News Summary
Bristol City Council has unanimously approved a feasibility study to connect the Mendota Trail to downtown. This nearly 3-mile pathway will improve accessibility for outdoor enthusiasts and promote local business. Fully funded by grants, the study will address safety, infrastructure enhancements, and potential endpoints, ensuring a safer crossing at Pittstown Road. Mayor Becky Nave and city officials highlight the positive impact on foot traffic and local recreation.
Bristol City Council Takes Big Steps Toward Trail Connection
Bristol is buzzing with excitement as the City Council has taken a unanimous step forward in connecting the Mendota Trail to downtown. The Council has chosen Alta Planning and Design, a firm based in Asheville, North Carolina, to conduct a feasibility study that will assess both the practicality and cost of this much-anticipated connection.
Linking the Trail to the Heart of the City
This proposed connector path will stretch nearly 3 miles, linking the Mendota Trail, which already boasts an impressive length of 12.7 miles, from its current trailhead at 3460 Island Road directly to the city center. It’s a project that promises to enhance accessibility like never before, and for avid hikers and outdoor lovers, this is definitely something to cheer about!
Funding Fun
What’s even more exciting is that this feasibility study is fully funded through generous grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. This substantial financial backing sets the stage for a thorough investigation into how best to develop this long-desired trail connector.
Emphasis on Safety and Improvements
The Mendota Trail, built on a former railroad bed, is owned and maintained by Washington County Virginia. Developed by Mountain Heritage, a non-profit organization, the trail has faced its share of challenges. Its journey to becoming a beloved local resource began back in 2016 when it was gifted land from the city, despite some initial resistance from neighboring landowners. But now, as the feasibility study is set to kick off, safety and infrastructure improvements take center stage.
The study aims to identify different alternatives for the connector, gathering information on any preliminary engineering needs and estimating costs for implementation. The focus will also be on making the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists, especially since there are some current concerns at the trailhead. These issues include high vehicular speeds, curves in the road that don’t provide sufficient visibility, and a distinct lack of dedicated pathways for bikers and walkers.
Improving Access for All
One of the potential benefits of the proposed connector is improved access to the Mendota Trail, but it doesn’t come without challenges. The Pittstown Road intersection will need some enhancements to ensure safe crossing for trail users. It’s an essential step towards making this trail connector not just a project, but a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
What’s Next for the Project?
While this funding takes care of the preliminary engineering plan, it’s important to note that it does not cover the costs for actual construction or acquiring any necessary rights-of-way. Once the feasibility study wraps up, the city will be challenged to seek additional funding to bring this dream to life.
Potential Destinations for the Connector
Mayor Becky Nave and the city officials are buzzing with ideas for the possible endpoints of the connector. Two main locations are currently in the running: Cumberland Square Park, located at the intersection of Cumberland and Moore Streets, and the Bristol Visitor Center, found at the busy intersection of Anderson Street and Volunteer Parkway, which is presently under construction.
A Bright Outlook for Local Businesses
There’s a palpable sense of optimism around this project. The connector has the potential to not only enhance outdoor recreation opportunities but also to positively impact local businesses by attracting more foot traffic. With Bristol poised for growth and opportunities, the community can keep their eyes peeled for future updates and preparations for what promises to be a wonderful improvement for both locals and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- Bristol Herald Courier
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- Richmond Magazine
- Google Search: Mendota Trail
- Blue Ridge Outdoors
- Google Scholar: Appalachian Regional Commission
- WJHL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
- WCYB News
- Google News: Bristol City Council Trail Connection
