SOUTH BERWICK – The Eastern Trail Alliance wants to put bikes, pedestrians and horses on the eastern branch of the Portland-Boston Railroad.

The group wants to create a trail along the unused line from Kittery to South Portland.

“The railroad line was discontinued in the late ’50s,” said David Webster, a member of the Eastern Trail Alliance and a South Berwick town councilor. “With the exception of the part between South Berwick and Kittery that was made into Route 236, the rest still exists.”

The stretch goes through 12 communities. South Berwick is the first to join.

The trail could cost $5 million to $10 million overall, not including maintenance.

Communities contribute $2,500 each year for the first two years. Representatives from each town are going to their individual town governments, looking for approval, Webster said.

“That will get the ball rolling,” Webster said. “We also have raised $85,000 in private funds so far and we also have an 80-20 agreement with the federal government, so that they put in 80 dollars for every 20 we contribute.”

No motorized vehicles would be allowed on the trail. It will be made of packed granite dust so wheelchairs will be able to use it, Webster said.