RTC Statement on the Status of Coastal Rail Trail Segment 12 

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) respects the court’s recent decision on property rights in Aptos Village along Segment 12 of the Coastal Rail Trail, and we are reviewing it with our legal counsel. 

Our commitment to building Segment 12 has not changed. This section of trail will connect State Park Drive, Aptos Village, and Rio del Mar with a safe, car-free path for people walking and biking. It will serve residents, students, and visitors, and bring new customers to Aptos Village businesses. 

The ruling means the Commission will need to acquire additional property rights to build the trail. We are in contact with each affected property owner, and we are committed to a fair, respectful process with compensation based on independent appraisals in compliance with the law.

Timing of this process matters. Segment 12 is funded by $27.5 million in competitive state grants that must be allocated by June 2027, which requires all right-of-way work to be complete by early 2027.  

“This ruling is a setback, but it doesn’t change our commitment to the community,” said Sarah Christensen, Executive Director of the RTC. “Segment 12 of the Coastal Rail Trail is a transformational project that will make it safer to walk and bike, connect neighborhoods and businesses through Aptos Village, and give residents and visitors a new way to travel in the region. We will work respectfully with property owners and move quickly to secure what we need to keep this project on track.” 

More information on the project is available at https://www.sccrtc.org/projects/streets-highways/hwy1/state-park-dr-to-freedom-blvd/.