A-NDPC Transportation specialists presented the latest design options (feasibility studies) for the Southern Tip Phase III trail to the Northampton Board of Supervisors on Monday.
Phase III involves routes from near Kiptopeke Elementary all the way into Cape Charles. When complete, the trail will be a 25 mile round trip, and will connect the ESVNWR, Sunset Beach Resort, Kiptopeke State Park, the towns of Cape Charles and Cheriton and their amenities and access to points north. Phase II of the trail has been contracted and is scheduled for construction in 2018. It will extend the trail from Cedar Grove Road to Capeville Road.
A-NPDC Staff have held discussions with A-NTDC, Bay Coast Railroad, VDOT, A&NEC, The Nature Conservancy, and Fish & Wildlife Services to determine all feasible trail options.
Two preferred options and several sub-options have been identified by the Stakeholder Bike/Hike Trail group:
1. The only permissible way to cross Route 13 is at a traffic signal or with a bridge or underpass built perpendicular to the road. Any crossing structure must comply with the American with Disabilities Act, making it necessary to acquire additional land for graded ramps or switchbacks
2. The trail must end in a public place (or a commercial place that grants a legal easement in perpetuity or a fee simple transfer) per requirements of the federal grant program.
3. If Phase III is deemed feasible, the next steps include decisions on ownership and maintenance and applications for funding. Phase I and II will be owned by the ESVNWR and will be maintained by Fish & Wildlife Services.
4. Bay Coast Railroad states that any trail with rail must be at least 40 feet away from the tracks and additional track crossings will not be permitted.
During discussion, the board was more in favor of a hiking/walking trail rather than a bike trail. Chairman Murray also favored a stop light near Kiptopeke Elementary rather than the proposed over or under pass structure at the Cape Center.
Current funding is through the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), which is meant to improve transportation facilities that provide access to FEDERAL lands with an emphasis on high-use recreation facilities and economic generators. FHWA Eastern Federal Lands (EFL) awarded FLAP funding to Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (ANPDC) for a feasibility study in 2015.
Next steps involve two public meetings and preparation of Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and Environmental Report (ER). Preparation of the Feasibility Study is planned by April 30, 2018. More information can be found on the A-NPDC website.
Option 2A – (purple) – At the RR ROW intersection at Fairview Rd
travel north to Bayview Circle Rd and turn south at its intersection
with Business Route 13 south of Cheriton. From there, it would
continue to the signalized intersection of Route 13 and 184 (Stone Road). Continue on Stone Road to either Option 1A (yellow) or 1B (magenta).
Option 2B (red) – this option uses an A&NEC easement that abuts
the RR ROW north of Kiptopeke ES and turns east at Bayview Circle
Rd to north on Fairview Rd and continues as 2A above.
Option 2C (blue) – Follows a contiguous A&NEC easement north from Bayview Circle Rd to Food Lion Plaza. A trailhead could
be built in the VDOT right-of-way north of Dollar General. Would
require a short ride on Route 13 to the traffic signal to cross highway.
About the Author
Very disappointing to hear that the board is leaning toward walking/hiking and not biking. There are many trails in Maryland and Pennsylvania that easily accommodate both walkers and bikers. The rules just need to be posted. Also, bike riding allows some of us with joint and arthritis problems to enjoy the trail more easily than walking. A 25 mile loop is ideal for a relatively amature bike rider but quite challenging for the casual walker. The flat terrain is perfect for bikes, but does not offer an interesting hiking challenge (for truly experienced hikers).
A side benefit is that promoting cycling could support another small business opportunity like a bike shop/rentals (not our aspiration, but an expansion idea for the kayak or golf cart rental businesses). It also gives visitors another reason to come to Cape Charles and enjoy the beautiful area.
You are right! Bike trails bring business. Have to laugh at Murray – Mr. Tourism Expert right there.
I agree with you!
There is nothing worse than walking on a peaceful trail and having mountain bike idiots calling out:
‘On Your Left!!!’
‘On Your Right!!!!”
This can happen 15 times in a 5 minute span. After 10 miles it becomes invasive like poison ivy or oak. I refuse to move for them, they can slow down or stop as easily as I can step aside.
I was just getting ready to comment on the preferred users being hikers and walkers when I see that I am among like minded people. I was planning to attend the public comment meeting but the big snow, I assume, cancelled it. I agree wholeheartedly with the logic above for including bike riders access – that’s the case with the current trail, and it works nicely.
When do the citizens of Northampton have a chance to voice their concerns?! If it’s already happened, shame on them for not publicizing it better.
Definitely build for bikes! Such a great addition.
No way ,my wife and I were almost run over by bicycles on the walk path.The bicycles should stick to route 600.
Great to see movement on this. I believe a bike trail should be included in the plan. I would like to see it connect the ESNWR, campground at Sunset Beach, Kiptopeake state Park, and wildlife area in Cape Charles as well as the town trail , beach , park , harbor, business area and then to Cheriton, Cherrystone campground and Oyster and finally extending, at some point, up the seaside road north to Eastville. I realize this can’t all be done at once but I think our area would benefit greatly from such a system connecting these points as well as some I have probably left out.