RTC Advances Interim Trail Configuration for Coastal Rail Trail Projects to Preserve Funding and Deliver Near-Term Community Benefits

At its meeting on Thursday, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) voted in favor of developing the Interim Trail (trail in place of existing tracks) for Coastal Rail Trail Segments 9-11 on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line (SCBRL) while continuing long-term planning for future passenger rail on the line. This change is necessitated to reduce project costs and save significant grant funding for the Coastal Rail Trail, which otherwise would be eliminated or substantially reduced.

The switch to the Interim Trail concept will help preserve approximately $120 million in competitive state and federal grant funding already awarded to Santa Cruz County for construction of Coastal Rail Trail Segments 8-11, between Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz and State Park Drive in Aptos. As design work has advanced for these segments, estimated construction costs have increased significantly and the previously planned Ultimate Trail (trail next to existing tracks) configuration for Segments 9-11 cannot be delivered within existing funding, timelines, and grant requirements. Segment 8, located along Beach Street in Santa Cruz, will continue to be developed in the Ultimate Trail configuration.

“Grant funds come with strict requirements and timelines, and failure to advance a buildable project within those timelines could result in the loss of significant public funds,” said RTC Executive Director Sarah Christensen. “The Interim Trail configuration ensures that construction can begin on time, opening the public corridor for near-term active transportation use, delivering grant benefits of enhancing safety, access, and mobility, while maintaining the possibility of future passenger rail service.”

This change in direction also comes after the release and the RTC’s acceptance of the Zero-Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) Project Concept Report which identified significant capital and operating costs for future rail service, envisioned as a long-term project for our region. At Thursday’s meeting, the Commission directed staff to continue seeking full funding for the ZEPRT project’s next step, which would be completion of preliminary engineering and environmental review. The Commission also approved a Resolution of Support for future passenger rail and continued partnership with the Caltrans Division of Rail on Corridor Identification and Development, which aligns with the 2024 State Rail Plan.

“The Interim Trail is designed so that the corridor remains preserved for potential future passenger rail service, consistent with the State Rail Plan and ongoing participation in the federal Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) program,” said Christensen. “This step would also preserve existing freight for the customers being served along the branch line’s southernmost 3 miles in Watsonville.” 

The Commission directed staff to return within two months with a proposal to allow the construction of the Interim Trail without the need for adverse abandonment of the freight easement or railbanking. Staff was also directed to prepare the final design for and take any other actions needed to implement the Interim Trail on Coastal Rail Trail Projects as expeditiously as possible, and additionally requested that staff investigate a design alternative that does not require the removal of the tracks. Staff was directed to pursue options to retrofit the Capitola Trestle for bicycle and pedestrian use either as part of the project already under development or as a separate future project.