Community Corner

Looking For A New Connection Through The Past

Local cyclists and pedestrians remain enthusiastic about the possibility of reopening the Alto Tunnel between Corte Madera and Mill Valley.

There might still be a light at the end of the tunnel, even though it's been sealed for decades.

There is a small, but growing, group pushing for the reopening the Alto Tunnel as a bicycle/pedestrian pathway. The Marin County Bicycle Coalition in July 2011 held the 40-mile Tour de Marin bike ride to gain support for reopening the tunnel.

Even railroad fans have set up a discussion board on the Web where members can reminisce about the old days when they could walk through the Alto Tunnel and express hope that the tunnel will be opened again.

"As a rail fan and bicyclist, I would be in favor of reopening the Alto Tunnel for either purpose!" David S. posted on the site.

"I think it's a great idea to reopen the Alto Tunnel," replied D. Kosdrosky.

The half-mile Alto Tunnel, built in 1884 by the Northwestern Pacific Railroad, connected Corte Madera and Mill Valley until it was sealed nearly 40 years ago. Cyclists riding from Corte Madera can challenge steep and winding Camino Alto or take the Horse Hill bike route that follows part of Highway 101 to reach Mill Valley.

"It's a good workout," said Peter Ryan after a ride over Camino Alto. "It gets a little wild. You certainly have to watch out for cars. … I don't know about the tunnel, but it sounds interesting."

Marin County is one of four test communities under the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, which is designed to show the effects of increased walking and cycling on personal health and air pollution. The county receives $25 million over a four-year period through the program.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors examined a study in September 2010 that suggested 1.85 million people annually would use the Alto Tunnel. A preliminary price tag for the project was estimated at $40-50 million.

"There's a huge constituency that wants to open the Alto Tunnel. We fill the board meetings whenever we have discussions about that," Supervisor Steve Kinsey said. "I think we all believe it would be a good investment. But is it the right time? Is it a priority?"

Reopening the tunnel would likely require significant work, considering a partial collapse in 1981, which was quickly stabilized. There are also questions from property owners who live on the hill.

"The homeowners are a force that need to be respected and their needs have to be addressed," Kinsey said.

The move to unseal the Alto Tunnel gained a little more steam with the opening of the CalPark Tunnel, which has proven to be very successful with cyclists and pedestrians.

James Bikes Green proposed in a column that appeared on Larkspur-Corte Madera Patch on Aug. 28, 2011:

"The Corte Madera-Larkspur Bike Path is the main drag for cyclists going north-south. This rail to trail path would run continuously to Sausalito with the opening of the Alto Tunnel. Within minutes families would safely roll between Mill Vally and the Twin Cities instead of following a lengthy detour over “Horse Hill” alongside Highway 101.

"The historic heart of Corte Madera would find itself the center of life again. Menke Park, home to Piccolo Pavilion and surrounded by small businesses, would be integrated to a degree not seen since the area was known as “Railroad Park.” Another former railroad stop would now cater to those who power their own adventures.

"The Alto Tunnel has the potential to become the Twin Cities' greatest cycling asset and the power to complete one of the nation's best bike path networks."


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