HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. -- The cities of Noblesville and Fishers are teaming up to create a new walking and biking trail connecting the two cities, called the Nickel Plate Trail.
The trail would take over the Nickel Plate Rail line, which the State Fair Train uses.
The new 9.2-mile trail would connect 96th Street in Fishers to Pleasant Street in Noblesville.
The State Fair Rail Line has been plagued by problems. The train was canceled last year due to the poor condition of the tracks.
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The trail-to-rail conversion is expected to cost $9.3 million. The trail will be developed under a federal program as part of its National Trails System Act, according to a release. The act established the federal rail banking program, which allows the owners of the rail corridor to convert the railroad to a pedestrian trail, while preserving the right to re-establish rail service.
Two community listening sessions are scheduled to answer questions about the trail. The listening sessions are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, March 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Fishers City Hall Auditorium at 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46037
- Thursday, March 23 at Noblesville City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room at 16 S 10th St, Noblesville, IN 46060
