A strip of railroad right–a–way in north Peoria and Peoria Heights could have a hiking and biking trail running adjacent to it someday.

A committee is beginning to research the idea of building a linier park adjacent to the Kellar Branch of Peoria's rail system. A government transportation board has ruled the six–miles of rail line must stay open.

So members of the committee say the only option in developing the property is building a side by side rail and trail system. It is estimated to cost 29 million dollars.

"There are a lot of real estate developers in town that are behind the trail and pushing the trail because they see it would increases property values. It would also spur new development because with these recreational trails that's what usually happens along side of them," said committee member and developer Alexis Khazzam.

One option discussed at Friday's meeting was using the tunnel at Springdale Cemetery at War Memorial Drive as part of the trail line. That would mean deviating the path off of the Keller Branch.

The committee has agreed to meet at seven o'clock on Friday mornings over the next two months to move their feasibility study forward.