Bailey Branch Railroad Corridor
About the Bailey Branch
The Bailey Branch is 17.7 miles of an old rail line that Benton County purchased in 2014 for the purpose of preserving the corridor for potential future rail use. It is currently closed to public access by the county to limit their liability. A county report published in 2014 listed five options for the corridor, and since then there has been little action. The options were:Â
Railroad Use Only: Preserve and manage the corridor, as determined necessary and feasible, to only allow for future restoration of freight, passenger or excursion rail.
Develop Trails: Develop and manage walking, biking or riding trails within the highest priority locations of the corridor.
Maintain Current Condition and Uses: Complete minimal maintenance and existing public uses within the corridor.
Transfer of Corridor Location: Exchange the railroad corridor land ownership with private landowners, for equal land area that is in closer proximity to the current public right-of-way.
Selling, Leasing, Granting Easements and Authorizing Work: Evaluate and complete sales or agreements where requested by adjacent landowners and other organizations.
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