Birmingham, AL
LIGHTING PLANS: Hyde Engineering
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Nimrod Long and Associates
GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES: Birmingham Engineering and Construction Consultants (BECC)
CULTURAL RESOURCES SURVEY: Panamerican Consultant
Sain Associates performed a survey and design for the Tiger 7 – High Ore Line Connector Project for the City of Birmingham. The project objective included constructing a 12′ wide paved walking trail utilizing an abandoned railroad bed that extends 6,600 linear feet, connecting Red Mountain Park to the previously constructed High Ore Line trail. Additionally, a parking area and lighting were included at the Red Mountain Park Trailhead.
Many of the challenges for this project were related to terrain and dense vegetation. The setting made it more difficult to perform an initial survey. Also, we had to consider that Red Mountain Park is built around abandoned sub-surface mines. Our team was tasked with locating these mines for historic preservation while ensuring the safety of our surveyors in the process.
During the design process, our team performed a Cultural Resources Report. That effort identified a structure on the old railroad bed which was the foundation for the engine room of Winona Mine No. 10, constructed in 1930. Surrounding houses were built in the early 1900s.
Sain’s Geotechnical partner, Birmingham Engineering and Construction Consultants (BECC), reviewed the structure to ensure that the trail construction would not be within a vertical or horizontal distance that would disrupt the structure’s integrity.
The trail was funded through a Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Sain Associates is proud to have been a part of this project for the City of Birmingham, as it enhances the area and quality of life for everyone who uses the trail.