Clarksburg Branch Line trail update draws supporters and landowner opposition over farm impacts

City staff and consultants presented a progress report on the Clarksburg Branch Line Trail extension—an effort to design a Class I active‑use trail connecting West Sacramento to Clarksburg—while members of the public offered sharply divided views on whether the alignment can coexist with farming operations.

Steve Rosen, who presented the project on behalf of the city team, said West Sacramento purchased the right‑of‑way under federal rail‑banking provisions and is advancing design to make a city‑owned corridor shovel‑ready. Rosen described the corridor’s century‑old rail history, said the project avoids prime soils by staying in public right‑of‑way, and outlined benefits including a continuous, ADA‑compliant multi‑use path, potential broadband conduit installation and reduced exposure of…