After months of waiting, the Town of Princeton has finally settled their claim with ICBC. The claim stemmed from a out of control truck that slipped into gear and careeened down the street above the ZigZag pedestrian walkway. It shot through the barrier separating the street from the trail and tore out the railing all the way down the trail to the lower bench below.
While the accident happened well over a year ago, a settlement with the insurer was a slow process. One which frustrated the town staff and residents. Many locals used the pathway to the second bench often and found the blocked off ZigZag to be a real inconvenience.
All that is about to change. The Town and ICBC have finally reached an agreement. Settlement funds will be used along with money budgeted by the town to rebuild the ZigZag.
Soon the ZigZag will be revitalized. The project has gone out to tender. Staff at the town office are referring to the pedestrian trail as ‘The Princeton Grind.’ It will have a two phase walkway this time around.
The zigs and zags will remain an integral part of the trail design. A level walking or running track of one meter width will be achieved by cutting and filling into the bank. The crib will be filled in with rock or wood on the down side of the bank. Compacted roadbed gravel will be the surface material for the track, It was chosen as it will provide suitable drainage and minimize erosion.
A combination of switch backs and climbing turns will be staggered to take advantage of the lay of the land. Four strategically placed handrails will likely be added for security. The switchback climb will not be the only way to reach the top or bottom of the ZigZag. Stair platforms will be linked to the switchbacks.
The stairs will provide another option to users for access to and from the upper and lower benches. Heavy timber stringers and safety grating steel treads will mark the way. The railing will be metal tubing.
It is intended that the existing grasses, trees and bushes will be left as part of the natural landscape. These will be periodically trimmed by public works. Along with the natural vegetation, the town plans to incorporated further improvements as the budget allows. One option being considered is a welcoming gazebo at the upper bench level as well as an architectural feature at the base.
Tenders for the ZigZag project close at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1. It is hoped that recommendations will be made by council for awarding the contract at the November 7 town council meeting.
“Our Council is finally looking forward to approving a tender on the ZigZag trail, we were unable to begin prior to the settlement with ICBC as any commencement might have jeapardized the negotiated payment. We are excited about the dual purpose trail which will offer not only the ZigZag, but a stairway which will offer safety in the winter months as well as a facility capable of providing a training work-out. It will help to enhance our community trails and encourage our GamesTown 2010 reputation of promoting healthy living and an active lifestyle.”