Virginia Capital Trail

Phases:
Greensprings | Chickahominy Riverfront | Sherwood Forest | Charles City Courthouse
New Market Heights | Four Mile Creek Trailhead | Randolph Landing | Richmond Riverfront

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the Virginia Capital Trail offer?

• The trail will serve residents and visitors by linking the many historic, cultural, and scenic sites along the corridor.
• The trail will be an alternate transportation facility for area residents as it connects education centers, neighborhoods, and local recreation facilities, and for long distance bicyclists and walkers.
• The trail will provide separation between motorized and non-motorized traffic and increased safety for all users.
• The trail offers a unique opportunity to enhance public awareness of, as well as help preserve and protect, an area of great historic significance.
• The trail will preserve open space and create opportunities for enjoyment of the natural setting, outdoor recreation, and the promotion of good health through physical activity.
• The trail will offer a special setting for outdoor educational opportunities for schools and special interest groups.
• The trail will be actively managed to address concerns of access, trespassing, and maintenance.
• Much of the trail runs along Route 5, which is a Virginia Scenic Byway.

When is the next opportunity I have to participate?
An extensive pubic involvement process, which will be well-advertised, is an important component of the trail's design process. Communities will have numerous opportunities to participate as the project proceeds. Information on meetings will be posted on the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Web site.  You can sign up for the project mailing list to receive notices of meetings and updates.
 

When will construction on the Virginia Capital Trail begin?
The Greensprings Phase is complete and open. The Chickahominy Riverfront Phase is under construction. Use the links at the top of the page to track the progress of other phases.
 

How will the Virginia Capital Trail be paid for?
VDOT will continue to seek federal funds specifically designated for the development of this type of facility for the construction of each phase..
 

How will the trail be maintained?
Comprehensive management agreements will be developed between VDOT and localities along the trail to ensure that the facility will be  safe, usable and accessible.
 

What will be the hours of operation?
 The Virginia Capital Trail will be open daylight hours.
 

Will the trail attract undesirable activity?
No, the development and operation of the trail would formalize the management of the trail corridor. The randomly timed appearance of trail users, the varied activities of users, and patrols by trail managers and supporting local enforcement agencies discourage undesirable activities.
 

How much tree cutting will be necessary to construct the trail?
Minimal tree cutting will be necessary to establish the trail alignment. The design team has been instructed to minimize impacts to trees and collected detailed survey data to accomplish this goal.