County of Northampton

VDOT Virginia Department of Transportation
Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Project Counties of Accomack and Northampton

Public Hearing
Monday, March 13, 2023, 4-6 p.m. Eastern Shore Community College Workforce Development Center - Great Hall 29316 Lankford Highway, Melfa, VA 23410

 
Find out about the proposed Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Project which will convert a 46-mile portion of the former Bay Coast Railroad between Cape Charles and Hallwood, into a shared-use path in the counties of Accomack and Northampton. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will host this required public hearing, pursuant to §33.2-202. The purpose of the public hearing is to seek the public's input on the project and its advancement. VDOT representatives will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.

Review the project information at the public hearing or at VDOT's Accomac Residency Office located at 23096 Courthouse Avenue, Accomac, Virginia 23301, 757-787-5856, TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions.

Additional project information can be found at https://www.virginiadot.org/easternshoretrail

Give your written or oral comments at the hearing or submit them
by March 23, 2023 to Jerry Pauley, Program Manager, 7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434 or by email to [email protected]. Please reference "Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Project Public Comments" in the subject line.
You may also respond to an online survey at
https://metroquestsurvey.com/ar7g71.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT's Civil Rights Division at 757-956-3000 or TDD/TTY 711.

Northampton County, VA Resolution Supporting Rails to Trials 

"Canonie Atlantic Company filed a petition with the Surface Transportation Board to discontinue service and end its common carrier obligation to provide freight rail service over the approximately 49.1 miles of rail line in Accomack and Northampton Counties; and the Surface Transportation Board decided on October 31, 2019 to approve Canonie Atlantic Company's petition for abandonment of service. The Boards of Supervisors of Accomack and Northampton Counties believe that it is in the best economic, recreational, health and tourism interests of their citizens that the Canonie Atlantic Company's 49.1 miles of abandoned rail line be converted to a world-class rails-to-trails project. 

The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail Association with support from the Virginia Bicycling Federation has petitioned the Surface Transportation Board to approve a Certificate or Notice of Interim Trail Use to work with the Accomack-Northampton Transportation District Commission, Canonie Atlantic Company, and the Counties of Accomack and Northampton. It is in the best interest of Accomack and Northampton Counties to negotiate with the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail Association as a step in achieving the Counties' overarching goal of developing a world-class Eastern Shore Rail-to-Trail." 

Source: Northampton County, VA Resolution Supporting Rails to Trails

• Bikes and Hikes
  • Southern Tip Bike & Hike Trail
  • Public-Use Bike Repair Stations
  • Nature Trails
  • Healthy Walks
  • Rails to Trails

Video by VDOT Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Study Team

More information can be found at the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Study.