What’s needed:

Start Over

The design needs to be totally revamped. If you have followed along with the issues that have been presented of the VDOT design, it becomes apparent that it’s design is far from being the best it can be. This is not a matter of liking or hating a trail, this is about what is best for all parties involved. What makes logical sense.

The design may have been born out of a good idea, but repeatedly not including the public’s input on improvements will likely lead to it’s failure. A failure that we all have to deal with, whether you are pro or against.

First start off with changing the name. It should not be deceptive. Divide it into sections with different names for each.

There is not enough money to do the whole thing. So then create sections where the most chance of benefits will be (sections that are named differently). These sections would be for Eagle Rock and New Castle. There should be no thinking that more money will come. There is money in-hand, use it to the most benefit. There are never gaurantees. Lots of trails get partially built with the thought more to come, and it never does.

To create the benefit for Eagle Rock with the current budget, the trail plan must be altered.

Start by ending the trail at the Charlton trailhead. Remove building the trail from there all the way to where the current design ends at state route 818, Craig valley Drive. This resolves the isssue of the Emergency road and a dangerous trailhead outside of Oriskany. Don’t repair bridges #66 and #92, or prep the RR bed thu out this area. Dont create a trailhead at Parr’s.  Use ALL of the money saved from this and start in Eagle Rock with the James River Bridge.

If there is any money left after rebuilding the James River Bridge and connecting it to Last Lock Park, then work westward. If it happens to get to the end of state route 818, Craig valley Drive, then build a trailhead there before going further on ( which would mean repairing the next bridge, #66).

If everyone of us speaks out on this, change can happen. Send this major change of design plan to VDOT.

It will also help if VDOT hears comments about all the issues presented earlier. They are supporting arguements of why a major change to the design is needed.  Those 5 issues can be found with the word links inside the “Design Change” description above, or on the “Explore the Issues” page.

I believe in you. You can make a difference. This is not up to DeRail anymore, it’s up to each and everyone of you. By-pass the politicians and others who are not looking out for the best outcome, and get your comments in.

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