News

Consultants to present Saluda Grade Trail study

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 19, 2024

The public is invited to meetings that will present findings of a year-long feasibility study of the proposed Saluda Grade Trail at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Polk County High School in Columbus and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at Gramling United Methodist Church in Inman, South Carolina.

The study was conducted by the firm TPD, Inc., which will present the findings.

“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," said Teresa Buckwalter, a multimodal transportation planner with TPD. "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.”

Leaders from the coalition of nonprofits spearheading the proposed 31-mile rail trail will also be present, includinhg Hendersonville-based Conserving Carolina; PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well; and Upstate Forever. Together, these groups formed the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy to advance the trail.

The presentations will address:

• Findings from public input: community goals and concerns
• Rail-to-trail development process
• Existing condition of the trail corridor and bridges
• Trail design and safety recommendations from the engineering team
• Projected regional economic impacts

To learn more about the Saluda Grade Trail, sign up for emails, or make a donation visit saludagradetrail.org.