Landowners sue SMART, saying use of right-of-way for trail is illegal
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit is being sued by a group of landowners over the commuter railroad’s use of its right-of-way to build a trackside bike and pedestrian trail. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco alleges that the predecessor railroads often acquired the right-of-way through government condemnation exclusively for rail use. The group of more than 30 property owners along the rail road says construction of the path constitutes illegal taking of private land. SMART said in a statement it is assessing the claims and “will evaluate all available options.”
New seawall, support columns needed to shore up Southern California’s Del Mar Bluffs
Emergency repairs to address the collapse of a section of Southern California’s Del Mar Bluffs will cost about $10.5 million, according to the San Diego Association of Governments. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports a 288-foot seawall, as well as 18 vertical concrete and steel support columns tied into horizontal supports, will be required to stabilize the area which collapsed in February [see “Digest: Train moves okay along Del Mar Bluffs …,” Trains News Wire, March 8, 2021]. Since the collapse, which came within 35 feet of the rail line atop the bluffs, Amtrak passenger trains and Coaster commuter trains have operating with a 15-mph speed restriction through the area. Freight trains face a 10-mph limit.
Mexico’s Navy to receive part ownership of rail, port alternative to Panama Canal
Mexico’s navy will receive part ownership of a rail and port system envisioned as an alternative to the Panama Canal, president Andrés Manuel López Obrador has announced. The Associated Press reports the navy and four states along the route of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec rail and seaport corridor will receive ownership of the 180-mile rail line connecting ports in Veracruz and Oaxaca, which would be expanded. The move follows an earlier decision by López Obrador to give the country’s army operational control of and profits from the Maya Train tourist rail project [see “Digest: Sound Transit to replace fare enforcement …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 21, 2020].
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