Oceanside seeks public input for its contribution to the final stretch of a 21-mile trail linking the city east to Escondido along North San Diego County’s Sprinter rail line.
The Inland Rail Trail has been a joint effort of the cities involved — Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido — and the San Diego Association of Governments.
Phases 1 and 2 are complete, and Phase 3 through a portion of Vista got underway this year. Phase 4, which also runs through Vista, is scheduled to begin construction in 2026. All of these sections run from Vista east through San Marcos.
The Vista to San Marcos stretch has been a $34.2 million project that has been underway since late 2015. Escondido’s stretch was previously completed, and now Oceanside is beginning the process of contributing its section.
The 7.4-mile stretch will run from downtown Oceanside east to the border with Vista at North Melrose Drive, according to a Keep San Diego Moving project map.
Oceanside is launching its effort with an initial feasibility study this fall and winter, during which officials will assess current conditions along the project corridor, from potential challenges to community priorities, according to a city notice.
The first public survey is available now by clicking this link.
From spring through fall 2025, the city will mull alignment options for the rail trail and gather additional public input on which alignments will work best. From winter 2025 to spring 2026, more public feedback and final refinements will be made for presentation and eventual approval by the City Council.
Once those processes are completed, the approved project will go out for funding opportunities, then final design, environmental review and construction.
The full 21-mile Inland Rail Trail is a Class I bikeway, meaning that it is a paved, off-street path exclusively for bicyclists and pedestrians, separated from vehicular traffic.
Information and future updates can be found at osideinlandrailtrail.org.
