the Issue:
Emergency Road.
Reason of Objection:
The current VDOT design is planning on having locked gates at each end of a section of the RR bed that is used in times of emergency for Oriskany and the surrounding area. The real problem lies in the reliance of it being opened by VDOT(or anyone else) at times of need. VDOT has already failed once in a similar situation.
A solution:
A). It’s simple. Do not have gates in this section. Leave it be used as it has been done for the last 60 years. As VDOT is quick to point out for other areas of this trail, there has been no known incidents/problems recorded , and that’s with hunters, equestrians and bicyclist using it all at the same time. Perhaps legally accepting this section into the road sytem would be an avenue to take.
B). Consider having permits issued for any landowner that has property in the affected area. A permit that would be good till the owner sells the property, and there would be no fee for this permit. These residents would know it’s used as a trail and be cautious. To be on the emergency road would require the permit and also that 615 is blocked at the time of such use. Instead of gates, signs could be put up stating “emergency vehicles only”, or “use by permit only”. Anyone else will be heavily fined.
C). Possibly remove this section from being called a trail. This goes along with the other issue of: not calling roads “trails”.
VDOT’s solution is a disaster waiting to happen.
VDOT has already proven that their idea of unlocking a gate is flawed. Mistakes will happen by them that will cause extreme hardships, and possible fatalities.
On Rt 817 (Old Rail Road) outside of Oriskany there is a trestle bridge that allows residents to get out of the area. There is a creek crossing that is useable only in the driest weather. The bridge is the only way in/out. The bridge is inspected annually by VDOT.
To do the inspection the bridge is closed down for the day. No one can get in or out. Because of this, VDOT places a sign ahead of time(usually a few weeks) that the road will be closed. Residents can then plan to be out by the prescribed time in order to get to work, doctor appointments, etc. They also know that they won’t get back in.
On August 24th,2023 VDOT shut the bridge down without notice for the inspection. Everyone was trapped in. SOMEONE forgot to put a sign up. They knew the date. It had to be set weeks, maybe months ahead of time, and some how the ball got dropped. It’s called human error, and it happens. Would you let your safety depend on such an error?
This scenario is the same as a locked gate would be on the emergency road. At some point it will be neglected. It will affect a much larger group of people, and it may be at life threatning momments.
What is the Emergency Rd?
Simply put: it is a secondary route that allows access to a big swath of territory that gets trapped. This can happen when flooding occurs on Craig Creek, or from downed trees.
Details:
The yellow line is Rte. 615 Craig Creek Rd. The emergency rd (in red) replaces route 615 when it gets blocked from flooding, or a downed tree.
Route 615 is a major rd. It’s the only road into the area, and/or allows passage thru the area. This section is what locals call “the furthest point from anywhere before you start going somewhere”. Otherwise the midpoint (generally an hour). When it gets blocked from a tree, the traveler must back track to the tune of an additional hour of travel time. That’s a lot of time delayed to get you where you need to go! Most other areas have a much closer option for detours.
Yet of gretaer concern is when the road gets flooded by Craig Creek. The flooding creates a situation where the emergency road is the ONLY way in or out.
The red square in the next picture indicates just how big of an area that is affected when route 615 floods. The road is blocked off at two locations at the same time.
The blue line shows the emergency road that allows access to the interior territory of the red line.
Act Now !
This is of high priority. Tell VDOT that you oppose the trail because the gates on the emergency road creates a life threatning issue. Let them know there are solutions (list one that you see as a solution).
There is an active link below to send in comments. Some computers have security features that block the use of the email button. When that happens, you need to use your regular email service and type in the email address given below.
Be sure to include in the Subject Title….
“Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail: Comment“
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You can also mail Comments to:
VDOT: Mr. Kelly Dunn
Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail; Comment
731 Harrison Ave.
Salem , VA. 24153
