The Klingle Valley Trail has opened a new chapter in the history of Klingle Road. This historic road dates back from 1831. Throughout the 20th century, development in Northwest DC, led to increased stormwater runoff, which produces severe erosion, causing the drainage structures in the area to become overwhelmed which caused frequent flooding. A storm in 1990 washed out a portion of the already troubled road, causing it to close. This was extremely inconvenient as approximately 3,200 cars were used on Klingle Road before it was washed out.
This restoration was 27 years in the making.
After numerous debates on whether to open the road again or use it as a trail, the issue was finally resolved in 2008 with the DC Council Legislation that required this section of Klingle Road to remain closed to cars and reopen as a multi-use trail. With that decision made, the DDOT could then begin the project development through the design and engineering phases. Construction began in July 2015 and that’s where EQR came in.
This trail was much more than the ashetics of installing benches and paths, with the degradation of the site, there had to be significant restoration to the Klingle Creek channel. This project was designed to improve stormwater management while maintaining the existing vegetation and architectural features. EQR came in to resize and realign its channel and stabilize its eroded banks. The almost one-mile (.07) trail has a porous asphalt trail, creek restoration, bioretention ponds and bio swales that slow water down and infiltrate to aquifers below ground vs. running on the surface rapidly towards Rock Creek. The Klingle creek restoration has features such as step pools, stone walls, boulder and log placement. Other feature includes 13 benches, LED lighting, signs, new native trees and shrubs.
Klingle Valley opens to the community again.
The reopening of the trail will provide years of future enjoyment for residents, nature lovers and visitors seeking a calm spot away from the city.
Contact EQR:
As environmental construction experts for over 26 years, Environmental Quality Resources is proud of our mission of working outdoors to preserve and protect our watershed in a positive way. Visit us online or give us a call at (410) -923-8680 to get more information and see if we are what you’re looking for. Looking to see what we are currently working on and more about our company? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube!
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