Virginia Capital Trail is One Phase Closer

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

If you’ve driven down Dock Street in Shockoe Bottom recently, you might have noticed the canal’s bank has a new look these days. Where before grass was the only feature along the elevated train tracks, today the canal boasts a tree-lined trail with lampposts.
 
Like The Little Engine That Could, the Virginia Capital Trail is slowly adding chunks that will eventually connect Richmond to Jamestown.
 
You may remember our post earlier in the year where we discussed the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation’s goal of completing the trail by 2013, as well as local excitement for a new bike- and pedestrian-friendly path linking Richmond to Williamsburg.
 
Executive Director Beth Weisbrod verifies that progress is still on track and “each phase is under production, either through survey, design or construction.”
 
Tomorrow at the Great Shiplock Park, trail supporter Gov. Tim Kaine will cut the ceremonial ribbon in honor of completing the first Richmond phase. Speakers will include Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation Chairman Jim Beamer and Richmond Historic Riverfront Foundation Chairman Emeritus Brenton Halsey. Rocketts Landing Developer Jason Vickers-Smith will also join the ceremony and introduce the mayor.
 
“Symbolically this is a huge step for Richmond,” says Weisbrod. “We’re getting closer and closer to being a cycling- and pedestrian-friendly city.”
 
Weisbrod said before the first phase of the trail is officially ready for use, workers must complete construction on the canopy, which will protect trail users from anything that might potentially fall from the railroad tracks above. She estimates the trail will be ready for use by next week.
 
In looking to the future, the next phase of production is an 11-mile stretch called Sherwood Forest, which runs from the Chickahominy River to the Charles City County Courthouse.
 
“We’re hoping to see [this next phase] finished in 2011, which is exciting because then you will have 26 miles of path, all connected,” says Weisbrod.
 
Weisbrod also mentioned that once the Virginia Capital Trail is complete, they plan to use the trail for educational programs in subjects such as science and history, as well as a recreational feature to draw professional sports events.
 
Tomorrow’s ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 11:45 a.m. The Great Shiplock Park is located in Shockoe Bottom at the intersection of Dock and Pear Streets.

Photo courtesy of Virginia Capital Trail Foundation