Client: Radius Indiana

Southern Indiana is taking bold steps toward regional connectivity, economic revitalization, and outdoor recreation with the creation of the Monon South Trail — a planned 62.3-mile multiuse rails-to-trails corridor stretching through Clark, Washington, Orange, and Lawrence Counties. At the heart of this effort is Clark Dietz, a firm recognized for its trail design expertise and commitment to creating meaningful infrastructure that uplifts communities.

A New Life for an Old Rail Line

The Monon South Trail reimagines a former railroad corridor as a scenic, multiuse trail featuring paved and compacted aggregate surfaces. The trail will be built directly on the existing railroad ballast and within the railroad right-of-way now owned by Radius Indiana. Radius, acting on behalf of Southern Indiana Trailways — the nonprofit organization overseeing planning and operations — selected Clark Dietz to lead design and construction oversight for this 58-mile stretch.

Prior to the design award, Clark Dietz partnered with Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group (TSW) to prepare a visioning study for the corridor. The study aimed to engage residents and stakeholders from nine towns across five counties, including Clark, Floyd, Lawrence, Orange, and Washington. Community input helped shape early trail concepts, cross sections, and cost estimates, which were then used to create planning budgets reflecting local priorities.

Community-Centered Planning

“Our smart teaming concept, built around the team we know shares our passion for this project, is grounded by the inclusion of the locally respected and highly talented TSW Design group,” says Clark Dietz President and CEO, Wes Christmas. “Our team has class-leading bench depth with the trail’s priorities at heart.”

The visioning study produced trail renderings tailored to different community settings and explored various levels of investment based on amenities like rest areas, trailheads, and access points. Four trailhead concepts were developed to showcase opportunities along the route — each offering services to trail users while opening doors for nearby economic development.

These detailed concepts were instrumental in the success of the Next Level Trails grant application, which secured funding for the project in 2023. The study also helped lay the groundwork for aligning the trail’s direction with existing community plans, giving stakeholders a framework to move confidently into implementation.

Groundbreaking and Moving Forward

On July 16, 2024, community members gathered at Borden Community Park to celebrate the groundbreaking of Phase 1. Local and state officials, project leaders, and residents marked the moment with ceremonial shovels, officially beginning construction on Indiana’s longest continuous hiking and biking trail.

ceremonial shovels at the monon south groundbreaking event

Project Manager Ryan Hughes expressed his personal connection to the work, saying, “One of the things I love most about this project is the opportunity to showcase the beauty of Southern Indiana. Every time we visit the trail corridor, I take more photos of the landscape. As we begin construction, more and more folks are turning their attention to the Monon South Trail project in anticipation of being able to walk, bike, and roll through the communities and countryside which the trail will connect.”

A Corridor of Connection and Opportunity

The Monon South Trail promises to be more than just a place to walk or bike. With connections to state parks, recreational areas, and cultural sites, it will become a regional destination that draws visitors, supports small businesses, and encourages healthier lifestyles.

“Through the transformation of an abandoned rail line into the Monon South Trail, we’ll not only establish a scenic pathway but also a corridor for economic vitality, uniting communities, preserving natural beauty, and promoting active lifestyles,” said Clark Dietz Project Development Advisor Bri Roll.

The project is also expected to spur economic development, attract population growth, and strengthen quality of place in the region’s rural communities. “The Monon South Trail will preserve a piece of Hoosier history while promoting quality of place in our rural communities,” said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb.

Looking Ahead

As construction progresses, Clark Dietz continues to provide design leadership and construction oversight to ensure the trail meets both community expectations and technical excellence. The firm remains committed to making the Monon South Trail a model for how abandoned infrastructure can be transformed into thriving community assets.

For more information, explore:

Clark Dietz Project Manager: Ryan Hughes, PE