CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Construction crews have begun laying asphalt on a new section of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail that will connect the towns of Cheriton and Cape Charles, marking a major milestone for one of the region’s most anticipated recreational and transportation projects.
The paved multi-use trail will begin near Rayfield’s Pharmacy, with a new trailhead in Cheriton. Parking areas are planned to accommodate cyclists, walkers, and other trail users. The site is also expected to feature a bus shelter installed by STAR Transit, allowing riders to combine cycling with public transportation. Buses serving the area are equipped with bike racks, giving trail users the flexibility to access different sections of the growing trail network.
From the trailhead, the path will follow the historic railroad corridor eastward along Stone Road. Project planners say using the former rail right-of-way preserves the Eastern Shore’s transportation heritage while transforming it into a modern recreational resource.
The route will then turn south along Virginia Department of Transportation right-of-way toward the traffic signal near Atlantic Union Bank, guiding trail users toward the entrance to Cape Charles.
A key safety feature of the project will be the crossing at U.S. Route 13 near the Food Lion intersection. The busy highway will be equipped with push-button pedestrian crossing signals installed by VDOT to help cyclists and pedestrians cross safely.
Local officials say the new segment represents an important expansion of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail system, which has grown steadily in popularity among residents, walkers, runners, and cyclists exploring the region’s coastal scenery.
The project is also part of a broader effort across Northampton County to promote healthier lifestyles and alternative transportation options. By connecting communities and providing safe routes away from busy highways, the trail is expected to benefit both local residents and tourists visiting the Eastern Shore.
When completed, the Cheriton-to-Cape Charles segment will strengthen the region’s network of trails and continue transforming the historic railroad corridor into one of the Shore’s most distinctive outdoor amenities. 🚴♂️🌿
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Rayfields is in Cape Charles.
Sunnyside Rd is Cheriton
Article has them reversed. Parking area and entrance are beside Rayfields near corner of Fig and Mason Avenues.
This is a bunch of bull crap!
This is designed with only the tourist in mind. It serves no purpose for locals. A total waste of taxpayer’s money!
This is a road to FOODLION only. For the purpose of golfcarts and a plan to annnex more tax dollars from the surrounding communities for Cape Charles, who got to big for their overpriced paid government officials.
This project reminds me of the H-3 Highway Project in Hawaii and the $640°° Pentagon toilet seats…..
Someone please explain the need to turn the bike trail south, across Route 13 (the Shore’s interstate), and then turn it back north! Don’t say it’s because of the traffic lights right before the old track southbound or right after the track northbound. Regardless of which route you took, you had to stop for the train! They could have put up crossing arms for the trail just as they did for the train, or better yet a bike overpass. Such a frivolous waste of money! We have so many other issues that need fixing, like the drainage problem at the light going into Food Lion, etc. My word, with the last heavy rain storm the entire roadway was covered. Cars coming out were sprayed by cars coming in! Ridiculous!
Maybe that’s not their jurisdiction either… that entire shopping center is a hot mess, has been forever. How do they continue to work on everything around that swimming pool at the entrance, yet ignore it completely? That’s someone else’s job I guess.
We have limited biking & walking paths for locals & visitors. The trail is a much safer alternative to biking or walking on the public road with no sidewalk or shoulder.
Absolutely agree 📢🙌‼️🙏
I am very curious where oversight lands and how well it’ll work though.
Was ‘crush and run’ not good enough?
Looking forward to using it.
Breaking News!
Developing Story!
Team Coverage!
Cape Charles, Cheriton expressway to open soon!
GolfCart lobby has no comment but photos show several GolfCart Aficionados actually drooling whilst watching construction…
Just curious. What law or ordinance covers someone riding a golf cart or other prohibited activity on the trail? Interested in reading it…specifically the penalties that a violator may be subjected to. Federal, State, County, or local Township or Municipality? Who would be expected and authorized to enforce it?
Again Cherrie, stop complaining and do something about it. I mean you do seem MIGHTY THIRSTY. Even if it is for attention.
Fishingman, it depends on who’s enforcing it, and…
It depends who gets caught, (wink, wink, nod, nod).
Perhaps VSP, NCSO or the Feds will be assigned to provide Expressway anti golf cart Security.
CCPD has to follow directions of Cape Charles leadership. So……….