Description
Utility corridors need a significant open space to hold power lines and provide easy access to underground utilities. They also need to be separated from other uses meaning that they are usually grassy open spaces.
Strengths
Placing trails within these corridors allows citizens to benefit from land that otherwise would sit as is and could not be developed. It is easier to develop a corridor when dealing with limited owners so building in utility corridors requires fewer stakeholders and easements allow construction without actually purchasing right-of-way.
Weaknesses
Utility companies still need access to their facilities and therefore trail users can often find themselves as a secondary consideration. Trails along pipelines or under power lines are less aesthetically pleasing than trails in other locations.
Examples
Example 1: Indiana
Description: A discussion of the value added features of trails within the state that discusses the potential applications of utility corridors in the network.
Example 2: Missouri
Description: A Utility Corridor trail being developed in the St. Louis Area that is nearing the construction phase.