By Matt de Simone
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) held two citizen information meetings about the Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail last week. Wednesday’s meeting took place at Eagle Rock Elementary School while the second was held Thursday evening in New Castle.
Over several months residents of the Eagle Rock/Oriskany area have spoken out in opposition of the proposed 26-mile multiuse, recreational trail along the former Chesapeake and Ohio Craig Valley Branch railbed in Craig and Botetourt counties. Last week’s informative meetings gave residents a chance to weigh in their thoughts about the proposed state-funded project.
The trail would extend between Last Lock Park near Eagle Rock in Botetourt County and Craig County High School near New Castle in Craig County.
As previously reported, the multiuse trail for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding is anticipated to be approximately 10-foot-wide and mostly gravel. It will follow the former railbed and some low-volume secondary roads and consist of “share the road/trail” sections which will permit the use of motorized vehicles as well as sections of non-motorized use. Eight existing bridges along the former railbed will be modified to accommodate trail use.
Photos by Matt de Simone
Preliminary design for the trail is ongoing and VDOT continues to collect data and conduct site visits and field reviews. The cost estimate is still being refined and a specific schedule for construction has yet to be determined.
In previous release, VDOT reminds citizens that they may review the conceptual plans and project information at the meeting or after at VDOT’s Salem District Office located at 731 Harrison Avenue in Salem, or by calling 540-387-5353, 800-367-7623, or TTY/TDD 711. VDOT asks to please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions.
An online survey became available at www.virginiadot.org/cbst on Sept. 20 for citizens to share their comments about the project. Citizens still have the chance to submit written comments to VDOT by emailing CBST@vdot.virginia.gov by Oct. 1. VDOT requests that the subject heading should contain “Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail Comment.”
