Groundbreaking Ceremony for North Coast Rail Trail

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) – Segment five of the North Coast rail trail is set for construction in 2027. A project supporters say will have a safer bicycle and pedestrian route from Wilder Ranch to Davenport.

These first two segments will cover over seven miles and allow people to travel from midtown Santa Cruz to Davenport.

Lani Faulkner is a frequent cyclist and sees this new segment of the rail trail to be very impactful for her community.

“I used to personally ride my bike all the way to Davenport on highway one and where there would be a huge mega trucks just passing by you and now people can safely go all that distance of 10 miles to Davenport without having the risk of getting hit," Lani Faulkner who lives in Live Oak said.

The estimated total cost is 51.4 million dollars, this project will help open up safe bicycle and pedestrian access along the coastal corridor. 

This project it will provide car-free alternatives access to many beaches and recreational facilities that cover the coast.

Phase three is scheduled to complete environmental review in 2024, design in 2025 and construction in 2027.