Rail Trails: Turning Challenge into Opportunity
Though challenging, abandoned or unused railways provide an ideal location for trail development. The concept dates to the late 19th century, but more and more communities are embracing the idea of rail-to-trail construction to create multi-use corridors that celebrate history and culture.
Where Great Rail Trail Design Begins: Choosing the Right Corridor
Corridors considered for rail-to-trail design often feature gentle grades, include engineered structures such as bridges and tunnels, and are frequently adjacent to historical areas to engage community interest.
Trail Planning Considerations for Rail-to-Trail Projects
To begin trail planning, it must first be determined that the railway is truly abandoned. Requests for abandonment are filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal agency that regulates and decides disputes involving railroad rates, mergers, acquisitions, and other transportation use matters.
Once abandonment is established, a qualified consultant will work to identify points of interest associated with the area. They consider the topographic elements, soil subgrade, drainage, vegetation, and environmental concerns to ensure that the results meet stakeholder needs.
The design should account for multi-use scenarios (walk, bike, hike, run, etc.) as relates to trail width and accessibility and consideration should be given to the area infrastructure, ability for on-going maintenance, wear and tear, safety, erosion, vegetation growth, and other key factors in trail engineering.
How Trail Engineering Brings History to Life
An example of a successful rail trail is the Rubber City Heritage Trail (Phase 1) in Akron, Ohio. The design recalls the history of the former Akron-Barberton Beltline Railroad that passed through the city of Akron from 1902 until 1994 and incorporates two railroad bridges now repurposed with new decking and railings to provide ADA accessibility for trail users.
The trail celebrates the railway’s operational past as a service line for rubber manufacturers such as Goodyear, Firestone, and BF Goodrich, showcased through on-trail signage along a path that meanders through the industrial sites the rail once served.
The Rubber City Heritage Trail design is being constructed in phases. Currently under construction, Phase 2 integrates a prominent tire sculpture to highlight area history and an adjacent plaza’s pavement will feature stamped concrete to resemble railroad tracks and various tire-tread patterns, linking the city’s industrial past to its dynamic present.
The trail itself was designed as an ADA compliant 10-foot asphalt surface meeting both AASHTO and ODOT design criteria.
Active Transportation Planning Beyond Traditional Rail Trails
Not all railways can be converted to a fully operational public trail. Community leaders might consider alternative options such as rail-with-trail – a public path that runs parallel to an active rail line – which still highlights the history of the railway and surrounding area without full abandonment of the rail line. The Freedom Trail, from Tallmadge to Akron, is an example of a rail-with-trail.
Trail Design Solutions for Urban and Rural Communities
As the public continues to crave outdoor space availability and accessibility, a rail trail may be the perfect solution for communities, both urban and rural, to engage constituents and drive tourism. Learn more about how Environmental Design Group can assist in your trail design or contact us for more information.