By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (May 5, 2025)
El Dorado County is embarking on a significant expansion of its outdoor recreational infrastructure, following the recent approval of the 2025 Parks and Trails Master Plan. This initiative aims to develop new hiking and biking trails, enhancing connectivity and promoting active lifestyles across the region.
Master Plan Sets the Course
On March 25, 2025, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the updated Parks and Trails Master Plan. This comprehensive 10-year roadmap outlines strategies for acquiring, developing, and operating county-owned parks, trails, rivers, and open spaces. The plan was shaped by community participation, recreation trends, and best practices, building upon the foundations of the 2012 Master Plan.
Key Trail Developments
Among the notable projects is the ongoing development of the El Dorado Trail, a multi-use path within the Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor. This trail aims to provide a continuous route for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, connecting various communities across the county.
Significant infrastructure improvements are underway, including the construction of a bike and pedestrian overcrossing at Missouri Flat Road. This project, funded through a combination of federal and local sources, is expected to enhance safety and accessibility for non-motorized users.
Construction of the Missouri Flat Road Bike and Pedestrian Overcrossing, a pivotal component of the El Dorado Trail, is progressing steadily, with completion anticipated by the end of May 2025. This project aims to bridge a critical gap in the trail, offering a safe, uninterrupted route for non-motorized users.
Project Overview
The overcrossing is designed as a 12- to 14-foot-wide concrete bridge spanning Missouri Flat Road, connecting existing Class I bike path segments between Golden Center Drive and Old Depot Road near Diamond Springs. This infrastructure will facilitate a continuous, non-motorized corridor along the Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor.
Construction Milestones
Construction commenced in August 2024, with significant progress made over the past months. A notable milestone was the safe placement of bridge deck concrete over the roadway. Detours were established via Forni Road and Enterprise Drive to mitigate traffic disruptions.
Funding and Support
The project has garnered substantial financial backing, including a $3.27 million allocation from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) Regional Active Transportation Program. Additional funding sources encompass Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds, Transportation Development Act/Local Transportation Funds (TDA/LTF), and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds, culminating in a total project budget of approximately $7.35 million.
Community Impact
Upon completion, the overcrossing is expected to significantly enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting active transportation and connectivity within El Dorado County. The project aligns with the county’s broader objectives of expanding and improving its trail network to serve residents and visitors alike.
Community Engagement and Feedback
The development of the Master Plan involved extensive public engagement, with a series of workshops held throughout 2023 to gather input on community needs and priorities. Residents expressed strong support for expanding trail networks, emphasizing the importance of connectivity and access to natural areas.
In El Dorado Hills, the Community Services District conducted surveys to assess public interest in enhancing the New York Creek Trail. Proposals include widening the trail and improving signage, with input from local students and conservation groups.
Balancing Growth and Preservation
While the expansion of trails is widely supported, county officials acknowledge the need to balance development with environmental preservation. Efforts are being made to ensure that new projects minimize ecological impact and maintain the natural character of the region. The Master Plan emphasizes sustainable practices and the protection of cultural and natural resources.
