Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (Coastal Rail Trail)
The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (Trail Network) is a 50-mile bicycle and pedestrian pathway along the coast of Santa Cruz County, from the San Mateo County line in the north to the Monterey County line at Pajaro. The Trail Network merges plans for a bicycle/pedestrian trail along the rail line – including coastal alignments and neighborhood spurs – into a connected network that will overlap and converge to provide safe and convenient route choices.
The Trail Networks system’s “spine” will be the Coastal Rail Trail, a bicycle and pedestrian trail within the 32-mile Santa Cruz Branch Rail right-of-way, adjacent to the train tracks. The Coastal Rail Trail will serve transportation, recreation and interpretive uses for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, people with mobility impairments, and families. The rail right of way passes within 1 mile of half of the County’s population and will provide access to 44 schools and 92 parks (see map). The Coastal Rail Trail will coexist with existing and potential future train service and abide by conditions set forth as part of the rail purchase.
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Background
The broad vision is for a Trail Network project that will span the coast of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from the San Mateo/Santa Cruz County line to Pacific Grove, in Monterey County. The RTC is leading the planning effort for project development in Santa Cruz County and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) is responsible for Monterey County projects. This approach will ensure that the planned bicycle/pedestrian network will provide connectivity throughout the county and into the Monterey Bay region, and serve as the California Coastal Trail in Santa Cruz County.
Resources
- Rails-with-Trails – examples from other communities and resources
Funding
In November 2016, Santa Cruz County voters approved Measure D – which commits 17% of revenue from the sales tax for trail construction, maintenance and management. Congressman Sam Farr is one of the project’s most passionate champions and secured millions of federal dollars to kickoff construction of this two-county path while he was in Congress. In 2013, the RTC selected specific sections of the trail to receive $5.3 million in federal and state funds.
Funding partnerships with the California Coastal Conservancy, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and Friends of the Rail and Trail will enable the RTC to leverage state and federal grants.
Final Master Plan
The award winning Final Master Plan establishes the continuous alignment for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network, including the Coastal Rail Trail spine, and associated spur trails. The Final Master Plan identifies planning issues associated with the trail’s construction and presents design, implementation, long-term operation and maintenance, policies, and options. The Master Plan was adopted November 7, 2013 with a revision adopted February 6, 2014, after a 3-year-long public and stakeholder engagement process.
Final Environmental Document
A Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was certified on November 7, 2013 and an addendum was considered on February 6, 2014.
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