Sawmill Tract Bicycle Trail & Bridges

Brick Township, New Jersey

The construction of the Sawmill Tract Bicycle Path was part of a larger Master Plan developed by the Township of Brick, NJ, which proposed the construction of an interconnected network of bicycle trails throughout Township-owned property.

Birdsall Engineering, Inc. (BEI) was responsible for establishing existing fire trails in order to provide access to the woods in the event of a fire. The remaining trails were constructed by selectively clearing woods and establishing a solid sub-base. A durable wearing surface was engineered to enable cyclists, as well as walkers and joggers, to safely use the trails. The trail consists of compacted fill material overlain by 2 inches of gray quarry dust. Wooden bridges and drainage pipes were incorporated into the design to cross though wetland corridors. The bridges and approach ramps were designed to be barrier-free.

BEI also installed directional signs at trail intersections; bollards, gates and fences to deter ATVs and motorbikes; and educational interpretive signs along the trails and at rest areas.

This project received a Design Excellence Award from the New Jersey Recreation & Park Association (NJRPA).