The City of Danville will hold a public information meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, to gather input from citizens regarding two proposed extensions of the Riverwalk Trail. One extension would be from Robertson Bridge to Riverside Drive. The other extension would be from the future Riverfront Park to Union Street Bridge Road via the White Mill canal.
The meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pepsi Building, which is located at 661 Craghead St. behind the Danville Science Center.
Citizens may share oral and written comments at the meeting or submit them in writing by Oct. 31 to Emily Ragsdale or Karen Black. The mailing address is City of Danville, P.O. Box 3300, Danville, VA 24543. Citizens also may email their comments to ragsdes@danvilleva.gov or blackka@danvilleva.gov. In the subject heading, please reference “Proposed Multiuse Trail Extension From Robertson Bridge to Riverside Drive” or “Proposed Multiuse Trail Extension From Future Riverfront Park To Union Street Bridge Road Via The While Mill Canal.”
Last week, City Council adopted a resolution requesting funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation for the two extensions. Combined, the extensions are estimated to cost up to $800,000. The City will find out in June if VDOT will award any money and if so how much. The City would be required to provide a minimum of 20 percent of the total cost for planning and design, right of way and construction.
If funded, construction likely would start on the Robertson Bridge extension in 2021, with construction beginning on the Riverfront Park extension no earlier than 2022.
The Riverwalk Trail currently is 11.5 miles in length, with multiple trailheads and access points. In addition to serving as a pedestrian and biking pathway, the Riverwalk Trail and adjoining mountain bike trail system host a myriad of trail events to include bike races, trail runs, charity walks, marathons, canine events and environmental education activities as well as park special events.