Join the TrailNation Collaborative, powered by Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) as we explore key challenges and opportunities in working with railroads. Following Working with Railroads Part 1: Productive Partnerships for Successful Projects, this hour-long Q&A session offers a unique opportunity to engage with a panel of RTC experts. This highly interactive event is designed […]

Join the TrailNation Collaborative, powered by Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) as we explore key challenges and opportunities in working with railroads. Featuring railroad and trail sponsor perspectives, this webinar will discuss proactive strategies and practical approaches for tracking and researching corridors, engaging stakeholders and fostering productive relationships with railroad companies. Whether you are actively […]

This document from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides support to grantees when real estate programs require the acquisition of real property interest owned by a railroad. It explains and outlines the necessity of developing a clear and understandable appraisal scope of work and describes the methodologies that may be most appropriate in arriving at […]

Rails-with-trails, which are trails located adjacent to active rail lines, are valuable assets in providing safe transportation networks for pedestrians and bicyclists. In 2013, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy produced a report that examines the characteristics of 88 existing rails-with-trails in 33 states, based on a survey of trail managers and the results of RTC’s ongoing study. America’s Rails-with-Trails provides […]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL VISION Imagine pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects you to historic routes from coast to coast. You’re enthralled in the experience of exploring America’s heritage—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the intimacy […]

The Real Estate Guidelines & Procedures Handbook will discuss real estate guidelines and procedures for the Next Level Trails (NLT) program. The procedures explained in this handbook should be read with extreme care. If the procedures are ignored, the applicant could encounter problems in receiving payment for eligible costs or claiming match value for land, […]

A Bicycle Network: Solving Complex, Interconnected Problems With a Simple, Interconnected Solution Project Details Lead Authority: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)Total Project Cost: $270,673,400Funding Pledged to Date: $204,955,000 Federal: $32,000,000State: $39,526,000Local: $133,429,000 Shovel-Ready: ImmediatelyType: Urban, suburban Transformative Impact Job Creation: An estimated 4,601 jobs directly1 Health Impact: Opportunities for increased physical activity; healthier air through a 10-million-pound reduction in carbon monoxide and 791,000-pound reduction […]

This FHWA document provides resources formal technical assistance that can support disadvantaged communities, biking, multiuse paths, and active transportation. The document lists both government and non-government sources of technical assistance, including Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Author: Federal Highway Administration

Shared use paths and other trails are key pieces of transportation infrastructure that can also provide recreational opportunities and, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, improve health and wellbeing during a public health emergency. Additionally, trails can become critical infrastructure during an emergency when other transportation facilities are inaccessible, and can support activities including evacuation […]

Working alongside utility companies across the country, many communities build safe and accessible trails within utility corridors. Some of the most visible examples of these trails span miles under large power lines, but there are many other types of utilities – including water, sewer, natural gas, electric and fiber optic – that also share trail […]