Walking trail still in works

By Nick Duke | Troy Messenger

Published Friday, September 11, 2009

Residents of Goshen will have to wait a little while longer for the town’s new walking trail to be finished, this after the town council met with a railroad representative Thursday.

The walking trail is to be located near the railroad tracks in Goshen, meaning Gulf and Ohio, the owner of the railroad, must first approve the final location of the trail before construction can begin.

“The railroad has no problem with what has been proposed,” said Mark Herron, a representative of the railroad. “We would just like you to stay 25 feet away from the track. As long as you’re not digging under the track, we really don’t care. The railroad would be glad to work with you in any way we can.”

However, the plans for the project must first be approved by Omega Rail Management, the firm that handles the right-of-way management for Gulf and Ohio.

“Before you can build, we have to get approval from Omega,” Herron said.

The issue of liability was also addressed, since any injuries that might take place on the trail would technically take place on railroad property, meaning Gulf and Ohio could be found liable for damages.

Herron said a possible solution might be to deed the land for the trail to the town, but nothing is certain at the moment.

The final cost of the trail is estimated to be roughly $7,000, which includes an additional 630 feet of sidewalk, curb for some of the sidewalk and 10 feet of 15-inch pipe.

The council also heard complaints from citizens regarding debris from log trucks that pass through the town.

Mayor Jack Waller said he would be in touch with the Pike County Commission in an attempt to try and find a solution to the problem.

The council also approved the relocation and stabilization of the old town jail, with the project to be completed at an estimated cost of $1,500.

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