A key transportation and recreational corridor is underway within the rail right-of-way owned by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission. RRM prepared the trail network master and continues to assist multiple lead agencies with construction documentation and overseeing the implementation of critical segments of the corridor including Segments 7 and 8-9 for the City of Santa Cruz and Segments 10-11 for the County of Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Coastal Rail Trail includes:

• a class I multiuse trail system with support of class II and class IV facilities that are ADA compliant
• prefabricated pedestrian and bicycle bridges and viaducts at creek crossings and environmentally sensitive areas
• an extensive soldier pile retaining wall, and
• stormwater treatment and urban drainage improvements

Construction of the 1.3-mile first phase of Segment 7 was completed in 2020 and the 0.8-mile-long second phase will be completed in 2025. RRM is currently preparing construction documents for Segments 8 (0.6 miles), 9 (1.6 miles), 10 (1.5 miles), and 11 (3.2 miles) for the City and County with close coordinate of the owner the Regional Transportation Commission.

This corridor will connect 9 miles of neighborhoods, parks, schools, and employment centers, providing a safer, dedicated route for walkers and bikers of all ages. It will link key destinations such as Natural Bridges, Wilder Ranch, Capitola, and Seacliff while reducing carbon emissions and easing traffic congestion.