When I walked underneath 116th Street on the newly-opened Nickel Plate Trail tunnel, what went through my mind was history. The rail line that was so much a part of the history of our city is now a trail that was the center of activity on a gorgeous, sunny Saturday morning, the first day the downtown section of the trail was officially open to the public.
A ribbon -cutting ceremony was held Friday evening to kickoff the trail opening for a list of VIP attendees. This reporter had a very important event that night (a wedding anniversary dinner) so I missed that ceremony.
But it was good to get my first look at the trail on the first day everyone could enjoy it.
I recorded a video of just over seven minutes walking underneath the trail tunnel from north to south. It was pure coincidence that Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness was with his wife and three sons enjoying the trail as the video was rolling. You can see the video at this link or use the link below.
There was much controversy over the decision to remove the rails and build the Nickel Plate Trail, and there are still some hard feelings among the train enthusiasts. But the trail is an amenity all can enjoy, especially on a warm and sunny Saturday.
Larry, thank you for your reporting and the video, as always. May I include a link to a recent article that has important information about the expansion of the trail both north and south of the portion that has already been paved and operational? https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nickel-plate-trail-fishers-indianapolis-141135577.html