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Marysville explores feasibility of rail-underpass active-transportation tunnel on 14th Street
Summary
Council members and residents discussed pursuing a feasibility study and regional funding for a bicycle-pedestrian tunnel under the railroad at 14th Street to better connect east and west Marysville; council directed staff to pursue meetings with SACOG and to develop next steps.
Marysville council members and residents pressed for a feasibility study into a dedicated bicycle-pedestrian tunnel under the rail line at 14th Street that would directly connect East and West Marysville and provide a safer active-transportation route to Ellis Lake and other destinations.
Mayor Chris Branscomb framed the idea as “a wonderful connection between the two parts of town,” saying the underpass would improve safety and access to emerging development around Ellis Lake. Active-transportation advocates urged the council to pursue a feasibility study and regional funding through the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG).
Ben Deal, a local bicycle advocate, said the connection is included in the regional bike plan and could help link a proposed 12-mile spine route to Yuba College. “It’s a big project,” Deal said, “but a feasibility study would be the first step to see what kind of issues we’d face.”
Council members noted the tunnel would be technically complex and raised the cost question. One council member cited prior research suggesting similar projects could fall in the multi‑million-dollar range a decade ago; staff and council did not commit to a funding source but discussed pursuing SACOG support and federal rail‑authority grants for corridor projects.
City Manager Jim Shadd and staff recommended a two-step approach: (1) commission a feasibility study and preliminary cost estimate and (2) seek SACOG assistance to include the project in regional funding plans. Councilmembers supported returning with a draft request for qualifications or scope for a study and indicated they would consider budgeting seed funds or adding the project to the capital improvements program to demonstrate local commitment.
No vote was required; council discussion concluded with direction to city staff to convene follow-up meetings with SACOG and to draft a feasibility-study scope and cost estimate for council review.
