Old Railroad Lines May Become Trails

As part of a nationwide trail project, planners from two conservation groups are studying the feasibility of converting about 50 miles of abandoned or under-used Valley railroad corridors into recreational trails.

Planners from the Eos Institute and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy are beginning talks with city and county officials and other groups to look into developing trails along the routes of two active and one abandoned San Fernando Valley railroad.

Following the Santa Clarita and Moorpark Metrolink routes and the abandoned Burbank-Chandler line, planners would take advantage of government-owned rights of way on either side of the rails to make trails for walking, hiking and biking.

But Smith, of the Laguna Beach-based Eos Institute, said the trails would not be limited to recreational use.

“These aren’t just for recreation,” he said. “We want to see people using these trails to ride their bikes to commute to work.”

Once established, the trails would link to others planned throughout Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties and eventually feed into a national network, planners said.

“Right now we’re working on the regional connection,” Smith said, noting that similar projects are under way in various regions nationwide. “Next we’ll be looking at the connection nationwide.”

Planners are seeking public input on ideas for the project. Smith can be reached at (213) 253-5784.

Proposed Hiking Trails Planners are studying the feasilbility of blazing hiking trails along some Valley rail lines.