City of Oceanside
Inland Rail Trail
Feasibility Study
The City of Oceanside is conducting a feasibility study to construct the final 7.4-mile segment of the 21-mile Inland Rail Trail, a walking and biking path along the SPRINTER rail line. When this segment is complete, the Inland Rail Trail will connect the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, providing direct access to the Pacific Ocean, employment centers, medical and community services, and housing. The SANDAG 2050 Regional Transportation Plan identifies the Inland Rail Trail as a high priority project to help reduce vehicle miles traveled and help our region achieve climate change goals. Funding for the Oceanside Inland Rail Trail was provided by a Sustainable Communities Planning Grant from Caltrans.
The goal of this feasibility study is to develop a “grant-ready” project that will be well-positioned to compete for local, state, and federal funding for final design and construction.
Public input is critical to developing a project that serves the needs of the community and the City wants to hear from you! Check out the “Get Involved” page for upcoming opportunities to share your thoughts.
About the Project
The feasibility study for the Inland Rail Trail project includes three phases, with opportunities for community input in each phase.
Existing Conditions
Fall 2024 through
Winter 2024/25
The first phase of the feasibility study identified existing conditions in the project corridor. This included identifying opportunities and constraints in the project corridor, as well as community priorities.
Alternative Alignments
Winter 2025 through
Summer 2025
Using information gathered in the Existing Conditions phase, a range of alternative alignments for the project were developed. These alternative alignments were shared with the public to gather input on which alternatives would best serve the community.
Preferred Project
Summer 2025 through
Spring 2026
Informed by technical analysis and public input, preliminary design concepts and a Draft Feasibility Study have been developed. They are being shared with the public for final refinements before review with City Council. The project will then be ready to compete for additional funding to move forward into final design, environmental review, and construction.