The Olympic Corridor Trail Connector Study will identify and evaluate feasible alignments and then select a preferred alternative for a pedestrian/bicycle facility connecting two well used, paved, multi-use regional trails in Contra Costa County, the Lafayette-Moraga Trail and the Iron Horse Trail. When connected, these facilities (in addition to the Contra Costa Canal Trail two miles to the north of downtown Walnut Creek) would complete a trail network that joins most of Lamorinda, San Ramon Valley, and Central Contra Costa. The ultimate goal of the proposal is to provide a connection for bicyclists and pedestrians between the Lafayette-Moraga Trail to the Iron Horse Trail that is safer and more convenient than the current options.  
  
The Department of Conservation and Development, with the assistance of the Public Works Department and staff from the cities of Lafayette and Walnut Creek, conducted a competitive solicitation process for consultant assistance in which Alta Planning + Design (Alta) was the unanimous selection. Alta will conduct the study with County oversight. County staff, in turn, will be assisted by staff from the City of Walnut Creek and the City of Lafayette. The contract with Alta was approved by the Board of Supervisors on January 22, 2013.   
  
The study spans three jurisdictions (Lafayette, unincorporated Contra Costa County, and City of Walnut Creek) generally along the Olympic Boulevard corridor (see attached map). The western project limit is in the City of Lafayette at the intersection of the Lafayette-Moraga Trail, Olympic Boulevard, and Reliez Station Road. The eastern project limit is in downtown Walnut Creek along the Iron Horse Trail corridor. For the purposes of this planning study, the Olympic Boulevard corridor includes Boulevard Way, Newell Avenue, and Olympic Boulevard.   
  
The land uses and activity centers that are potentially served by the project are downtown Walnut Creek/Broadway Plaza, higher density housing along Olympic Boulevard, residential areas in Lafayette along the Lafayette-Moraga Trail, and the Mt. Diablo Boulevard commercial district. It is currently possible to bicycle and walk between the two trails on existing facilities. However, the route is a patchwork of Class I bike paths, Class II bike lanes and unmarked or undesignated streets and sidewalks.  
  
This planning study will recommend a range of improvements to be implemented in phases. Recommendations will range from short-term/low cost spot improvements to longer term investments that may reallocate existing right-of-way or acquire new right-of-way.  
  
The proposal is supported in plans adopted by the City of Walnut Creek, City of Lafayette, Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.  
  
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was developed to better define the responsibilities of each jurisdiction considering the multi-jurisdictional nature of the study. Planning and legal staff from the cities of Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and the County have developed the MOU to define expectations and responsibilities of the participating jurisdictions. In parallel with the County, both cities are in the process of adopting the MOU. County Counsel and attorneys from both cities have approved the form of the MOU which is attached to this report.