Local leaders and community members gathered on May 22 to mark the official groundbreaking of the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail project. This shared-use path will stretch 49.1 miles from Cape Charles to Hallwood, transforming a former railroad corridor into a trail for pedestrians and cyclists.
The event was hosted by the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation with support from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). It took place near the future trailhead at Mason Avenue and Fig Street in Cape Charles. Speakers at the event emphasized the project’s potential to connect communities, boost tourism, and preserve an important corridor for recreational use.
Construction officially began in April under contractor Branscome, Inc., focusing initially on two segments in Northampton County: a 2.17-mile stretch through Cape Charles and a 1.4-mile extension into Cheriton. These initial segments are expected to be completed by fall 2026.
Ron Wolff, Executive Director of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation, stated, “This project is about more than just paving a path–it’s a continuation of the railroad.” The rail corridor has been preserved for future transportation use and runs parallel to Route 13, offering a safer route for non-motorized users.
Chris Hall, VDOT Hampton Roads District Engineer, highlighted the partnerships that made this project possible. He said, “What we’re celebrating today is more than the start of construction—it’s the result of strong partnerships.”
The $3.9 million contract awarded to Branscome includes constructing trailhead parking lots at both ends of these initial segments and adding bicycle lanes along Sunnyside Road in Cheriton.
For further details on this project segment, visit VDOT’s website dedicated to it.
