At the December 13, 2023 City Council Study Session staff presented that the existing trail fencing around the City of Walnut is deteriorating with a significant portion needed replacement. In an effort to update the trail fencing throughout the City, and reduce ongoing maintenance costs, staff recommends replacing the wood material with vinyl fencing material.

The wooden trail fencing throughout the City is deteriorating and in disrepair. A large replacement project is needed. In an effort to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and reduce issues experienced with the current wood fencing, staff recommends replacing it with vinyl fencing.

- The deteriorating wooden fencing material could pose a safety hazard to current trail users as it has begun to bow, splinter and fall over in some locations.

- During the course of a traffic collision, the wooden railing could become an impalement hazard. Three occasions of impalement occurred in the City of San Dimas resulting in a lawsuit against the City, loss of life and serious bodily injury.

- The United States Environmental Protection Agency regulates the chemicals utilized in the wood preservation process. Prior to 2004, wood treated with chromated arsenicals was used in residential type installations like trail fencing in Walnut. Although alternative chemicals are used, the wood products manufactured to date do not have the same usable lifespan of the originally installed wood products.

- Local suppliers of wooden trail fencing have switched from a 6” diameter rail to a 4” diameter, resulting in varied sizes of replacement railing throughout the City. The smaller diameter rail is more prone to bowing when in contact with water from irrigation and rain. The City has experienced delivery delays of wooden rails for up to 10 weeks.

Proposed Solution:

Installing 2-Rail Vinyl Fencing throughout the City.

- All trail fencing throughout the City would be replaced with 2-railing style vinyl material.

- Vinyl fencing shatters on impact with a vehicle, eliminating an impalement hazard.

- Vinyl fencing is weather resistant with a 30+ year lifespan with little to no maintenance required.

- Material is readily available from multiple local suppliers resulting in a short lead-time and quick replacement, if needed.

- The City is exploring two color options: Almond, White

- Samples of the proposed vinyl product are installed on La Puente Road at Old Post.

- The two colors are shown as examples, a singular color will be installed throughout the City.

.        .                       Almond Vinyl Fencing                                     White Vinyl Fencing  

Until a final determination on product and quantity is made, an overall project cost cannot be calculated at this time. The two products have similar costs per linear foot. Vinyl fencing is the less expensive option as it has longer anticipated lifespan and a 30-year warranty over the wood product.

Walnut will adopt a new standard for trail fencing throughout the City. A type of material and installation guidelines will be specified, not a specific supplier. The City will go through proper bidding procedures for all projects.

Alternative 1: Replacement of trail fencing along roadways from wood to vinyl fencing. Wood fencing would remain in parks and along trails not adjacent to the road. 

- This alternative retains wooden trail fencing throughout the majority of the City, while reducing the potential safety hazards for motorists, with the replacement of wood to vinyl fencing in areas along the roadway.

- The current available wooden trail fencing material is expected to need ongoing replacement, resulting in an increased cost of maintenance. This is due to the change in wood preservation techniques and smaller diameter rails resulting in a shorter usable lifespan than previously installed wood trail fencing.

Alternative 2: Removal of all trail fencing throughout the City.

- This is the most cost-effective option with no ongoing post and rail maintenance.

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