VDOT to hold hearing about Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail in Eagle Rock and New Castle

SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a public hearing on two separate dates at two different locations for the Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail.

The project involves constructing a 20-mile recreational trail along the former Chesapeake and Ohio Craig Valley Branch railbed between the end of state maintenance on Route 818 (Craig Valley Drive) near Eagle Rock in Botetourt County and Craig County High School near New Castle in Craig County.

The first hearing night will be Tuesday, July 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Eagle Rock Elementary School located at 145 Eagles Nest Drive in Eagle Rock. The second hearing night will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday July 16, at Craig County High School located at 25239 Craigs Creek Road in New Castle. The same information will be presented on both dates.

The public is invited to learn more about the trail project and to provide input. The hearing will be held in an “open-house” format and VDOT representatives will be present to answer questions.

The comment period for the hearing is between June 15 and July 26, 2024. Comments about the trail may be submitted at the hearing or until July 26, 2025, by mailing them to Kelly Dunn, Project Manager, 731 Harrison Avenue, Salem, VA 24153. Comments also can be emailed to CBST@vdot.virginia.gov. Please reference “Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail Comment” in the subject heading.

The Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail will be a multiuse trail for walking, running, biking and horseback riding will mostly consist of a gravel surface that is anticipated to be approximately 10 feet wide with two-foot shoulders. It will follow the former railbed and some low-volume secondary roads and consist of “share the road/trail” sections which will permit the use of motorized vehicles as well as sections of non-motorized use.

Three new trailheads will be constructed, and six existing bridges along the former railbed will be modified to accommodate trail use. In addition, two existing box culverts will be rehabilitated, and two existing box culverts will be replaced.

Anyone requiring special assistance to attend and participate in the hearing may contact Kelly Dunn at 540-387-5353, 800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711.