Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic
Trail Network
Have you been waiting for the “rail trail” or “coastal trail” project? Planning for a new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trail network is in full swing.
Project Scope
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is currently planning for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (Trail Network). This project 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 will serve transportation, recreation and interpretive uses for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, families, locals, and visitors.
Draft Master Plan
The Draft 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 Draft Master Plan identifies planning issues associated with the trail’s construction and presents possible solutions for its design, implementation, long term operation and maintenance.
Public Input Opportunities
The RTC is producing a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) that will be available for public review in June. Public meeting to receive input on the DEIR will follow later in June.
Activities Completed To Date
- Corridor tours
- Identification and mapping of opportunities and constraints
- Stakeholder meetings with over 50 agencies, community representatives and businesses
- Three route identification public workshops with over 200 members of the public
- Public Draft Environmental Impact Report Scoping Meetings
- Four trail alignment public workshops with nearly 300 people in attendance
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, as well as tie in the larger California Coastal Trail and Pacific Coast Bicycle Trails.
Funding
Approximately $7 million of local and federal funds have already been secured for construction of initial segments. Congressman Sam Farr is the project’s most passionate champion and has secured millions of federal dollars for construction of this two-county path. The RTC committed locally controlled funds to bring this project to fruition, as did the California Coastal Conservancy.
RTC Contact
Cory Caletti
Senior Transportation Planner/Project Manager
info@sccrtc.org
460-3200
