility of conflicts
with vehicles.
Distinctive roadway crossings should be considered to
clearly identify Loop Trail route.
Driveway crossings should be highlighted by
distinctive paving treatments.

Identifiable crosswalks at road intersections

DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 27

LO W -IM P A C T D E VE LO P M E N T (LI D) OPPORTUNITIES

Planted bioretention areas

LID should serve as both a stormwater management

tool and a placemaking element

Planted bioretention areas

Preserve existing trees as possible and plant a

continuous line of shade trees along trail
Permeable pavers should be used in seating areas
along trail
Bioretention may be incorporated in planting areas
along the trail, including tree boxes, planting strips,
and larger planted areas
Street trees

Bioretention in tree boxes

28 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

Permeable pavers in seating areas along trail

DRAFT 05/26/15

LOW- IM P A C T D E VE LO P M E N T OP P ORTUNITIES

Planted bioretention areas inside Loop Trail (may be outside of right-of-way)

Bioretention in tree panel (where existing trees are not present)

Preserve existing trees as feasible and plant continuous line of new street trees
Permeable paving in amenity areas along the trail

Planted bioretention areas in buffer adjacent to roadway

DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 29

U TILI TY C O N F L I C T S
TYPICAL UTILITY CONFLICTS

OMEGA DRIVE/KEY WEST AVENUE

Where feasible, relocate utilities out of trail path or

construct trail around utility covers.
Where utilities cannot be moved, trail may be
narrowed or rerouted.

30 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

DRAFT 05/26/15

TLE
ADD I T I O N A L C ONSIDER ATTIIONS

EAS EME N T S RE QUI R E D

KEY
FIEL

DS R

DIAMONDBACK DR

GA
OM
E

DIA

DR

RES

EAR

CH

ND

MO

DECOVERLY

DR

DECOVERLY DR

CITY OF GAITHERSBURG

OWNER

EASEMENT REQUIRED

JPMCC 2005-CIBC13 Omega Drive LLC

0 - 9.5

Johns Hopkins University

14.25 - 16.25

Adventist Healthcare, Inc.

7.5 - 17

GP Rock One LLC

7.5 - 8.5

Maryland Economic Development Corp.

10 - 14.75

BMR-9900 Campus LLC

12.5+

Jaeger, John F TR

2.5 - 6.25

BLV

CA

VE

Note: does not include easement requirements associated with

CCT construction

TR

ICAL

MED

T
CEN
GRO

VE

RD

ER D

SHA
DY

ROS
CHA
RT

WY

CA H

DR

SENE

S
PKIN

RD

UT

ST A

AR

L RD

KWEL

BLAC

T
GREA

S HO

JOHN

RO

WE

CH

KEY

AVE
OS

BEL

R
WA

KEY

ST
WE

BR

M
PU
SD
R

KD

BAC

Unused transit easements

E2

MEDICAL C
E

NT

ER
DR

DARNES

ME

TOWN

ROAD

32 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

DIC

AL

CEN

TER

WA

DRAFT 05/26/15

POTENT I A L RE T A IN I N G WA LL LOCA TIONS

FIEL

DS R

DIAMONDBACK DR

GA
OM
E

DIA

DR

RES

EAR

CH

BLV

KD

BAC

ND

MO

DECOVERLY

DR

DECOVERLY DR

CITY OF GAITHERSBURG

CA

TR

ICAL
T
CEN
GRO

VE

RD

ER D

SHA
DY

ROS
CHA
RT

WY

CA H

DR

SENE

S
PKIN

Potential retaining walls along the trail

RD

UT

MED

L RD

KWEL

BLAC

T
GREA

S HO

JOHN

RO

VE

AR

ST A

CH

AR

WE

OS

W
BEL

KEY

AVE
BR

M
PU
SD
R

EST

W
KEY

E2

MEDICAL C
EN

TE

R
DR

Potential loop trail

DARNES
TOWN
Future CCT
Slope at inner edge
Potential retaining wall location

ME

ROAD

DIC

AL

CEN

TER

WA

DRAFT 05/26/15

LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design | 33

BEL W A RD C A MP US D R I VE CON N E C TION

DECOVERLY DRIVE

IV

AY
HW
HIG

DR

CA

ST

E
YW

INS

DRIV

AR
W
EL

Options A and B, below, provide alternatives to continue the trail which do not require
construction of this roadway

UE

E
AV

KE

OPK
NS H
JOH

If roadway is constructed per Master Plan recommendation, the Loop Trail should be incorporated
according to the 15% Concept Design typical alignment and cross section

A
EC
EN

S
PU

TS
EA
GR

Missing roadway connection per GSSC Master Plan between Belward Campus Drive and Great
Seneca Highway/Decoverly Drive leaves a gap in the Loop Trail

LOOP CONTINUATION PER MASTER PLAN

DEC

RIV

D
LY

ER
OV

Achieves Master Plan loop trail alignment

Requires significant regrading and removal of

existing vegetation
May require encroachment into forest
conservation easement
No existing crossing at Great Seneca Highway
(would need to be coordinated with SHA)*

AY
W

AY
W

< 5% SLOPE WITH SWITCHBACKS

GH
HI

GH
HI

FOREST
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT

ALTERNATE OR INTERIM ROUTE

34 | LSC Loop Trail 15% Concept Design

CONS:

EC

EC

EN

EN

TS
EA

TS
EA

6.5% SLOPE

PROS:
Provides direct connection between Belward
Campus Drive and Decoverly Drive

GR

GR
FOREST
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT

RIV

D
LY

VER

O
DEC

*Crossing of Great Seneca Highway may be (1) two-stage unsignalized crossing utilizing existing median or (2) signalized with
continuous crosswalk (if area-wide development necessitates a signal at this intersection). To be determined in consultation with SHA.

PROS:

CONS:

Does not require significant regrading and

removal of existing vegetation

Creates dead end at Belward Campus

Drive

Does not require new crossing at Great

Seneca Highway

Does not achieve Master Plan loop trail

alignment
Existing sidewalks may not be sufficient to
support shared use

DRAFT 05/26/15

N EXT S T E P S :

I M P L E M E N TA T ION ST RTA T
I TEG
LY
E