Big C Trail hikers concerned over unofficial train crossing in Riverside

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- An unofficial train crossing that goes over the popular Big C Trail in Riverside is prompting concerns about the safety of hikers who cross the tracks to hike atop Box Springs Mountain.

The Perris Valley Metrolink Line has been in the works for years. Once completed, it will carry commuters from Perris to Riverside and beyond.

"I cross those tracks all the time," said Tom Alan of Riverside.

In December, Metrolink will add 12 commuter trains, tripling traffic on the line.

"We're trying to get the word out that folks that want to hike to the Big C, there are ways to do that without taking the shortcut across the tracks," said John Standiford of the Riverside County Transportation Commission.

Hikers will have to take a two-mile detour to safely cross the tracks.

Gurumantra Khalsa with the nonprofit Friends of Riverside's Hills says a better solution would be to build an overpass or an underpass, but that will take time and money before it can be done.

In the meantime, the Riverside County Transportation Commission plans to add signs warning the public about the faster inbound and outbound trains.