The S-Line is a 4.5-mile former CSX rail line that snakes through the Northside, from just north of the Prime Osborn Center up to Gateway Mall. The most important aspect of this right of way is that it is already owned by the City of Jacksonville. It also keeps a potential commuter rail system from interfering with the rail yards adjacent to the Beaver Street viaduct. Although no funding is in place, the city has plans to convert this right-of-way into a rails-to-trails jogging path. Given that the ROW is a minimum of 50’ in width, it could easily serve both with proper planning. Unlike BRT, this line also has the power of putting riders within walking distance of Edward Waters College, Shands, the farmer’s market, and Gateway Mall. In addition, it can be the catalyst for affordable housing infill development, something that BRT’s Northern extension will not be able to successfully do.
