Q: What is the Midland Trace?
A: The Midland Trace is a proposed multi-use trail following the former Central Indiana Railway corridor (dubbed the "Midland" in the early 20th century) from Westfield to the White River, about ¼ mile south of Highway 32. The trail would pass through scenic wooded areas, cross two historic iron-truss bridges, connect neighborhoods and schools, link Noblesville and Westfield to the famous Monon Trail, and provide an experience much in the same spirit as the Monon or White River Greenway.
Q: What are rail-trails and their benefits?
A: Rail-Trails are peaceful, historic walking and biking paths which connect people to nature, towns, schools, libraries and parks. Home listings in Indianapolis and Carmel often advertise being near the Monon Trail. Trails build and revive livable communities while enhancing tourism. Livable communities allow kids and their parents to bike safely to friends, schools, libraries, ice cream, and parks. Rail-trails create a friendly, small-town atmosphere and put a little vacation spot in your own community.
What the trail might look
like someday
Completion of a 7-mile trail between Westfield and Noblesville would bring these amenities to the area:
- Ability to bike on an unbroken string of beautiful separated paths from Noblesville to Westfield, Carmel, Indianapolis or Zionsville
- Make Hamilton County a recreational tourism destination and bring the economic benefits which accompany an extended trails network
- Provide developing areas west and south of Noblesville with safe, non-motorized access to historic downtown, Riverwalk, and existing White River Greenway to Potters Bridge
- Connect Riverview Hospital to the surrounding areas with the health benefits of a scenic walking path
- Link several schools such as Hazel Dell Elementary and nearly all Westfield schools with town areas, libraries, and existing / future neighborhoods
- Preserve two existing magnificent, picture-postcard, historic iron-truss bridges for walking & biking (over Cicero Creek and White River)
- Provide Westfield with a trail through the old town area to foster a renewed community spirit, a small-town atmosphere, and a revitalized local economy
Potential Connections to Midland Trace:
- Westfield Public Safety Campus
- Nearly all Westfield Schools
- Eagletown
- Countryside neighborhood at 169th Street
- Pine Ridge neighborhood, neighborhoods west of public safety bldg.
- Future Monon Trail - connects to Carmel & Indy Greenways network
- Town of Westfield - could have town trail with feeling similar to Carmel's
- Westfield Library
- Union Street Trail to Cool Creek Park and Village Park shopping center
- Hazel Dell Elementary campus - kids could walk/bike to school
- Several new neighborhoods along SR32
- Future Hazel Dell Road path, leading south to Carmel
- Historic iron truss bridges over Cicero Creek (single span) and White River (double span)
- Riverview Hospital
- Future Noblesville Riverwalk
- White River Greenway / Potters Bridge Park
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