Rails-to-Trails path taking shape
Project ready to move ahead in Oak Ridge along 4.6-miles of CSX tracks
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Where the abandoned CSX tracks run across the road here in Oak Ridge, a sign informs motorists that the tracks are no longer in service, so they need not worry about trains. - G. Chambers Williams III
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The Oak Ridge CSX Rails to Trails project ends here at the entrance to the Y-12 National Security Complex. - G. Chambers Williams III
The long-promised 4.6-mile Oak Ridge Rails-to-Trails project might finally become a reality.
Approved initially by the Oak Ridge City Council in July 2017, the project involves repurposing a former section of CSX Railroad tracks through the city from Elza Gate to the Y-12 National Security Complex to a hiking and biking trail.
“The Rails to Trails project began in July 2017 with [the] Oak Ridge City Council approving a funding agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, [through which] TDOT would cover 80% of the estimated $1.53 million project cost,” the city’s website now says.
“Back in November 2021, a public meeting was held to present the proposed trail design and gather community feedback,” the post reads.
“The next phase of the project is now set to begin with TDOT being issued a notice to proceed with right-of-way acquisition in September 2024, marking a major milestone as the project moves closer to construction.”
In a social media post, the city said:
“Imagine a vibrant, car-free corridor connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks and local businesses. …
“The Rails-to-Trails project will transform nearly five miles of [this] old rail corridor into a safe, scenic greenway for walking, biking, and rolling through town from Elza Gate all the way to the entrance of Y-12.”
Along the way, the route crosses streets and highways along the way, with most of the rails still in place, embedded in the pavement. In some places where the rails are still visible upon approach to the former crossings, there are signs posted to inform traffic “Tracks are out of service.”
Rails are still visible along most of the way, but much of the route is overgrown with vegetation and even some trees, which will need to be cleared out to create a walkable-rideable trail.
The city’s Faceboook page invites people to visit oakridgetn.gov/railstotrails online for information and updates on the project.
But no actual work is underway yet, The Courier News discovered during a check of the accessible areas of the corridor last week.
When work will actually begin has not yet been announced or even determined.
