Support Re-Opening the Alto Tunnel
Re-Open the Alto Tunnel: Marin County, California
We, the undersigned, support reconstructing the Alto Tunnel, an existing but abandoned railroad tunnel, for bicycle and pedestrian transportation because it will:
We, the undersigned, support reconstructing the Alto Tunnel, an existing but abandoned railroad tunnel, for bicycle and pedestrian transportation because it will:
- Complete a safe and flat bicycle and pedestrian route between Corte Madera and Mill Valley
- Remove the last significant barrier in the North-South Greenway, a safe and flat pathway separated from motor vehicles, that runs through Sausalito, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Rafael and Novato (and when SMART is completed will connect to Cloverdale in Sonoma County)
- Support the use of non-motorized modes of transportation such as bicycling and walking and thereby:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution
- Support active lifestyles, which promotes health and reduces obesity
- Reduce traffic congestion on Highway 101 and in local communities
- Encourage youth to independently travel to and from school, participate in sports, and other activities
- Create an economic stimulus for locally owned businesses along the North-South Greenway (see description above)
- Support non-motorized travel for the young, elderly and disabled who may not be able to use the Horse Hill route (adjacent to Highway 101) or Camino Alto/Corte Madera Avenue because of their steep grades and dangerous roadway conditions
- Help reduce traffic congestion on local roads
- Create an emergency egress route for people of all physical abilities in the event of a crisis
- Provide geologic stability for public roads and private properties above and adjacent to the tunnel
- Make Marin County a model for active transportation that will help inspire other communities throughout the nation to build non-motorized transportation infrastructure