Nickel Plate Rail To Convert Into Trail Following Board Decision

FISHERS, IN — The Nickel Plate Rail will soon be the Nickel Plate Trail as City of Fishers officials say the Federal Surface Transportation Board announced their decision Thursday to give the city, owners of the Nickel Plate Rail, the City of Noblesville and Hamilton County the ability to change the rail into a pedestrian trail.

According to city officials, the decision confirms the owners have legal authority to continue with rail banking the entire line that stretches from Indianapolis to Tipton, in accordance with the National Trails System Act and the Board’s interim trail use regulations.

The city announced the formation of a Nickel Plate Trail Master Planning Committee on Wednesday.

The board and the owners will work together to finalize a trails use agreement, which will provide those who live in communities along the line with the opportunity to convert rail to trail within their jurisdiction, city officials say.

Once the boards process is complete, the City of Fishers will work on changing the line to a trail from 96th street to 146th street.

More information: nickelplatetrail.com

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