Who Will Carry the Torch for a Willamette Shoreline Trail?
As the Willamette Shoreline Transit/Trail analysis proceeds to a Locally Preferred Alignment decision in September, it’s becoming evident that the trail component is going to be a challenge. There simply is not enough width in the right of way in some spots (tunnel, trestle, etc.) to accommodate both rail and trail. The work-arounds to this are very expensive (initial estimate on the order of $60M). While some might argue to use the right-of-way for a trail and punt on transit (e.g., just improve bus service on 43), that’s not likely to be the outcome for a few good reasons: • Portions of the right-of-way are not owned outright, they are easements that may lapse if rail service is not maintained. • The right-of-way is valuable, it’s potentially worth $50-75M as match for Federal funds for a transit project (there are no equivalent programs for trail projects). • Bus solutions in Highway 43 are going to get caught in congested traffic as the corridor sees growth in traffic over the comi
