CAPE CHARLES, Va. — In a bid to enhance connectivity and promote outdoor recreation, the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Project is set to embark on the construction of two vital segments along the former Bay Coast Railroad route.
The project, which aims to repurpose disused railway lines into shared-use paths, will see the development of segments in the towns of Cape Charles and Cheriton.
A design public hearing for the endeavor is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the Cheriton Volunteer Fire Company located at 21334 South Bayside Road, Cheriton, VA 23316.
Cape Charles Segment
The Cape Charles segment, spanning 2.17 miles, will commence at the intersection of Mason Avenue and Fig Street, winding its way to Route 13 (Lankford Highway) and Country Place. Notably, this section will feature a trailhead parking lot at Mason Avenue and Fig Street, providing convenient access for trail users.
The estimated cost for the Cape Charles segment stands at $3.69 million, reflecting the substantial investment in community infrastructure.
Cheriton Segment
Meanwhile, the Cheriton segment, stretching 1.4 miles, will link Route 13 (Lankford Highway) and Country Place to Sunnyside Road. Additionally, a trailhead parking lot will be established just north of Country Place, facilitating easy entry onto the trail.
As part of the Cheriton segment, 0.5 miles of striped bicycle lanes will be added on Sunnyside Road, extending from the shared-use path to Business Route 13 (South Bayside Road), enhancing safety for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
The Cheriton segment comes with an estimated price tag of $2.35 million, signaling a significant investment in sustainable transportation infrastructure.
Upon completion, the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Project will provide a 49.1-mile shared-use path, offering a flat and straight right-of-way connecting communities, businesses, and state/federal parks across Northampton and Accomack Counties.
With the railbanked right of way paralleling Route 13 (Lankford Highway), designated as a Corridor of Statewide Significance by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the project aims to reduce conflict points between vehicles and trail users, promoting safer transportation options.
Moreover, the shared-use path will enhance mobility, accessibility, and safety for pedestrians and cyclists, providing a dedicated facility separate from vehicular traffic.
For further information on the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Study, interested parties are encouraged to visit the project’s webpage dedicated to the study.