Folsom officials invite the community to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the Johnny Cash Trail and Bike/Pedestrian Overcrossing at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, near the intersection of Folsom Lake Crossing Road and East Natoma Street. Cindy Cash, daughter of the famed singer, will attend.

The $3.8 million overcrossing, which will span busy Folsom Lake Crossing Road, is designed to echo the look of Folsom Prison's East Gate guard tours. It is expected to open in the fall.

The 2.5 mile Johnny Cash Trail will eventually extend from the Historic Truss Bridge to Green Valley Road, traversing prison property and linking El Dorado and Placer counties to Folsom's Historic District and the American River Parkway.

'Folsom is known around the world as the site of the prison that Johnny Cash made famous with his big hit, Folsom Prison Blues,' says Folsom Mayor Kerri Howell. 'The overcrossing will serve as an iconic and symbolic feature of Folsom history and will provide the opportunity to offer a unique gateway for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.'

A passionate advocate for prisoner's rights, Cash gave numerous performances at prisons around the country. His two 1968 performances at Folsom State Prison were among his most successful, forever linking the singer to Folsom. Contrary to popular legend, Cash did not serve time in Folsom Prison.

The trail and overcrossing project is being funded with state and federal grants provided by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Cal Trans and the State Resources Agency.

Directions & Parking:

From Folsom City Hall, take Natoma Street to Folsom Prison Industries Road (across from Hancock Street); make the first right turn into driveway and continue to the parking lot. Walk up dirt pathway to ceremony site (flat shoes highly recommended).

Contact
Sue Ryan
916-351-3360