Right now, the plan is only in its initial study phase. The Virginia Department of Transportation started collecting data earlier this year which involved possible trail corridors and destination points. Then those were whittled down to one preferred route, says Palmer Stearns of VDOT.
“A mix of locations and terrain that it’s going through. Some a little more rural, some urban. A very good mix for a 43 mile corridor.”
Richmond resident Elvin Jefferson has been biking all over the region for 50 years and hopes the trail gets built.
“I would definitely use it. And it would be great to introduce other people that are afraid of riding in traffic to get out and ride more.”
Stearns says the public has until October 11th to submit more input about the trail. They can go online to ATPTrailstudy.org.
The results of the final study are expected to be completed by Spring 2020. After that, it will be up to the counties and cities to come up with funding.
Ian Stewart/VPM News
