A bold, county-wide vision is taking shape in Pottawattamie County: a connected paved trail system designed to link communities, boost quality of life, and support long-term economic growth across Iowa’s second-largest county.
Major Funding Momentum Drives Project Forward
Momentum continues to build for the Railroad Highway Trail, which will eventually connect Council Bluffs to Neola. The project has recently secured three major funding awards, including:
- $500,000 from the Metropolitan Planning Agency (MAPA)
- $1.9 million from the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
- $500,000 from the State Recreational Trails Program
These investments will help fund a 4.2-mile paved segment between Weston and Underwood. Engineering is already underway, with construction potentially beginning as early as 2027, pending the remaining $2 million funding gap.
Construction Progress Already Underway
A 1.7-mile segment from Council Bluffs at Highway 6 to the Smith Wildlife Area is currently under construction and is expected to be completed this summer. Once finished, this stretch will connect Council Bluffs to Weston, creating a continuous trail link and marking a major milestone for the overall vision.
The Railroad Highway Trail is part of a broader effort to create a connected recreational corridor across the county, ultimately linking communities through safe, accessible outdoor infrastructure. A 0.3-mile segment is already complete in Underwood, offering an early glimpse of what’s to come as the network expands.
The project is made possible through collaboration among local, regional, and state partners, including the City of Council Bluffs, City of Underwood, Golden Hills RC&D, Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa West Foundation, landowners, Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, Pottawattamie Conservation, Pottawattamie County, Pottawattamie County Trails Association, State of Iowa, and the Rails to Trails Conservancy. Together, these partners are also fundraising to complete a 5-mile stretch between Underwood and Neola and planning a feasibility study to explore future expansion toward the eastern edge of the county.
A Connected Future on the Horizon
With continued investment, strong partnerships, and growing community support, the Railroad Highway Trail is steadily transforming from vision to reality. As each new segment is completed, Pottawattamie County moves closer to a fully connected trail system that enhances outdoor access, strengthens regional ties, and creates lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike.
