Sacramento opens Del Rio Trail linking south Sacramento to downtown and beyond
Sacramento (May 10, 2024) The City of Sacramento this week opened the Del Rio Trail, a new active transportation corridor that will provide a low-stress bike and pedestrian route connecting south Sacramento to downtown.
The construction of this project, which began in November 2022, marks a significant step toward reducing automobile dependency and promoting sustainable transportation.
"This trail is not just a recreational space, but an active transportation corridor linking schools, parks, retail centers, and jobs,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “It is part of a larger regional vision to enhance connectivity in our city and create a more sustainable and accessible Sacramento for all."
On May 9, Councilmember Rick Jennings, Councilmember Mai Vang, Vice Mayor Caity Maple, former Councilmember Jay Schenirer, city staff, community members, and partner agencies joined together for a ribbon-cutting event.
Running parallel to I-5, Riverside Boulevard and Freeport Boulevard, the 5-mile trail is forecasted to see over 10,000 bicycle and pedestrian trips in its first year of operation.
By preserving 23,000 feet of railroad tracks, the trail maintains the historic feel of the corridor, while also removing accessibility barriers and meeting or exceeding state and federal accessibility requirements.
“We pushed hard to open the trail in time for the region to celebrate May is Bike Month,” said Adam Randolph, project manager and senior engineer with the City’s Department of Public Works. “The Del Rio Trail is an essential component of the City's goal to provide more opportunities for residents to be active and healthy while also reducing vehicle miles traveled and protecting the environment.”
This trail will connect neighborhoods such as South Land Park, Freeport Manor, Z’berg Park, Land Park, Meadowview, and Pocket, offering an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant path to downtown Sacramento.
“This marks the first multi-use path of this size constructed by the City in over 20 years, representing a significant investment providing connections to underserved communities,” Randolph said.
The project connects to several bus routes with Sacramento Regional Transit, which transferred ownership of the 50-acre corridor to the City for $1 to facilitate the construction of the trail.
With a total construction cost of $23 million, the project reflects the City's commitment to closing gaps in its trail networks, providing better connections to schools, retail, jobs, and recreational amenities. Outreach for the project began in 2014, with strong support from the community.
To enhance safety and connectivity, the Del Rio Trail introduces eight new road crossings with new signals and stop signs.
Funding for the project was secured through the State Active Transportation Program, federal Congestion Managements and Air Quality funds administered by Sacramento Area Council of Governments, the state’s Clean California initiative, and matching local transportation funds.
Public Works staff collaborated with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (YPCE), and the California Conservation Corps to plant and irrigate over 800 trees along the trail.
While most of the trail is open, some elements will continue to be finished in the next few months.
The City’s Office of Arts & Culture is overseeing art installations funded through Clean CA that will feature 18 unique works of art along the corridor, set to be installed later this year.
The bridge over Riverside Boulevard and I-5 connecting the trail to the Sacramento River Bike Trail will open this summer after additional work is completed.
