Quote:
Originally Posted by W.Sobchak
What is the cost to turn a rail line into a walking trail? I read on here that the cost to put a rail line in is $1m/km. If people want to convert rail beds into utility trails they should pay the difference.
|
Id doesnt cost that much to make it a trail. Basically just rip up the rails and grade any issues plus make any bridges pedestrian friendly.
A million a mile is what I heard for building new railbed. That's a heck of a lot more than a walking path.
Problem is, once these railbeds are turned into trails, the greenies will NEVER give them back. Best to not go down that road at all. Assuming in the future, commuter rail becomes a reality, now government or the commuter rail company has to try and renegotiate for new ROW's. Can you imagine what a nightmare that would be? NIMBY's as far as the eye can see.
Best thing is to let the existing ROW overgrow and/or be used as an unofficial trail if the trains stop. Once it's signed over, it's gone for good.