Some opportunities come along only once in a generation. The future of the Tennessee Pass rail corridor is one of them, and we need your help to seize it.
Union Pacific Railroad has proposed merging with Norfolk Southern to create the nation’s first transcontinental freight railroad. Because this merger requires approval from the federal Surface Transportation Board, regulators have the authority to attach conditions that serve the public interest.
Bicycle Colorado and Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance believe one of those conditions should benefit Colorado for generations to come.
What We’re Asking For
We’re asking the Surface Transportation Board to require Union Pacific to work with the State of Colorado and local communities to explore the future of the Tennessee Pass rail corridor. That includes looking at its potential as a world-class trail through railbanking, a proven process that has preserved hundreds of rail corridors across the country while protecting the option for future rail service.
To be clear, we are not asking the Board to convert the corridor into a trail today. We’re asking for something more modest: a commitment to re-engage in a collaborative planning process to explore this extraordinary opportunity.
Building On Thirty Years of Work
This request has real precedent. Nearly thirty years ago, when Union Pacific sought support for its merger with Southern Pacific, the State of Colorado asked the railroad to participate in a feasibility study exploring conversion of the Tennessee Pass line into a public trail. Union Pacific agreed, and Governor Roy Romer and Union Pacific Chairman Richard Davidson signed a letter of intent. Colorado State Parks went on to complete the Heart of the Rockies Scenic Trail Feasibility Study, with support from Great Outdoors Colorado, local governments, agencies, and communities along the corridor.
We’re building on that past work, not starting from scratch.
Why The Tennessee Pass Corridor Matters
Stretching through the heart of the Rockies, the Tennessee Pass corridor is one of Colorado’s most spectacular transportation assets. It has the potential to:
- Connect communities
- Celebrate the state’s railroad history
- Expand outdoor recreation
- Strengthen rural economies
Across the country, rail-trails have proven to be powerful economic engines. They draw visitors who stay longer and spend money at local restaurants, hotels, bike shops, and outfitters, while giving residents safe places to walk and ride. Communities connected by destination trails have seen new investment, stronger local economies, and a better quality of life as a result.
This is about more than recreation. It’s about rural economic development, preserving an irreplaceable transportation corridor, honoring Colorado’s history, and investing in future generations.
Want To Learn More?
Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance has put together additional resources for anyone who wants to dig deeper into this effort, including the original 1996 Heart of the Rockies Scenic Trail Feasibility Study, other historical documents tracing the corridor’s history, and a FAQ that answers common questions about railbanking and what this process would and wouldn’t mean for the corridor. Visit VVMTA’s website to explore these resources.
Take Action Today
This is a rare chance to shape the future of one of Colorado’s most iconic corridors, and it only comes around because of a federal merger review process that won’t stay open forever.
Please take a few minutes to send a letter to the Surface Transportation Board urging it to include a condition requiring Union Pacific to work with Colorado to explore the future of the Tennessee Pass corridor.
On the Action Center page, below the “Rails to Trails on Tennessee Pass Corridor” banner image, you’ll find a box on the right side labeled “Compose Your Message.” We’ve pre-populated a subject line and message for you, so most of the work is already done. If you’d like to personalize it with any additional details, there’s a space for that, but it’s completely optional. From there, just add your contact information and hit send.
Together, we can help make sure this once-in-a-generation opportunity isn’t missed.
Send your letter and help shape the future of the Tennessee Pass corridor
