What Do you think? -- Tree Streets Walking / Biking Trial to Elizabethton

[Neil Owen]

I don't know about you, but I'm very excited about the conversion of the unused railroad tracks into a walking / biking trail. The tracks run between Walnut and State of Franklin and it would go all the way to Elizabethton ala "The Creeper Trail" in Abingdon. My family loves the Creeper, especially in the Fall. It's good for exercise (a priority for Mayer Myron) and Southside Neighborhood Organization (SNO) President, Bryan Green.

So what do you think?

Johnson City Commission still pursuing old Tweetsie Line

By NATE MORABITO | Reporter / WJHL
Published: November 20, 2009

Johnson City leaders are still working on the railroad, hoping to nail down a deal that would turn an old rail line into biking and hiking trails. At Thursday night’s commission meeting, leaders reaffirmed their interest in the old Tweetsie Line.

The 10 miles of track between Johnson City and Elizabethton hasn’t been used in years. According to Assistant City Manager Charlie Stahl, the city’s attorneys are now in the process of contacting the railroad. They hope the owners of the line will come up with an agreement so the city can take control and turn the rails into trails, Stahl said.
“The City Commission is still interested in pursuing the rail line,” Stahl said. “They directed the attorneys to see if they can move forward with the city’s efforts to buy the line. They want to see if the railroad is willing to work with the city.”

[Dan Reese]

This is the type of civic investment that benefits our community and the generations who follow us. Open green space and accessible recreational venues for all ages and ability levels are a sign of civilization and cultural sensitivity. Our efforts in the Tweetsie Trail project can be followed at www.tweetsietrail.org and on FaceBook at Friends of the Tweetsie Trail.

[Josette (Jill) Fee]

What a great use for old rr tracks! I can imagine my family (and many others) utilizing this trail for exercise and transportation. If there is any thing we can do to further this possibility let me know. Thanks