Saluda Grade Trail to Share Impact, Feasibility Study - TribPapers
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Saluda Grade Trail to Share Impact, Feasibility Study

The proposed Saluda Grade Trail will follow an old rail line for 31 miles through the Carolinas. Photo: Conserving Carolina.

Columbus, NC – Area residents have a significant opportunity to gain valuable insights and updates on the proposed Saluda Grade Trail at an upcoming public meeting scheduled for August 6 at Polk County High School in Columbus, NC, starting at 6:00 p.m. This meeting aims to share the comprehensive findings from an extensive, year-long study of the trail conducted by the renowned firm TPD, Inc. Residents should mark their calendars, as a similar presentation will also take place on August 13 at the Gramling United Methodist Church in Inman, SC, ensuring that community members have multiple chances to engage with the project.

The primary purpose of this meeting is to provide an update on the current status of the anticipated 31-mile rail trail and to offer an overview of the trail development process. TPD, Inc. is set to share insights gathered from public input received over the last year, highlighting community goals and addressing concerns raised by residents during this period. Additionally, the presentation will delve into the existing conditions of the trail corridor and its bridges, along with trail design and safety recommendations provided by the engineering team at TPD, Inc. This thorough approach ensures that the trail is designed with safety and usability in mind.

Moreover, the presenters will discuss the projected regional economic impacts that the constructed trail could bring to the area, emphasizing its potential benefits for local businesses and tourism. Leaders from the coalition of nonprofits working to advance the proposed 31-mile rail trail will also be in attendance. The coalition includes notable organizations such as Conserving Carolina; PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well; and Upstate Forever, all of which have come together to form the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy.

Teresa Buckwalter, a multimodal transportation planner with TPD, Inc., expressed her enthusiasm about the project, stating, “TPD was very excited to bring together a team of experienced professionals to develop the feasibility study for the iconic Saluda Grade rail line in conjunction with this group of visionary partners. The feasibility study, which acts as a roadmap for implementation before the design phase, will assist the partners and stakeholders to identify challenges and seek funding to make the vision for this regional asset a reality.”

The Saluda Grade Trail represents a promising recreational asset for the Carolinas, following an unused Norfolk Southern rail line that stretches from Inman, South Carolina, through Zirconia, North Carolina. By attending these meetings, residents can play an active role in shaping the future of this trail, ensuring that it meets the needs and desires of the community while enhancing the natural beauty and economic vitality of the region. Engaging with this project not only fosters community involvement but also helps to create a shared vision that benefits everyone in the area.