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Definition: Rails-with-Trails (RWT) are pedestrian pathways constructed on or adjacent to active railroad rights-of-way. RWT should not be confused with Rails To Trails, which are paths constructed on or along abandoned railroad rights-of-way.

FRA Involvement: FRA is not promoting or endorsing RWT. Instead, FRA is addressing the safety concerns and issues associated with a movement that is advancing without the involvement of FRA or Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and often over the objections of the rail industry. In response, FRA is seeking to provide guidance for maximizing safety for the public and communities who are creating multi-use transportation and recreation trails in proximity to or on rail property. In addition, the rail industry must be able to operate safely and plan for future capacity.

Background: In 1996, there were more than 37 active RWT and at least 60 more proposed. By August 2002, there were about 65 active RWT in 30 States and at least 82 proposed RWT in 40 States in various stages of planning, development, or implementation. If all plans are successful, there will be 105 RWT.

FRA’s involvement began in 1996, when the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO), along with a number of transportation planners and engineers, notified the FRA of the phenomenon of RWT being constructed across the country, and expressed concern about the safety of such trails. Beginning in 1997, FRA hosted a series of forums, with a broad range of identified stakeholders – including Federal and State agencies and associations; railroad industry representatives, organizations, and associations; rail labor associations; Operation Lifesaver, Inc.; trail users, associations, and organizations; and other private organizations – to identify issues associated with RWT. Subsequent to that, the U.S. Department of Transportation established an RWT Working Group, comprising the Office of the Secretary, Federal Highway Administration, FRA, FTA, and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

More Information: Following three plus-years of research and study, three extensive public comment periods, and a special liability workshop with comments, the final report, Rails-with-Trails—Lessons Learned: Literature Review, State of the Practice, Conclusions, has been published. To download the report, click here: Rails-with-Trails—Lessons Learned, dated August 2002.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Pamela Caldwell Foggin, Safety Outreach Specialist, by phone at (202) 493-6291, or by e-mail at Pamela.Caldwell.Foggin@fra.dot.gov for additional information.